slide 1 to 4 of 5
Read All About Spironolactone
Compare To Other Treatments
5
51%
4
28%
3
10.1%
2
4.9%
1
6.1%

Used Spironolactone? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
November 15, 2011

Pros:

Clear skin
Less Oil
Inexpensive

Cons:

Initial breakout

For the first time since I was 12 my skin is finally clear!! I have tried everything out there except Accutane and I mean everything. I didn't have cystic acne so doctors were reluctant to give me Accutane but I begged for it many times. Acne has ruled my life for so long and I am finallly, at 35, clear. This was a miracle...I was really at a point where I was about to give up but decided to try once more with another doctor visit. My acne was apparently hormonal which makes perfect sense because the only other times in my life my skin was clear was during my 2 pregnancies. I have been on spiro for almost 5 months now and haven't had a pimple in about 3 months. I broke out during the first 3 weeks with some pretty big cystic acne, which I had never experienced, maybe a total of 5-7 different bumps that took a while to go away but it was totally worth it. If you've tried everything, I urge you to ask your doctor about this and give it a try. But be sure to give it some time and keep taking it through the first breakout! It's truly changed my life and I finally feel free!! I started on 50mg/day but after 2 weeks started on 100mg/day and that's where I am now.

Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.