Acne Clinic
Dedicated medical care for persistent and difficult-to-treat acne
Acne can affect people of any age and may significantly impact confidence and wellbeing.
At the 232 Medical Acne Clinic, we provide a full assessment of your skin, review any treatments you have already tried and create a treatment plan suited to the type and severity of your acne. Our treatment options include prescription creams, oral medication and, where clinically appropriate, isotretinoin, commonly known by the brand name Roaccutane.
Appointment Fees
Initial acne consultation: €160
Follow-up appointment: €125
Your Initial Consultation
Your first appointment gives us time to understand how acne is affecting you and which treatments may be appropriate.
The consultation may include:
A review of your acne and how long you have had it
An examination of the affected areas
A review of previous creams, antibiotics or other treatments
Discussion of your general health and current medication
Assessment of any scarring or risk of permanent scarring
Discussion of how acne is affecting your confidence or mental health
A personalised treatment plan and clear next steps
Treatment will depend on the type and severity of your acne, your medical history and the treatments you have already tried.Acne Treatment Options
Options may include:
Advice on cleansing, moisturising and sun protection
Prescription topical treatments
Oral antibiotics
Hormonal treatment where appropriate
Isotretinoin for suitable patients with severe, persistent or scarring acne
Not every patient will need isotretinoin. Your doctor will discuss the available options with you and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your individual circumstances.
Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) Treatment
Isotretinoin, widely known by the brand name Roaccutane, is a prescription medicine used to treat severe acne, acne that has not responded to other treatments or acne that presents a significant risk of permanent scarring.
Roaccutane treatment can be highly effective, but it requires careful assessment and ongoing medical supervision. Before treatment begins, your doctor will explain the potential benefits, common side effects and important risks, giving you time to ask questions and decide whether it is right for you.
A course of isotretinoin, or Roaccutane, usually continues for several months. We will tailor the dose and length of treatment to your response and how well you tolerate the medication.
Monitoring During Isotretinoin Treatment
Regular follow-up appointments are essential to isotretinoin treatment.
These appointments allow your doctor to:
Review how your acne is responding
Adjust your dose when necessary
Discuss and manage any side effects
Review relevant blood-test results
Monitor your liver function and blood-fat levels
Check your mood and general wellbeing
Ensure all pregnancy-prevention requirements are being followed
Pregnancy Prevention and Testing
Isotretinoin must not be taken during pregnancy because it can cause serious harm to an unborn baby.
Patients who could become pregnant must follow a formal Pregnancy Prevention Programme. This includes medically supervised pregnancy testing shortly before treatment begins, monthly during treatment and one month after the final dose.
Effective contraception is generally required for at least one month before starting isotretinoin, throughout treatment and for one month after stopping. We will discuss your individual requirements confidentially before prescribing any treatment.
If you become pregnant, miss a period or think you may be pregnant while taking isotretinoin, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately.
Mental Health and Isotretinoin
Acne itself can affect confidence, mood and emotional wellbeing. Some people have also reported changes in their mood or behaviour while taking isotretinoin, although the relationship between the medication and these changes is not fully understood.
We will ask about your mental health before treatment begins and continue to monitor your wellbeing at follow-up appointments. Please let your doctor know about any previous or current mental health difficulties and contact us promptly if you or someone close to you notices a change in your mood or behaviour during treatment.
Helpful Patient Resources
The following independent resources provide further information about acne and isotretinoin:
Frequently Asked Questions
Does attending the Acne Clinic mean I will receive isotretinoin?
No. Isotretinoin is only one of several treatment options. Your doctor will first assess your acne, medical history and previous treatments before recommending the most suitable approach.
Will I need blood tests?
Blood tests are generally required before starting isotretinoin and may be repeated during treatment. Your doctor will explain which tests you need and when to complete them.
Will I need regular appointments?
Yes. Patients taking isotretinoin require regular follow-up appointments so that their response, side effects, blood results, mood and pregnancy-prevention requirements can be monitored safely.
Can teenagers attend the Acne Clinic?
Acne commonly affects teenagers as well as adults. Please contact the practice if you would like to discuss whether the clinic is suitable for a younger patient.
Book an Acne Clinic Appointment
The initial acne consultation costs €160, with follow-up appointments costing €125.
To arrange an appointment or discuss the clinic, please contact 232 Medical on 01 547 5693.