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

Here we go again

a photo of a woman checking her nose
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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. 

Meet the Expert

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.

What Is Accutane Nose?

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.”

What Are the Side Effects of Accutane?

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. 

So, Can Accutane *Really* Shrink Your Nose?

“‘Accutane nose’ is not a medical term, so the idea that Accutane shrinks the nose is more of a misunderstanding or a side effect of how the medication affects the skin and sebaceous (oil) glands,” says Dr. Marmur. “Accutane does not shrink the physical size of the nose or the bone structure itself. However, it can change the appearance of the skin around the nose, reducing inflammation or oiliness, which might lead some people to perceive their nose as smaller or more defined.”

The Bottom Line

Accutane may be a great option for clearing acne, but it does not give you a non-surgical nose job. (Trust me, as someone with a proud huge schnozzle, I would’ve noticed a dramatic difference in it.) As Dr. Marmur explains, the medication may shrink the oil glands and may seem like your nose has gotten smaller, but it actually just reduces some swelling and blurs some pores. If you do want to take Accutane, be aware of the side effects and don’t do it just for the sake of the apparent nose-slimming phenomenon. 



about face matte fluid eye paint review chelsea candelario

Beauty and Cultures Editor

  • Writes trend stories, product reviews and how-tos across beauty, cultures, fashion and entertainment
  • Over 5 years of experience as a Beauty Editor
  • Studied journalism with a minor in creative writing at SUNY New Paltz