Coleman E. Altman, DO, FAAD

So, I started my 40mg Accutane, 1/day on 6/13 and I just finished my first week. I am currently experiencing the chap/dry lips and it seems like nothing helps put I'm hanging in there. I am beginning to break out on both sides of my cheeks more than usually. I will keep a monthly post to track my prpgression. Here are some pictures the day before I started Accutane.

Updated on 1 Jul 2017:
It's day 19 of my accutane journey and I am still having some breakouts. These are not the cystic breakouts like the ones prior to starting; their not painful. My skin is softer and the dark marks are starting to fade. My next appointment is in 10 days and can't wait to hear my doctors input.

Updated on 13 Jul 2017:
Well today starts my second month of being on accutane. I was super excited this morning at my appointment that i started snapping it up as you see below. My physician increased my dosage to 80 mg/ day where she reassured me that i shold start seeing some results and of course even drier lips and skins. As of today, I have one pimple with some pain but atleast its not more. I have taken my 80 mg and man am I drowsy. The physician gave me the option to take both the 40 mg at once or one in the AM and the other at night so I may split it up. I am looking forward to seeing results by the end of the month and will probably be posting a little more than usual. Until next time.

Updated on 13 Jul 2017:


Updated on 19 Jul 2017:
Today makes 36 days of my accutane journey and  Day 6 of the 80mg. I can honestly say I am seeing results. My skin is soft but dry and peeling. I don't have any incoming pimples. I started using a skincare regimen to fade my dark spots and to help with minor pimples. I will post my regimen once I start seeing results.

Updated on 1 Aug 2017:
My face is starting to clear up day by day and has become smoother over time. I have had a few pimples but that may have been due to my menstrual. My lips are dryer than before (on the 40mg) an gives off this pink/raw color. I also get dry patches on my arms, hands and legs. I have developed brown rashes on my left forearm which creeps me out a little. I tried peeling one but afterwards, it was painful when washing. I try to moisturize throughout the day but nothing really helps the dryness. I will be asking my doctor about the rashes on my arm. I am still using my skin regimen to fade the dark spots. I will be posting it soon. I am overall pleased with the results thus far.

Updated on 19 Sep 2017:
I regressed a little during my 3rd month due to a breakup where I started drinking alcohol which slowed down the process so I didnt take too many pictures. Iam currently on my 4th month and I could not see any differences by looking in the mirror but looking back at the pictures, I see a HUGE difference. Iam still working on fading the dark spots. I still have some break outs from time to time but i need to learn to leave them alone rather than popping them. My lips are horrible and everyone thinks my lips are raw or Im wearing peach lipstick...however I do wear this nude/brown lipstick just so my lips can somewhat blend with my skin color. Ohyea, my dad's insurance recently dropped me from his plan because of my 26th bday so now I pay $325.00 rather than $10.00...I was super hurt...but luckily I have 2 more months left which I think it's well worth it...glad I took tjis route despite my lips and the price

Updated on 27 Sep 2017:
Just posting. Still in my 4th month. I haven't had any breakouts in a week which is very rare so I think this month is my power month. Still trying to fade the dark spots and improve the discoloration. My skin is smooth and pimple free. Lips are still dry and orange/pink looking. I was looking into getting a microdermabrasion facial but they strongly discouraged it with me taking accutane. They explained as in to why but I feel that I should be fine. Anywho I will be getting it as soon as im finished 2 months.

Updated on 18 Oct 2017:
Just went into my 5th month on Monday and I am damn pleased. The dry and pink lips are well worth the results. I am still taking 80 mg a day which seems like the highest dose since reading other people reviews. My physician did inform me that my regimen may be over doing it so I have just been using the cervae moisturizer. I did get some awesome news, my pills went down to $24 rather than the 300 when i had to meet my deductible. Anywho, i wear less makeup now and it feels great. Just working on the skin discoloration now which my physician informed me will get better and suggested I use some fade cream. Excuse my hair in the pictures. Bad hair day

Updated on 16 Nov 2017:
I have entered my 6month...my final month!!!! But I was considering inquiring about a 7th month because I have small pimples here and there but they don't  leave any spots. I think i am more excitied to have a drink after 6 months than finally being finished...lol. Nevertheless, i am still working on the discoloration and I am overall pleased. I am still taking the 80mg a day and experiencing the joint pain, dry lips/skin, darker skin tone and pink lips. My physician did inform me that once I complete my last month, my color will return in my face and lips. I started using ambi shea butter soap and ambi cream at night. I will probably get some organic black soap tomorrow to see how that does.
 It has been a looonnnng... 6 months and I didnt think i was going to make it or see results as such. I am very very pleased and would recommend this to anyone struggling with severe acne. And I only paid $15 today!

Updated on 21 Nov 2017:
This is my 2nd week of my 6th month and I am having a few minor bumps. They're not the cystic bumps but the ones that come and go overnight. I did use the Indian healing clay mask lastnight and i seen results right away. I will be using the mask 3X a weeks to help the discoloration. I also started using ambi fading cream at night. Iam still pleased with my results and can't wait to get my color back.

Updated on 18 Jan 2018:
Its been a month since I finished my treatment of accutane. I havent had any breakouts, pimples or bumps so I am one satisfied gal!!! I am still working on the discoloration. My lips and skin are slowly but surely returning back to its normal color and I am loving the overall results. Best decision I made in a while. It was well worth the 6 months of sacrifices.

Updated on 26 Jan 2018:
Before accutane & After accutane

Updated on 24 Mar 2018:
I have been off of accutane for 3 months now and I am still a satisfied user. I wear less makeup on a daily basis and have gotten many compliments for how good my skin looks. I have not broken out whatsoever since i'll completed my 6months. I have started back getting my eyebrows waxed and tattoos. So far no complaints. I have been using indian healing clay face mask as posted. I used the mask 3 times a month.

Updated on 19 Apr 2018:
I have not had any cystic breakouts, just little white pimples that go away within a day. I go some days without make up and receive many compliments. I use indian healing clay mask monthly and moisturize with palmers coco butter oil and ambi cream. Overall, I am glad i chose accutane. For those that are getting started, it really works and words of encouragement, be patient if you dont see results right away...they will come.