Manhattan Accutane doctors

A: High dose Accutane (isotretinoin): Is it safe to double dose if having symptoms?

Dear Cachonda,

If the doctor prescribing your Accutane is not a board-certified dermatologist, I recommend you see a board-certified dermatologist who has experience with Accutane, in person, in the office, to have the conversation about whether it is appropriate for your doctor to double your dosage. Accutane is a complex medication with many side effect risks which is only appropriate to treat recalcitrant (hard to fix) acne. You are describing a "high liver", by which I assume you mean high liver enzyme blood levels, and joint and muscle pain. No internet question and answer by doctors who don't know every detail of your personal health history and your actual blood test results could answer this appropriately. Please find a second opinion in person. You are right to question this, but that doesn't mean it's a wrong choice if your situation warrants it and the medication is carefully managed by an experienced dermatologist.

A: Mole removal while on Accutaneai In my experience I have not seen any undesired responses to minor surgery - like a shave excision- while on Accutane or immediately following it's treatment. The literature does describe an incrEased risk with more significant or major procedures. Since you express some anxiety , its your face,and no one can promise you that you won't have a reaction, it would probably be prudent to Wait for 6 months after finishing the Accutane .

A: Redness in the skin from Accutane

Redness of the skin in patients on Accutane can be due to several different causes.  Accutane can cause extreme dryness of the skin.  This dryness itself can lead to redness and irritation.  This can be treated using a combination of moisturizers, topcial steroids, and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines.  Another cause of redness is a "stain" left in the skin after pimples have gone away.

This postinflammatory pigmentation will fade with time.  If you developed scarring from your acne, this may also appear red.  The redness is scars generally fades, but there are some lasers to help improve the appearance of them.  Generally speaking, you should not have a laser procedure done until you are off Accutane for about 6 months, because the skin is very sensitive from the medicine.