Can Accutane Really Change Your Nose Shape?
While debunking plastic surgery rumors, Kendall Jenner said her acne medication may be behind the changes to her nose. Preview asked a dermatologist to weigh in.
by Kyla Villena
Published on Mar 5, 2026
When you grow up with cameras following you around, you inevitably become subject to public scrutiny for just about anything you do—including the work you get done on your face.
In an episode of In Your Dreams With Owen Thiele, Kendall Jenner spoke about her beauty journey and the surgery allegations she often faces.
“There’s a whole world on the internet that thinks I’ve had full facial reconstruction,” she said. “I’m not here to convince anyone, but I’m here to tell you the truth—which is that I’ve never had any plastic surgery on my face.” She claims the only work she’s had done is two rounds of baby Botox on her forehead.
And while there would certainly be nothing wrong if she decided to undergo plastic surgery, the 30-year-old supermodel also addressed the nose job allegations thrown her way. She even agreed that, at times, she appears to have had her nose changed when compared to older photographs.
“I swear to God on everything—everything that I love—I’ve never had a nose job.” She explained, “As I got older, I grew into my nose. It did look wider and feel bigger on my face when I was younger.”
Kendall recalled taking Accutane for her acne and said she realized it might be the cause when she stumbled upon “a theory on TikTok that Accutane shrinks your nose.”
“I have no proof that it’s true, except for the fact that when I saw this theory, I was like, ‘Oh my God, my nose got smaller.’”
Owen, the host of the podcast, said he “[needs] to take Accutane” upon hearing this, to which Kendall briefly encouraged him.
With this, Preview sought professional guidance from Dr. Irene Gaile Robredo of DermHQ and BoutiqueMD to learn more about the medication—and why it isn’t something you should take or recommend casually.
What Is Isotretinoin?
Accutane is actually an innovator brand of isotretinoin, a vitamin A derivative. “It controls the activity of the oil glands, so while you're using it, oil production is dramatically reduced.”
As a result, isotretinoin “prevents the proliferation of acne-causing bacteria, which leads to inflammation.” It also prevents clogged pores and the formation of blackheads and whiteheads due to its ability to normalize keratinization, or the process of skin turnover.
Dr. Gaile noted, “It’s usually indicated for patients with moderate to severe acne—those with severe nodular cystic acne, those who are not responsive to topical medications with or without antibiotics, those with acne that causes scarring, and those who have acne on other parts of the body.”
Given that isotretinoin reduces oil production, it may also be beneficial for other conditions related to the activity of the oil glands. “It is a prescription drug only,” Dr. Gaile highlights.
Important Things to Note About Isotretinoin
Taking isotretinoin comes with dose-dependent side effects. This means that the higher the dose you’re taking, the more side effects you may experience.
According to the board-certified dermatologist, “99.9% of patients, makaka-experience sila ng dryness of the lips.” This is the “most common” side effect.
Others may experience dry eyes, which may require patients who wear contact lenses to hydrate their eyes more often. There are also cases of dry mucosa, which can lead to nosebleeds or a feeling that you need to cough. “Hindi sila masyadong common, but patients can experience them.” There have also been rare cases of joint pain, hair fall, headaches, and mood changes. Again, these are dose-dependent.
It’s important to remember that the medication is processed in the liver, which may cause some patients to experience elevated liver enzymes, total cholesterol, and the like. For patients with a medical history related to liver problems, “We normally ask for lab tests first to make sure that they are candidates for taking isotretinoin,” and they continue monitoring patients after prescribing the medication. With this, patients are advised “to consume alcohol and food high in cholesterol in moderation.”
Being a vitamin A derivative, “we also tell patients not to take additional vitamin A supplements” given the high vitamin A content of isotretinoin. The prescription drug must also not be taken with tetracycline antibiotics.
“In other countries, it's very, very much regulated,” Dr. Gaile shares. One of the primary reasons is its teratogenicity, or the dangers it carries if a patient becomes pregnant. For women of childbearing age, “if they get pregnant, there's about a 30% chance that there could be an abnormality in their unborn child.”
Doctors like Dr. Gaile usually have patients sign a waiver to ensure that they understand the possible complications.
So Can Isotretinoin Actually Change Your Nose Shape?
To set the record straight, isotretinoin will not change the structure of your nose.
“Hindi niya babaguhin 'yung bone or cartilage or 'yung shape ng nose niyo.” Rather, it has an effect on the tissues.
Dr. Gaile explains, “The T-zone—from the forehead, nose, up to the chin—has a high concentration of oil glands.” Since isotretinoin can shrink the oil glands, the skin on the nose may appear thinner. The pores may look smaller, and the size of the sebaceous glands may decrease.
“Sa mga pasyente na very oily or makapal 'yung skin, or may large visible pores, it can create the illusion of a more contoured or refined nose.”
Dr. Gaile has had patients who experienced this, but it doesn’t happen to everyone. Patients who don’t have very oily noses or large pores are unlikely to experience it. She clarified that the change is not drastic enough to lead to nose job allegations.
While a patient’s nose may appear enhanced while they’re taking isotretinoin, it returns to its original shape once the medication is stopped. “If someone claims that isotretinoin permanently changed 'yung shape ng nose nila, syempre hindi totoo 'yun. I can definitely say that it's not because of the isotretinoin.”
On TikTok, some users of Accutane have also shared the changes they’ve experienced—not only in the shape of their nose, but also in their lips.
When asked about this, Dr. Gaile simply said, “The lips don't have oil glands.” She added that it was her first time hearing this claim, underscoring the importance of hearing directly from professionals rather than believing everything you see online.
Supporting the Skin While Taking Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is not easily prescribed to patients, but if it is something you have been medically approved to take, here are a few tips from Dr. Gaile so you can give your skin the support it needs.
“Because isotretinoin can cause dryness, we recommend our patients use gentle products that are barrier-supporting.” Skincare products that are cica-based or infused with ceramides are ideal to incorporate into your routine. Moisturizers with free fatty acids can also be helpful. Other supportive ingredients to look for include panthenol and niacinamide.
Additionally, “we advise them to always bring lip balm or petroleum jelly,” given the high chances of experiencing dry lips. Gentle cleansers and sunscreens are also a must.
Exfoliating acids like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) should be “used with caution, especially those with high concentrations.” As for retinoids, patients with severe acne may be allowed to continue using them—but in a medically guided way so they can ease into it and use only the appropriate amount.
The sole purpose of this article is to inform readers, and not to encourage self-medication in any form. For skin concerns, seeking professional help is advised.
Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.