Accutane


Accutane, also known as isotretinoin, is an oral medication used to treat moderate to severe acne. It decreases the size and output of the sebaceous glands which makes the body less able to form blackheads and whiteheads. It also reduces the amount of bacteria in the sebaceous glands as well as on the surface of the skin. Oral Accutane can have serious side effects including birth defects and depression. Because Accutane has such side effects, providers only prescribe a thirty-day supply and patients visit their provider every month.

Candidates for Accutane are patients older than twelve that have severe acne or acne that isn’t going away with other treatments. Those who are self-conscious about their skin or have painful cystic acne are excellent candidates for Accutane. Accutane cannot be taken by a patient that is pregnant or breastfeeding.

Accutane is covered by some insurance plans. Some insurance do not pay for Accutane and those patients pay about $200-$400 a month. Additionally, the doctor will charge for monthly visits but those visits may be covered by insurance.

A course of Accutane ranges from 3-6 months. It can permanently clear up acne and leave the skin clear and radiant. Side effects of Accutane include depression, mood changes and dryness of the skin, lips and eyes. These side effects will go away when the round of Accutane is finished. A small minority of patients can experience a relapse and a second round of Accutane will be given to completely clear the acne.

Halo Hybrid Fractional Laser

Halo Hybrid Fractional Laser

submitted on   Wed Jun, 15, 2016 by Aric Aghayan, MD     
Halo hybrid fractional laser is a skin laser that delivers ablative and non-ablative wavelengths of laser energy at the same time. Ablative lasers, like CO2 and Erbium, vaporize the outer skin layers to effectively resurface and rejuvenate the skin. Non-ablative technologies like Fraxel laser...