I have been a sufferer of cystic acne for years, probably since I was about 13-15. Middle school and high school were very difficult for me and an endless effort to cover and conceal the bumps and marks and spots all over my face. Cystic acne is traumatizing for a teen. It is impossible to conceal a huge lump on your face. Going in to my 20's, I was hopeful that this would go away with good maintenance...and I tried everything. Face washes, Proactive, antibiotics, topical, etc. Nothing would hold it at bay for any length of time. It was a source of depression and anxiety, and I would not be without makeup in front of ANYONE. It affected personal relationships and other aspects of life as well. Every area of my face was an issue. When the painful cysts started to evolve down my neck and to my chest, I knew I needed to try and do something more serious about it. I was ready for anything. Cue Accutane. I researched and knew the risks and knew that this is what I wanted to do. I went to speak to a dermatologist about my history and my struggles, and he put me on a course of isotretinoin for 6 months. After the first MONTH, I was no longer getting new pimples. The cysts were gone. I never had the "initial breakout" that others have spoken of, and for that I am thankful. My skin progressively got better and better. Complete disbelief does not even describe the feeling. I now have 2 days left of my 6 month program. My skin is completely clear. Not a pimple or spot to be found. The only side effects I had during the past months have been moderately dry lips (solved with EOS lip balm), and slight fatigue. It is amazing to be able to go out in public without a stitch of makeup on and not even think twice about it. To look in the mirror and not search your face for new pimples and new things to hate. To just see beautiful, clear skin. I wish I would have done this YEARS ago. I would and have recommended this medication to everyone suffering the same issues with acne that I have in the past. This is as close to a miracle medication as it gets for me. Be prepared to get your blood drawn every month, to complete (easy) multiple choice questions on Accutane and birth control every month, and to see your dermatologist every month. Side effects are different for everyone, but for me were very easily combatable. Not only did it help my skin, but my hair as well. I have always had fine hair that gets oily after a day. I can now go 2-3 days without washing my hair. And even then my scalp is not greasy or oily at all. This has made my hair much healthier! :) Updated on 1 Dec 2015: Updated to add pictures! Updated on 6 Dec 2015: A couple days after my last accutane pill, I got a very mild microdermabrasion. My skin is literally luminous. First time I've gotten compliments on my skin from a complete stranger after this! So awesome!
Radiesse gives the best volumization of the fillers. You can use others (Perlane, Juvederm, Restylane), but for more volumization and longer lasting results I typically recommend Radiesse for filling in the temples and lifting the brows.
Photodynamic Therapy (Levulan Kerastick followed by BLU-U therapy aka PDT) works great for treating Actinic Keratosis (pre-cancers). It fortunately is covered by most insurances if you are treating the face and or scalp. If treating other body areas, you may need a pre-approval for coverage from your insurance company. I believe our cash price is around $350 per treatment when using only one Levulan Kerastick.
A second course of Accutane(isotretinoin) is a very good option if you are developing cystic acne again. Your dermatologist will probably put you on an oral anti-acne pill (ie minocycline) prior to starting your second course. This is a good option for at least two months prior to starting Accutane.
Laser resurfacing (LR) does not permanently remove facial hair. Temporarily LR will singe / remove the external part of the hairs, but they will grow back. A simple way to look at the science is that LR lasers (CO2, Erbium, Yttrium) target H2O in the skin, not the pigment in the hair root that the hair removal lasers target. Additionally, most LR lasers do not penetrate deep enough to effect the hair root.
