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Accutane®

Accutane®

Accutane® Treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC

Accutane® (isotretinoin) is an FDA-approved oral retinoid medication used to treat severe, persistent, and cystic acne that has not responded to other treatments. It works by reducing the amount of oil released by sebaceous glands and helping the skin renew itself more quickly. This powerful prescription medication targets acne at its source—deep within the skin—offering long-term and often permanent results for qualified patients.

Accutane® in Mount Pleasant, SC, is typically prescribed as part of a comprehensive dermatologic care plan. Dosage and treatment duration are carefully tailored to each patient’s weight, acne severity, and response to previous therapies. Because of its potency and potential side effects, Accutane® requires close medical supervision and participation in the iPLEDGE® program to ensure patient safety.

Treatment with Accutane® usually lasts four to six months. Most patients begin seeing improvement within the first month, with full results developing by the end of the treatment cycle. Follow-up care is important to monitor for side effects and support skin recovery. At Sheperd Integrative Dermatology in Mount Pleasant, SC, we offer a specialized Accutane®/Isotretinoin clinic that provides dedicated, monitored care for eligible patients. Book your consultation today to explore whether the Accutane® treatment is right for you.

Accutane® is Commonly Used to Treat:

  • Nodulocystic acne
  • Acne that is resistant to topical treatments or antibiotics
  • Acne with severe inflammation or deep, painful cysts
  • Acne with significant risk of scarring
  • Recurrent, relapsing breakouts despite prior treatment
  • Acne that negatively impacts quality of life or mental health

Benefits of Accutane® (Isotretinoin) Treatment Include:

  • Long-term or permanent acne clearance
  • Effective treatment for severe and cystic acne
  • Reduction in oil production and clogged pores
  • Decreased risk of acne scarring
  • Improved self-confidence and quality of life
  • Clinically proven, FDA-approved therapy
  • Personalized dosing based on medical needs
  • Enhanced skin texture and clarity
  • Reduced need for future acne medications

Schedule Your Accutane® Consultation Today!

If you’re struggling with persistent or severe acne and want to explore whether Accutane® is right for you, contact Sheperd Integrative Dermatology in Mount Pleasant, SC, today. Our dedicated Accutane®/Isotretinoin clinic provides expert guidance and ongoing care to help you achieve clear, healthy skin safely and effectively.

FAQs

Accutane® is the brand name for isotretinoin, a vitamin A derivative used to treat severe and recalcitrant forms of acne. It is typically prescribed when other treatments such as topical retinoids or antibiotics have failed.

Accutane® decreases the size and activity of the oil glands in the skin, reducing sebum production and preventing clogged pores. It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, contributing to long-term acne clearance.

Candidates include individuals with severe cystic or nodular acne, acne unresponsive to other medications, or those at high risk of permanent scarring. A thorough evaluation by a medical provider is required, along with enrollment in the iPLEDGE® program.

Common side effects include dry skin, chapped lips, nosebleeds, and sensitivity to the sun. More serious but rare side effects may include mood changes, liver enzyme elevation, or birth defects if used during pregnancy. Routine blood tests and close monitoring help manage safety during treatment.

Most patients notice initial improvements within 4 to 6 weeks, with significant clearing by the end of a 16- to 20-week course. In many cases, results are long-lasting or even permanent.

Cost varies depending on insurance coverage, dosage, lab work, and duration of treatment. It’s best to consult with a healthcare provider to obtain a personalized cost estimate and coverage guidance.

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Bella

And the vibrations of serenity and beauty that you feel when you walk through our front door?  Bella is the inspiration for that!  Her calm, gentle nature sets the tone, helping us manage  unexpected events with ease and grace.  When Dr. Sheperd is in her studio, Bella is her steadfast companion, encouraging her creative vision which produces the stunning artwork displayed throughout our building.

Lulu

Lulu is the energy behind the warm welcome everyone receives at Sheperd Integrative Dermatology.  She models enthusiasm and curiosity to our entire team, which motivates us to engage fully with our amazing patients.  She reminds us to greet each new day with wonder, and shows us that excitement is waiting around every corner.  We just have to sniff it out!

Carter Hebel

MD

Board Certified Physician

A South Carolina native, Dr. Carter Hebel attended Clemson University and graduated summa cum laude with a bachelors in biomedical engineering. She then continued her education at the Medical University of South Carolina as a medical student and then Dermatology Resident. During her time at MUSC, she was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha, the national medical honor society, and was named Chief Resident of MUSC’s Dermatology Department

Dr. Hebel believes that diseases of the skin deserve the same thoughtful, diligent treatment as diseases in any other part of the body. She supports patients in feeling beautiful, confident, and healthy in their skin, recognizing that skin health is an essential aspect of total well-being.

Dr. Hebel treats a full range of skin conditions, including skin cancers, autoimmune diseases, acne, rosacea, hair loss, eczema, psoriasis, skin infections, nail problems, skin cancer and hidradenitis suppurativa. And of course, Dr. Hebel will offer her aesthetic skills to patients through neurotoxins, fillers, lasers and medical grade skincare!

