Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
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Isotretinoin is a vitamin A derivative called a retinoid that is taken orally and is approved only for severe acne. It is thought...

Isotretinoin is a vitamin A derivative called a retinoid that is taken orally and is approved only for severe acne. It is thought to clear acne primarily through its ability to permanently reduce skin oil (sebum) production.

Isotretinoin is available in capsule form and is usually taken twice a day. Your physician will prescribe an initial dose, and this dose may increase or decrease depending on the response to treatment and side effects.

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January 29, 2009

Pros:

cleared my face (THANK GOD!!)

Cons:

VERY expensive, I have great insurance and I still paid $350! very dry face, with flaking, my skin started to flake around my piercings, gross! Dry lips, bloody nose, dry scalp, dryness in corner of lips.

The first 5 days I used it my acne started to clear, it was great, then the following 5 days my face started to break out, and actually ended up looking worse than it did before I started. I was almost ready to give up, but I stuck it out and after about a week to a week and a half of bad break outs I finally started to clear up. The most annoying part was that I couldn't wear make up because it looked so bad with my skin flaking. I think I applied chap stick at least every hour because my lips would absorb it so fast. If you can apply a lot of lotion, chap stick and moisturizer, and use a hydrating shampoo, (I had good luck with head an shoulders, and it smells good too!) then I would recommend this medication, you just have to have a lot of patience and tolerance for that matter.
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January 28, 2009

Pros:

Cleared my face, back, shoulders, and chest of acne.

Cons:

The problem is that it didn't last for long. It's been about a year since my last dose and my acne has already come back. Good thing is that my back and shoulders have stayed cleared.

If your insurance doesn't cover the cost, expect to pay a fortune. Looking back, i don't regret taking it i just wish that it had kept me clear for longer. One of the worst cons of the drug was the redness and long periods of healing time. While i was on accutane my face would turn into a tomato during stress, physical activity, or simply bending over to tie my shoes (however, that symptom has gone away). Also, whenever i break out, it takes at least two weeks for the scars to completely vanish. I hate it.
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January 22, 2009

Pros:

Cleared acne completely for two years. Was able to go make up free and was once complimented for having naturally gorgeous skin.

Cons:

Acne came back (although not as cystic/exception of a few breakouts) . Thinning hair, thinning skin (shins almost see through, vein under the eye), not being able to drink alcohol for 4 months while at uni, dry lips.

If you are considering Accutane think VERY carefully as it could leave you with more issues than you started with. I took it aged 21 for moderate/severe cystic acne and if I could go back in time I wouldn't do it again. Yes it completely cleared my skin for 2 years, but as a result I am left with fragile, thin skin which scars so easily. I am now ashamed of my once gorgeous dancers legs because they look like a road map of England. The skin has thinned so much on my shins that they are veiny. And now at 25 my hair is starting to thin and my acne is back with a vengance (cystic on my cheeks and jawline, VERY PAINFUL and TOTALLY CONFIDENCE CRUSHING). I also had Microdermabrasion and IPL to treat the acne, which if I had the money I would definitely do again. I am starting on Retin A Micro on Saturday as I am very interested in the supposed anti-aging benefits. If it clears me up then great. If not I will be saving for NLite. I don't hold out much hope though. Acne is pretty te
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January 11, 2009

Pros:

Cleared my skin up right away. It's a life saver.

Cons:

Expensive!

Best decision ever made.
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January 11, 2009

Pros:

Works well - cleared EVERYTHING for finally flawless skin! Side effects were not bad and went away when doseage was lowered and after my course.

Cons:

For me, it took 11 months on the first course to finally stop getting cysts. Results lasted about 6 months after ending, now the oil is back and I'm breaking out again. Breakouts are higher in quantity than before, but less in severity (no cysts).

I'm starting a second course without reservation. I'd be willing to do a third course if needed. Prior to Tane, after being on years and years of RX topicals, oral antibiotics, oral contraceptives, etc., nothing else cleared my skin. It's the only thing that worked and was a huge confidence booster to not feel embarrased by my bad skin all of the time.
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January 8, 2009

Pros:

Very gradullay gets better, But so slowly

Cons:

Dry lips, Dry Skin, Lack of oil in my skin leaving me looking dull and old. Depression and mood swings. Not being able to enjoy summer.

I am 4 months into my treatment and have only just started to see results and there not that impressive. I am very fearful that my skin will stay dull and old looking. I think id rather have pimples than look older than my years.
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January 4, 2009

Pros:

I have used it for 2 months now and I have seen a n improvement in everything on my face besides my chin which was the worst of my acne going into accutane.

Cons:

my chin is still getting inflammation and my body is also getting the same amount of inflammation that it used to.

the side effects have been dry lips, dry eyes, dry hair, dry face, and I even got excema on my arms.

Im sure that I havnt seen the full results from accutane yet but I have improved in areas where I used to have acne like my jaw line, nose, and forehead so it definetly has helped, and my doctor just raised my dose from 40mg a day to 40mg one day and then 80mg the next so I just switch off everyday. I have had a lot of side effects but it could also be attributed to the cold winters in Canada that dont really help dry skin. But all of the side effects that I listed Ive been able to control.
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January 4, 2009

Pros:

-No pro's so far....ive been on it for almost 2 months and i notice NOTHING!

Cons:

-No improvement
-Dry lips and skin

I fear ill never get clear
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December 19, 2008

Pros:

It got rid of my acne
Less oily skin

Cons:

Dry, chapped lips. Extremely dry, flakey skin. Dry skin on arms that would bleed. Blood work is needed every month (can never find my veins).

It works. However, a year after treatments stopped, acne started to come back. It wasn't severe like it was before, but it was annoying to have went through all of the dry skin pain to start breaking out again. I don't know how expensive it was since I was still living with my parents and they paid for it.
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December 19, 2008

Pros:

It worked amazingly for about a year 1/2 (smaller pores, no breakouts)

Cons:

EXTREMELY dry skin, chapped lips, monthly blood tests, very irritable, very sensitive skin and can't really go in the sun

this product worked wonders for me for about a year 1/2 and now im breaking out every other day again. They tell you it most likely will clear your acne for the rest of your life, but from what I have heard, it really only seems to clear up your acne for a little while and then you start breaking out again with time. My acne wasn't terrible when I went on accutane, I was just getting large painful cysts, so for all the trouble that you have to go through to be on the medicine, it probably wasn't worth it in the end since my acne is coming back.
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Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.
Find a Doctor Using The American Acacemy of Dermatology Website

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.
Find a Doctor Using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Website