TikTok Is Fixated on the ‘Accutane Nose,’ So I Asked a Dermatologist If It’s Real or Not

First there was Ozempic face, then Cortisol face. Now, TikTok is fixated on Accutane Nose, an apparent slimming of the nose while taking the acne medication Accutane. In my early 20s, I relied on Accutane to clear up my cystic acne, but slimming down my nose? Yeah, I don’t remember that side effect in the handbook. But does Accutane Nose actually exist? I chatted with a dermatologist to share the 411 about Accutane and what it can *really* do to your skin. 

Dr. Ellen Marmur is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MMSkincare. Dr. Marmur is a dermatologic surgeon with her own private practice, Marmur Medical, and is an expert in skin cancer diagnosis and surgery. A skin cancer survivor herself, she has created her own foundation, Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!, which has received two humanitarian awards and the President’s Award.

The internet is buzzing with people showing a difference in their nose size after using Accutane. Many believe the prescribed medication can slim down your nose in a subtle way without having to make a trip to a plastic surgeon. As one commenter writes, “Accutane nose job is currently actively happening to me and it’s the best side effect.” 

How Does Accutane Work?

Accutane is an oral medication that you have to take twice a day. The main benefit of Accutane is treating severe acne, scarring and rosacea. Other benefits also include minimizing oil production, shrinking pores and reducing swelling. As Dr. Marmur explains, “Accutane significantly reduces the size and activity of sebaceous glands in the skin, leading to less oil production. This is one reason it’s effective at treating acne. The medication can also lead to a reduction in the size of pores on the face, including those on the nose. This might create the illusion of a smaller nose or clearer skin, but it doesn’t actually shrink the bone or cartilage of the nose.”

Accutane can have loads of side effects. When I was starting Accutane, it was a requirement to read through all the possible side effects and take a quiz (yes, a quiz) through the iPledge program to make sure you knew exactly what you were signing up for. In some extreme cases, Accutane can lead to liver damage, excessive dryness and mental health issues, per the American Academy of Dermatology.  

It’s important to note that Accutane must be prescribed *and* supervised by a board-certified dermatologist. It’s not a medication you can take lightly. I remember doing monthly blood work in order for my dermatologist to ensure that everything was OK. Thankfully, I didn’t deal with any severe side effects, but some can include dryness, headaches and thinning hair. Dr. Marmur says if you do experience any unusual changes to your skin or appearance consult with your dermatologist immediately.

How Much Does Accutane Cost?

According to Redditors, the medication’s cost can range from $10 to $200 per month depending on your health insurance. You’ll also have to account for monthly or bi-weekly dermatologist visits to observe how your skin is doing and determine if you should continue with the treatment. I was on Accutane for about a year and a half, mixed with constant derm visits and blood work appointments.