Dr. Yayoko Ito
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Graduated from Hiroshima University School of Medicine. After working in the Department of General Medicine, he studied under doctors at the forefront of cosmetic medicine. After acquiring knowledge and skills in aesthetics, he became the director of YAYOI CLINIC in 2023. Her specialties include Botox, hyaluronic acid injections, and customized sagging treatment. His motto is to provide natural and pain-free treatments with careful consultation.
Yayoi Clinic, a cosmetic dermatology practice in Hiroshima, explains isotretinoin. Many people struggle with recurring acne that just won’t go away. If your condition isn’t improving even after receiving treatment at a dermatology clinic, isotretinoin therapy may be an effective option. In this article, we’ve compiled basic information on how oral isotretinoin works to treat stubborn acne, including its mechanism of action and potential side effects to watch out for. If you’re struggling with persistent acne, we encourage you to read on.
What Is Isotretinoin? What You Should Know About the Effects and Characteristics of This Acne Treatment Before Starting It in Hiroshima
Isotretinoin is a type of vitamin A derivative and an oral medication that has been used in the United States since 1982 to treat acne. Since it is considered effective for treating severe acne, many people in Hiroshima may be interested in receiving treatment with it. First, let’s review the characteristics of this treatment, including the mechanism by which isotretinoin works on acne.
■Mechanism of Action of Isotretinoin
Refractory acne, for which treatment with isotretinoin is considered effective, is believed to be caused by enlarged sebaceous glands and clogged pores. Excessive sebum secretion clogs the pores, allowing the acne-causing bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) to proliferate inside them. Therefore, to treat severe acne, it is necessary to suppress excessive sebum secretion and clear the clogged pores.
Isotretinoin can shrink the sebaceous glands and suppress excessive sebum production.It is.By suppressing excess sebum production and preventing pores from becoming clogged, it also helps prevent the bacteria that cause acne from colonizing and multiplying. Furthermore, thanks to the anti-inflammatory effects of isotretinoin, it can help alleviate inflammation, such as the redness associated with acne.
■ Differences from Conventional Acne Treatments
Conventional acne treatments typically involve the prescription of oral medications—such as antibiotics and traditional Chinese medicines—covered by insurance, as well as topical medications like antibacterial agents and comedolytic treatments that clear clogged pores.
On the other hand,...Isotretinoin is a medication that must be paid for out of pocket.Although isotretinoin has long been used as an acne treatment in Europe and the United States,Since it has not yet been approved by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in Japan, it is not covered by insurance.Therefore, if you do not see any improvement after undergoing acne treatment covered by insurance, you may want to consider treatment with isotretinoin.
A Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic in Hiroshima Explains the Process and Precautions for Isotretinoin Treatment
Before undergoing isotretinoin treatment in Hiroshima, be sure to review the specific treatment process and precautions.
■Steps from the Initial Visit to the Start of Treatment
Acne treatment with oral isotretinoin can sometimes cause serious side effects.Therefore...a diagnosis by a doctor and blood tests are essentialYou must take this medication only after a doctor has determined whether it is appropriate for you.In recent years, it has become possible to purchase isotretinoin online or through personal import, but users are solely responsible for any side effects that may occur, and the high risks involved have been pointed out.Therefore, be sure to consult a healthcare provider for an examination and guidance before starting treatment.
The steps from your initial visit to the start of treatment at a dermatology clinic or other medical facility are as follows:
- Initial Consultation and Counseling… The doctor will examine your skin and perform a blood test.
- Follow-up appointment and prescription of oral medication in one week… If the results are normal, isotretinoin will be prescribed and treatment will begin.
- Follow-up visits every month after starting the medication… The doctor will examine you every month after you start taking the medication to monitor your symptoms and side effects and determine whether to continue treatment.
■Typical Treatment Duration and Course
Since isotretinoin gradually begins to affect the sebaceous glands after you start taking it,It takes about 16 weeks to notice an improvement in acne.It will take that amount of time.Acne may temporarily worsen for 1 to 2 weeks after starting treatment, but some people may begin to notice results as early as one month after starting the medication.Although the time it takes to see results varies from person to person, if you keep taking it consistently, you’ll likely start to notice the effects in about four months.
■Precautions for Acne Treatment with Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is...are more likely to cause side effects than oral medications prescribed under insurance coverageIt is said that dryness of the skin, lips, and eyes are relatively common side effects; however, since serious symptoms have been reported in rare cases, please keep in mind that the following side effects may occur.