Dana Aman

PA-C

Board Certified Physician Assistant

Dana is a board-certified Physician Assistant with Sheperd Integrative Dermatology.  Originally from Florida, Dana obtained her undergraduate degree from Florida State University and then went on to earn a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from North Greenville University in Greenville, South Carolina.  After obtaining her advanced degree, Dana completed a rigorous 6-month dermatology training program in California as well as a Diplomate Fellowship with the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants.  After three years of specialized clinical dermatology practice in California, Dana moved to Charleston in 2023.  Dana’s patient care philosophy centers around active listening and shared decision-making. She believes that every patient should be an active participant in their healthcare journey and looks forward to establishing positive patient relationships at Sheperd Integrative Dermatology. 

Amy Jetter

BSN, RN

Amy brings her whole heart to her role on the Sheperd cosmetic team.  A graduate of Elon College and the Medical College of Virginia, Amy has been a board-certified nurse for over 30 years.  Bringing her skills as an ICU nurse into her role in cosmetic patient care, Amy provides a warm, reassuring presence to all her clients, listening to their concerns and collaborating with them in a plan to bring forth and enhance their natural beauty.  A standing member of the American Association of Plastic Surgery Nurses and a past RN trainer in cosmetic and aesthetic procedures, Amy offers all types of laser treatments, botox and dermal filler injections, and chemical peels.

Melissa Mancuso

Body Contouring Specialist

Melissa has six years of experience in body contouring, beginning with her role as the CoolSculpting representative for Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Since joining the Sheperd team, she has received additional training and now offers chemical peels, Vivace micro-needling, and Diamond Glow dermal infusion. She loves helping patients feel good about their bodies and teaching them about how the various cosmetic procedures can help them achieve the results they are seeking.

Margaret Gierhart

LE

Margaret, a South Carolina native, is a Licensed Esthetician and makeup artist with over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry. She earned a BA in Psychology from the University of South Carolina. She began her career in beauty as the resident makeup artist for Bobbie Brown cosmetics at Saks Fifth Avenue in Charleston. In order to expand her knowledge, she earned her degree in esthetics from Trident Technical College, graduating with honors. She joined the Sheperd Integrative Dermatology staff in 2014 and is certified in a wide array of cosmetic procedures and skin care products. Her offerings include laser skin resurfacing, IPL, micro-needling, chemical peels, radio frequency, laser hair removal, and body contouring. Her background in both psychology and artistry gives her a deep capacity to care for patients and understand what makes them feel beautiful. A mother of two daughters, Margaret understands beauty as not only external appearance, but also as a manifestation of the inner qualities of kindness, generosity, and well-being.

Madeline Anderson

PA-C

Maddie is a board-certified Physician Assistant and a Lowcountry native. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Clemson University and then went on to earn a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the Medical University of South Carolina, graduating with highest honors. While in PA school, Maddie served as a Student Representative for the SC Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants. After graduation, she completed a six-month advanced dermatology internship here at Sheperd Integrative Dermatology. She also completed the Diplomate Fellowship with the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants. Maddie has a heart for medical missions and is passionate about patient education. Her free time is shared with her family, her friends, and her two fur babies!

AnnaKathryn Keiper

DNP, FNP-C

AnnaKathryn completed her Doctorate degree at the Medical University of South Carolina and has seven years of experience in dermatology. She has completed additional training in medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and functional medicine. She provides skin cancer screenings, surgical removal of skin cancers, treatment of precancerous lesions, extractions of cysts, and the treatment of acne. In the cosmetic domain, she provides laser, filler, and neurotoxin treatments. Certified through the Institute of Functional Medicine, AnnaKathryn has a special focus on wellness, including weight loss and diet consulting. She uses her expertise in this field to create an individualized program to help each of her patients achieve optimal wellness supporting them in maintaining vibrancy and vitality throughout their lifespan.

Allyson Harrell Garrison

PA-C

Ally is a board-certified Physician Assistant and a Diplomate of the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, their highest rating. She is a graduate of Clemson University and earned her Master’s degree in Physicians Assistant studies at the University of South Alabama; additionally, she completed a dermatology fellowship at Charlotte Dermatology in North Carolina. For more than ten years, her focus on both medical and surgical dermatology has included identifying and treating skin cancers as well as managing biologic medications for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Ally has a strong love of surgical dermatology and she performs surgeries every day in the clinic, including excisions of cysts and skin cancers. She also loves the challenge of a difficult case! On the cosmetic side, Ally is a skilled injector of both Botox and Dysport. She sees compassion and empathy as vital qualities that she brings to all her patient interactions. She is mindful that skin cancer screenings can be frightening or overwhelming; her warm, calm manner and her focus on patient education throughout each appointment make her an outstanding clinician.

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