Hello! This is Dr. Stahr. I recently found an old book of before and after pictures of Accutane (aka isotretinoin) patients. I wanted to share them with you all. People need to know this drug exists, so I am going to be posting some before and after photos over the next few weeks. Even though Accutane has been around for years, it is common for me to see patients with severe scarring acne who had no idea their problem could likely be solved with an approximately 6 months course of this medication. In many teenagers, this six month course is all they will ever need for the rest of their lives.
The above photo is from a publication created by the drug company Roche. Since isotretinoin is now available generically and at relatively low cost, publications like these are not being produced as frequently by drug companies and the photos look kind of old. (We see results like this commonly with our own patients. Most teenagers just don’t want their acne pictures on the internet and we don’t want to ask them for permission to post.)
If you have a teenager or are struggling with acne or you are suffering from it yourself, these problems really might be optional and it could be time to opt out. Remember, there is no one more qualified to treat skin disease than a dermatology residency trained, board certified, M.D. dermatologist. Dr. Hockley and I would feel privileged to be able to help you with whatever course of action is appropriate for your particular skin issue and, if appropriate, use a course of Accutane.
