If you don't feel like reading my backstory, the bottom line is: I am looking for reassurance from adult female patients that had cheek acne that it was worth it and worked.
I haven't liked my new dermatologist from the beginning but did not have the bandwidth to find a new one. This derm has been pushy with suggesting Accutane as my only option for months, and after 6 months of sub-par results on tret and Winlevi, I caved and said f-it, let’s get this over with.
I have felt undermined by this woman since I met her and felt frustrated that she never examined my face and has a quick, rehearsed delivery when making prescription suggestions. After years of suffering from teen and adult acne, and listening to positive experiences from my close friends and family, I decided I am going to take the plunge and have clear skin for once and for all.
As we went through the consultative appointment to get me ready to start treatment next month, the derm tells me that because my acne is hormonal, it is common for adult female clients like myself to see their skin problems return after treatment and that there is no cure for acne. She did not say it as a disclaimer or like “it’s uncommon but I just have to tell you just in case”—she said it point blank after telling me it’s the only thing I can do, to do it for near 9 months. And she said it like it was my fault that I “don’t want to take spironolactone or the birth control pill.” I would love to be able to take spironolactone, but I have low blood pressure and I was passing out too much from it!!
Anyway, this being said, I am still on track to start, but she left me with a pit in my stomach that it won’t work because she thinks it’s hormonal. For reference, my main problem area is my cheeks, not chin and jawline. Winlevi did not work for me, so I wonder if it’s even hormonal.
I am looking for reassurance from adult female patients that had cheek acne that it was worth it and worked. I’ve had acne for 7 years so I’m ready for Accutane regardless and really don’t want to kick the can down the road. If it’s going to work, I’m in—otherwise I would go to a doctor I like and who makes me feel comfortable.