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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October 22, 2009

Pros:

It works amazingly! My skin is 99% clear after a little over 3 months!

Cons:

dry lips, ocassional nosebleed

This stuff works. The benefits definately outweigh the cons. Why wouldn't you want to put up with a bit of dry lips so that you could have awesome skin and increased self esteem as a result! I am so happy with the results and i'm not even finished yet, so my face will keep on getting better :) Every couple of days i get compliments from people and it just feels so good. This medication gets talked about in such a negative way when the side effects are certainly manageable and the end outcome is so worth it!
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October 22, 2009

Pros:

AMAZING! My face, neck, chest and back had acne all over and i was put on 40mg once a day and it worked like a miracle : ) i've been off it for over a year and its returned. Im back to taking it again though. hopefully it works my 3rd time!!

Cons:

Severe Dryness (especially Lips****), Mood Swings

It works! Pricey but its affordable.
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October 21, 2009

Pros:

Totally works! Completely cleared my skin!

Cons:

Severely dry lips, dry skin, nosebleeds, drowsiness, blurred vision, minor aches

This stuff really works, but don't expect fast results. Be patient! I almost gave up on it because I didn't really see results until just now (4th month). The side effects seem severe, but it's mostly in the beginning. Also depends on your dosage, though. I'm on 80 mg. (two pills per day). They'll start you off at 40mg, and you can increase if you can handle the effects. You adjust over time. My only problem at this point is the dry lips. It's kind of a pain to get the stuff. You have to take a monthly pregnancy test and short online quiz to even be able to get the medication. Overall, not a super-easy process to go through, but worth it in the end.
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October 19, 2009

Pros:

Clears acne, less oily skin = happiness and increased confidence!

Cons:

Dry lips, fragile skin

I have had bad skin since I was about 13yrs old (I am now 30) &my skin would go through periods of clearing up a bit but then breaking out majorly. The last year in particular was bad for me and I had spots all over my face, especially on my jawline. Now I have tried EVERYTHING-all the usual over the counter washes &gels,antibiotic pills,antibiotic topical solutions,light box, laser-I must have spent a fortune on treatments over the years (the laser treatment alone was £250+) and not 1 thing really worked. I have been on accutane now for 3mths and my skins totally clear-not 1 spot and even better not oily at all. It has had down sides but nothing major.My lips are always dry &I have to slap on lip balm every few hours.Also, it isn't an instant cure. When I first went on antibiotics,after taking the first few pills I noticed a positive effect on my skin but with accuatcne its taken 4wks+ before I really saw that it was working. Also skin is v fragile and takes ages
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October 14, 2009

Pros:

Takes away oily skin
Takes away acne
Confidence

Cons:

Dry skin and lips
Blood tests
Staying out of the sun

I've been taking this for about four months. I went to the doctor the other day and he said i might need to be on it for about another 2-3 months. Its already made a great difference. My brother was on it too. He has finished his treatment and his skin looks amazing. I can't wait untill i can stop taking them tho'. But its sooo worth it. My face wasnt that bad but my back was pretty severe. The end result is well worth the side effects. I recommend accutane for anyone who has tried many things but just have not worked.
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October 12, 2009

Pros:

clear skin and confidence

Cons:

dry skin and mood swings

well worth use and gives you the confidence you need take it but be prepared for side affects. well worth it tho
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October 12, 2009

Pros:

in around three months i was completely clear this is almost a year later and my skin is still smooth accept for the occasional pimple. This stuff works

Cons:

it dries your skin out and lips but its bearable to have nice skin just moisturize every day and carry around some lip balm and you'll be fine

this stuff works if you have bad acne and want it gone accutane is the way to go trust me its a wonder a drug
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October 10, 2009

Pros:

Clear skin.

Cons:

All the cons seemed to be temporary. Dry skin and lips. Eczema on arms. Diet change is necessary (caused high cholesterol ONLY while I was on the medication).

I was on Accutane for 8 months and my skin is the clearest it's been in years. I have mild scarring from my acne but it seems to be fading. My skin didn't start to clear up until the 5th month, so be patient. It will work eventually. Also, watch your diet. My cholesterol got high enough for them to put me on Lipitor. After I got off the medication though, my cholesterol went back to normal. It can be a little stressful but the results are worth it.
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September 30, 2009

Pros:

completely clears moderate acne

Cons:

long term skin dryness (not just while on the drug!) and premature ageing of the skin

If you feel you've exhausted all options and nothing is working this drug is the answer. The serious downside is that you won't know what the side effects will be...I had minor skin dryness/lips/excema whilst on accutane for 6 months. For the following year my skin was perfect. Then it began to get progressively dry. I am now at the point of using lip balm every few hours and using the heaviest available moisturizer on face and body. I also have developed wrinkles on my face and hands due to the dryness and fragility of my skin due to accutane, as well as excema. For some people accutane is the only option. But please ensure that it is only the LAST option. It is not a 'miracle drug'. There are serious side effects. I would not take this drug again in retrospect. For MOST people there are other options. I would strongly recommend you take them first. Permanently dry/wrinkles/red/itching skin may be with me for the rest of my life thanks to this drug.
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September 25, 2009

Pros:

I've been on acutane twice now and both times it started working within the first month. For some ppl I heard it makes them break out first, but that didn't happen for me luckily. Soon enough I was having literraly no more breakouts.

Cons:

Really cracked and dry lips and it seems to have permanantly left my lips somewhat dry even after I'm off of it. Also, it's been 3 months now and I'm starting to break out again :( but not nearly as bad as before I went on the medication.

It is probably the strongest and best medication for you and works really well, but I think you may break out again if you aren't on it long enough, like myself. Basically, you'll be replacing your tons of foundation and cover up with chapstick haha, but it's worth it. Just make sure you get the correct amount of time on it otherwise your acne may slowly come back. Oh and depending on your insurance, it could be expensive. The first time I went on it it cost $20 a month and after changing my health insurance, the second time it cost me $180 a month!
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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