piercings and accutane

Piercings and Accutane: What You Need to Know Before Booking

At Essential Ink Body Art, your health and safety always come first. Whether it’s choosing high-quality jewelry, using sterile tools, or giving you aftercare advice based on science—not trends—we’re here to help you heal beautifully and safely.

One question that comes up more than you’d think is:

“Can I get pierced while I’m on Accutane?”

Short answer: Not right now.Let us explain why.

💊 What Is Accutane (Isotretinoin)?

Accutane (also known as isotretinoin) is a powerful prescription medication most commonly used to treat severe acne. It’s highly effective—but it also comes with some serious side effects, including how your skin and body heal from injuries.

If you're on Accutane or a similar medication, your skin is:

  • Thinner

  • More fragile

  • Slower to heal

  • More prone to scarring and infection

That means any trauma to the skin—like a piercing—carries a higher risk of complications.

🚫 Why We Won’t Pierce You on Accutane

While it may seem like “just a little hole,” a piercing is technically a wound. And when you’re on Accutane, your body’s ability to handle that wound is compromised.

Here’s what can go wrong if you get pierced while on Accutane:

  • 🛑 Poor or delayed healing

  • ⚠️ Increased risk of infection

  • 🚫 Severe scarring or keloids

  • ❗ Tissue damage that doesn’t resolve easily

None of that sounds fun—and it’s the exact opposite of what we want for you. Even a piercing that looks fine in the beginning can go south weeks or months later if your body can’t keep up with the healing process.

⏳ So, When Can You Get Pierced?

Most professionals—including dermatologists and reputable piercers—recommend waiting at least 6 months after you’ve finished your course of Accutane before getting any body mods, including tattoos or piercings.

That gives your body enough time to:

  • Regain normal skin thickness

  • Restore healthy oil production and elasticity

  • Resume typical wound healing function

Everyone is different, so it’s always a good idea to check with your prescribing doctor before booking a piercing appointment.

❤️ We’re in This for the Long Game

At Essential Ink, we’re not here to rush you into a piercing that might leave you with complications. We want your piercing to heal well, look great, and last a long time—and that means working with your body, not against it.

If you’re on Accutane or planning to start it soon, let us know. We’ll be happy to:

  • Talk through your options

  • Answer questions about timing

  • Help you plan your piercing for when your body is ready

📣 Final Thoughts

Your skin’s health is just as important as your style. While it can be disappointing to wait, trust us—a well-timed piercing is always worth it. Let your body heal, finish your medication, and then come see us when the time is right.

We’ll be ready for you. — The Essential Ink Body Art Team

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