Oral Retinoids

Retinoids come in the form of both topical and oral treatments. Well known retinoids include tretinoin, adapalene and, the oral form of isotretinoin is often recognised as the brand name of Roaccutane®.

Isotretinoin is a highly effective treatment for severe or persistent acne. The improvements can be long lasting or even permanent in those who complete a course of treatment. It is a powerful drug that changes the skin and your life forever.

At the London Cosmetic Clinic in Harley Street, our experienced dermatologists will evaluate your conditions and discuss with you in details regarding the treatment.

frequently asked questions

How does Isotretinoin work and why it is superior to other treatments available?

Isotretinoin is a vitamin-A derivatives which help with most of the causes of acne simultaneously. It reduces oil and sebum production by shrinking the oil producing glands, reduce and prevent clogged pores, reduces bacteria that cause acne and also has anti-inflammatory properties.

How long is the course of oral retinoids?

You will be advised to take the tablets until your skin condition clears and then for a further few months. Most courses last for four to six months depends on the dose you are taking and the response of to the treatment.

How long will I see the improvement after starting a course of oral retinoids?

In most cases, the improvement will be noticeable after two to four weeks. Minority of cases, acne becomes worse for a couple of weeks before improvement occurs. Although the progress seems slow at the beginning, once it improves, it will be progressively improved throughout the course of treatment.

Are there any side effects of oral retinoids?

As isotretinoin shrinks the oil producing glands, the most common side effects are dryness of some places of the skin. Most commonly is dry lips and skin in general. Other possible side effects are nosebleed due to dry nostril, dry, watery or irritable eye (especially in those who wear contact lenses). These side effects are dose dependent. The range and severity of the side effects also depend on personal factors and the conditions being treated.

There are other known side effects of oral retinoids most of which are easily controllable. Our experienced doctor who specialised in acne treatments will evaluate whether you are suitable for the treatment and advised on dose, monitoring and other possible side effects.

Am I suitable for topical, oral or surgical treatment for my acne and acne scarring?

Before any treatment for acne or acne scarring can commence, here at The London Cosmetic Clinic, we will request that you attend a no obligation consultation, skin analysis and medical history check, so that we can determine which treatments will be both suitable and safe for your individual skin concerns, lifestyle, and general health.

Before and after examples

Hi, my name is Jean-Claude. I’ve been coming to this clinic for nearly a year now and I must say I’m more, more, more than satisfied. I’ve been having Kiloid for nearly 5 or 6 years and I’ve been everywhere to cure it and I’ve never had someone to help me. Since I’ve come in here, I see a big, big improvement. And to be honest with you, it’s not the medication they’re doing me, but it’s the people here. They are so professional and they’re so nice. They’ve been talking to me, make me feel like I’m okay already. And they make me bring me a new feel of life because there was a point I wanted to kill myself. because of the killer eat and I lost hope and since I came here I mean everything changed my life changed I’m happy to leave and I don’t know it’s amazing thank you.

Jean Claude

Hi, my name is Raleigh and I’ve been a patient with the London cosmetic clinic for just coming up to here now It’s an amazing, you know place to come to if you need to have any treatment done It’s a lovely lovely place the customer service all they have fantastic You know constantly checking up on you if you’re not able to come into clinic when you come in and the CTU you know the aftercare you get is lovely I recommend this clinic to anyone that needs to get treatment done and trust me you’ll be treated very well.

Raleigh

Incredibly happy with my gummy smile fix. It was my first time getting a cosmetic procedure and the LCC made me feel incredibly comfortable. Thank-you to Dr Johnson who walked me through the procedure ( which was incredibly fast and pain free!) and a massive thank you to Rahena! Your customer service was exceptional and made me feel really assured and comfortable. Will definitely be recommending the LCC to everyone. Incredibly professional and well priced clinic. I can already see a difference in my smile!

Sahiba Majeed

I’m so pleased I found The London Cosmetic Clinic. Dr Johnson was incredibly informative and professional and I’ve seen a difference after only one treatment! Big thank you to Rahena too who was super helpful and helped put my fears to ease!

Zoe E

I came in to enquire about anti-wrinkle injections, I spoke to Rahena who gave me so much information.

Jubide

Dr. Salinda Johnson and her team are excellent and highly accomplished. She maintains the highest standards in aesthetic treatments and techniques, and consequently I trust her completely and know that she will always offer the best advice, and provide the most appropriate treatments. Her expertise is admirable. The team are friendly, efficient and helpful and always put patients at ease Practitioners of Aesthetic Dermatology In London abound , but The London Cosmetic Clinic has the expertise and patient care which puts it top of the list

Marlene Robinson