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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December 25, 2006

Pros:

Clears acne!!!!!!

Cons:

Dries lips,nose,and face.

This acne drug is the best! Proactive doesn't even compare to accutane. About the side effects, they aren't that bad. Think of it this way, would you rather have cystic, nodular acne or dry lips that will go away with chap stick!!!
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December 23, 2006
I started taking acutane two weeks ago and i was wondering what dosage only took 2 months for skin to clear completley. I am on 40 mg a day and my dermatologist said my course would be 6 to 7 months, unlike the reported 2 month clearings.
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November 24, 2006

Pros:

clearest skin ever.

Cons:

dry dry dry and initial breakouts before clearness

I've been on this for seven months now, and I've never been happier with my skin!! It's incredible. It dries EVERYTHING out, and its kind of gross. but I would rather have my classmates call me a green anole than a pizza face. try it out and wait it out.
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November 14, 2006

Pros:

Skin goes very smooth and acne fades. I would say it works. I can see a huge improvement at 2 1/2 months.

Cons:

dry peeling skin, dry lips, sore joints and muscles - sometimes, very sensitive skin - only on face. I got really sore and puffy skin on my face when I started to take 3 20mg pills a day.Sensitive to sun when on it.

My acne only started to break out when I was 18 and it was only on my cheeks. I have been on Isotnane for about 2 1/2 months - first two months I was on 1 20mg pill a day and then at the 2 month mark my derm told me to go on 3 20mg a day - I did and my skin went really puffy and sore - so now only on 2 20mg a day. My derm said that I have to go on 3 20mg pills a days if I want my acne to go away forever. Can someone tell me if this is true and if two 20mg pills a day is enough to get rid of it forever??
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November 9, 2006

Pros:

After 5 months I was all clear, this product does the trick. It's simple, just follow a good regime and take x ammount of pills per day. Nothing difficult about this.

Cons:

I am very suseptable to side-effects, in the case of any medications. Needless to say I had a little problem with the known side-effects of this product. Weak joints, minor hair loss, and very dry skin were the extent of it.

This product is worth the money. In the long run the side-effects faded and I eventually got back to my good old self; minus the acne. Some people say the acne returns after the treatment, and I will agree with them...but only if you don't keep up with a regime. Face it, some of us are prone to acne and we have to watch it. Accutane can clear your body of acne, but it's up to you to keep it clear. I use a mild acne cleanser and follow up with a moisturiser twice a day, I may have to do this for the rest of my life...but it's a small price to pay to have great looking skin.
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October 18, 2006

Pros:

Acne relief, higher self-esteem.

Cons:

Dry flakey skin, seriously chapped lips (during the first cycle, I would tear my lips by smiling... during the second cycle, no such problems even at a higher dose).

It's been nearly ten years since I finished my second and final cylce of Accutane. The first cycle is undoubtably the worst, I was taking 40mg/day, 20 in the morning and 20 at night. My lips were seriously chapped and would bleed nearly every time I smiled. Also, the skin on my face was very dry and often flakey. Near the end of the first cycle, my acne went away. I was completely free of acne for about 6 months. Then it returned, this time all over the lower half of my face (previously it was only on my forehead). So back to the dermatologist I went. He put me on 60mg/day 40 in the morn and 20 at night (or it could have been the other way around, all I know is it was a gold pill and a purple one). The seocnd cycle went MUCH better than the first, even thought I was taking a higher doseage, I didn't have any issues with my lips being seriously chapped and my face wasn't nearly as dry as before. My acne cleared up and ten years later.. NO BREAKOUTS! Just an occasional pimple.
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October 17, 2006

Pros:

Going really well on isotane, best stuff ever!!!

Cons:

Little small scars digging in.

Get it.
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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