Acne Medication May Refine Rhinoplasty Results for Thick Skin

Rhinoplasty is often viewed as a structural challenge, yet the quality of the overlying 'envelope'—the skin—plays a pivotal role in the final aesthetic. For patients with thick, sebaceous skin, achieving a refined nasal tip is notoriously difficult, as the heavy tissue creates a bulky appearance and prolongs postoperative oedema (swelling). A new systematic review suggests a surprising ally in overcoming this hurdle: isotretinoin, a potent medication traditionally prescribed for severe acne.

Analysing data from seven studies, including three randomised controlled trials and retrospective cohorts, researchers found that perioperative use of isotretinoin significantly improved outcomes. The drug functions by reducing sebaceous gland activity, effectively thinning the skin’s heavy oil-producing layer. This reduction allowed for sharper nasal tip definition and accelerated the resolution of postoperative swelling, leading to higher patient satisfaction rates.

Safety remains a priority, but the review reported a favourable profile. Adverse effects were largely mild, limited mostly to mucosal dryness and transient cheilitis (inflammation of the lips). While the causality in some studies requires further investigation, and optimal dosing protocols are yet to be standardised through large-scale trials, the findings offer a compelling strategy for surgeons. By managing the skin’s physiology alongside the cartilage’s structure, clinicians can potentially secure better, more refined results for these challenging cases.