- Miscarriage and fetal abnormalities
- Serious mental illnesses such as depression, psychosis, self-harm, and suicide attempts
- Anaphylaxis
- Impaired liver function
- Rising Cholesterol Levels
- Dizziness and Nausea
One of the serious side effects of isotretinoin is the risk of miscarriage or fetal malformationsTherefore, women should not take this medication if they are pregnant or may be pregnant. Men are also advised to use contraception while taking this medication and for a certain period afterward; if you are planning to conceive, you should consult your doctor in advance.
Also...It has also been pointed out that these factors carry a risk of causing serious mental illnesses, such as depression, psychosis, self-harm, and even suicide attempts.It is reported that, while some recent studies have ruled out a causal relationship between isotretinoin and mental disorders, its use is not recommended for individuals currently being treated for depression or other mental disorders.
[Isotretinoin Treatment] Features of Yayoi Clinic, a Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic in Hiroshima
If you’re looking to receive acne treatment with isotretinoin in Hiroshima, please entrust your care to Yayoi Clinic, a cosmetic dermatology practice. Below, we’ll introduce the isotretinoin treatment offered at Yayoi Clinic, which is staffed by dermatologists with over 20 years of experience.
■We have experienced dermatologists on staff
At Yayoi Clinic, a cosmetic dermatology clinic in Hiroshima,An experienced dermatologist, who has worked at major hospitals and other institutions, is in charge of acne treatment with isotretinoin.A physician who is a member of the Japanese Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and has been honing his skills for over 20 years draws on his extensive knowledge and experience to recommend the most appropriate treatment tailored to each patient’s individual acne condition.
■Introduction of the “VISIA” Skin Analysis System
To provide a more detailed assessment of skin condition, Yayoi Clinic has introduced the “VISIA®” skin analysis system.VISIA® is a skin analysis device that can analyze not only your current skin condition but also future trends in skin changes.By analyzing the levels of “porphyrin”—a metabolite produced by Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne—we can determine a person’s susceptibility to acne. Quantifying skin condition allows us to recommend more effective treatments.
■Personalized Treatment Tailored to Each Individual
At Yayoi Clinic, a cosmetic dermatology clinic in Hiroshima,We also offer “customized treatments” tailored to the condition of your acne and acne scars.We offer customized treatment plans—a flat-rate program that allows us to combine equipment and medications, ranging from isotretinoin to medical-grade skincare products and laser treatments, based on the condition of your acne and your treatment progress. If you’re concerned that your acne isn’t improving with insurance-covered treatments, please feel free to consult with us.
■ Conclusion.
If you’re struggling with severe acne that’s difficult to manage on your own, consider oral isotretinoin, one of the most effective treatments for acne. If taken correctly over a long period of about four months, it can help improve even stubborn acne. However, it’s important to remember that isotretinoin can have serious side effects. Be sure to consult a doctor at a specialized medical facility to ensure your treatment proceeds safely.
Aesthetic Dermatology, Aesthetic Medicine, Aesthetic Surgery, Art Make-up Yayoi Clinic (YAYOI CLINIC) in Hiroshima introduces treatments for different problems of the skin, body, and face.
In order to offer a better option for everyone, we will assess each person's skin condition and formulate a treatment plan that meets their needs in terms of treatment duration, budget, and acceptable downtime.
If you have any concerns, please come for a counseling session first.
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[Treatment Details] Isotretinoin
[Recommended Frequency of Treatments] Follow-up visits once a month. *The frequency may vary depending on individual symptoms.
[Cost] ¥19,800–¥29,800 *Prices vary depending on the number of sessions and other factors.
[Side Effects and Risks] Risk of miscarriage or birth defects in pregnant women; dry skin and mucous membranes; depression; psychosis; self-harm; headaches; rash; mild itching; desquamation; blepharitis; conjunctivitis, muscle pain, joint pain, rhabdomyolysis, impaired liver function, hair loss, dizziness, and nausea. With the exception of dry skin and mucous membranes, these are rare side effects.
Equipment used.
Isotretinoin treatment involves the use of a domestically unapproved drug or medical device.
The medicines and medical devices used for treatment were imported by private individuals based on the judgment of the doctors at our clinic. Please refer to the following for information on medicines and other items of concern for personal importation.
https://www.yakubutsu.mhlw.go.jp/individualimport/purchase/index.html
There are no other domestically approved drugs with the same ingredients or performance.
Information on safety, etc. in other countries
-Approved by the U.S. and FDA.
About the Adverse Reactions Relief System for Drugs
In the unlikely event of serious side effects, the drug is not covered by the government's Adverse Drug Reactions Relief System.
