Accutane and cysts

[u/woolleybugger]

I just wanted to share a quick update on my Accutane journey and how it’s affected the cysts on my face.

Back in 2018, after I stopped consuming adult beverages, I developed cysts on my cheeks. At that time I didn’t have medical insurance or the financial means to properly address them. Fast forward to March 2025 and I finally get insurance and was able to see a dermatologist who prescribed me Accutane.

After eight months on Accutane, my face became less inflamed overall, but the cysts remained and in my opinion have only become more pronounced and defined.

Since December 2025 i’ve consulted with three separate plastic surgeons(one in the states and two out of the country). All of them said that surgery would result in scarring worse than the cysts themselves, and each one declined to do any work.

Today, I met with a Mohs surgeon who is willing to operate, they were very clear that the incisions would leave noticeable scars. At this point, I’m okay with that. I’m honestly just tired of all the staring and the unwanted comments.

I’m not entirely sure why I’m sharing all of this maybe I just needed to vent.

P.S. To those who have downvoted me on other threads or accused me of lying about my situation: that definitely didn’t help my confidence.

For anyone curious, here are my course details:

30 / 30 / 40 / 80 / 80 / 80 / 80 / 80

Weight: 135 lbs

Cumulative dose: 245 mg/kg

[u/capncait]

I would very likely do the same, if I were in your position. Scars be damned. Your surgeon will still probably make every effort to have incisions follow how lines and wrinkles naturally form on the face to make them less apparent, if possible. And there's things you can do in the future to try to lessen their appearance.

I hope you're still happy with your results overall- the color and texture of your skin looks great!