Dr. Yayoko Ito
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Graduated from Hiroshima University School of Medicine. After working in the Department of General Medicine, he studied under doctors at the forefront of cosmetic medicine. After acquiring knowledge and skills in aesthetics, he became the director of YAYOI CLINIC in 2023. Her specialties include Botox, hyaluronic acid injections, and customized sagging treatment. His motto is to provide natural and pain-free treatments with careful consultation.
Yayoi Clinic, a cosmetic dermatology practice in Hiroshima, explains isotretinoin. Many people struggle with recurring acne that just won’t go away. If your condition isn’t improving even after receiving treatment at a dermatology clinic, isotretinoin therapy may be an effective option. In this article, we’ve compiled basic information on how oral isotretinoin works to treat stubborn acne, including its mechanism of action and potential side effects to watch out for. If you’re struggling with persistent acne, we encourage you to read on.
What Is Isotretinoin? What You Should Know About the Effects and Characteristics of This Acne Treatment Before Starting It in Hiroshima
Isotretinoin is a type of vitamin A derivative and an oral medication that has been used in the United States since 1982 to treat acne. Since it is considered effective for treating severe acne, many people in Hiroshima may be interested in receiving treatment with it. First, let’s review the characteristics of this treatment, including the mechanism by which isotretinoin works on acne.
■Mechanism of Action of Isotretinoin
Refractory acne, for which treatment with isotretinoin is considered effective, is believed to be caused by enlarged sebaceous glands and clogged pores. Excessive sebum secretion clogs the pores, allowing the acne-causing bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) to proliferate inside them. Therefore, to treat severe acne, it is necessary to suppress excessive sebum secretion and clear the clogged pores.
Isotretinoin can shrink the sebaceous glands and suppress excessive sebum production.It is.By suppressing excess sebum production and preventing pores from becoming clogged, it also helps prevent the bacteria that cause acne from colonizing and multiplying. Furthermore, thanks to the anti-inflammatory effects of isotretinoin, it can help alleviate inflammation, such as the redness associated with acne.
■ Differences from Conventional Acne Treatments
従来のニキビ治療方法は、保険適用薬として抗生物質や漢方薬などの内服薬をはじめ、抗菌剤や毛穴の詰まりを取るコメド治療薬などの外用薬が処方されることが一般的です。
一方で...Isotretinoin is a medication that must be paid for out of pocket.Although isotretinoin has long been used as an acne treatment in Europe and the United States,Since it has not yet been approved by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in Japan, it is not covered by insurance.Therefore, if you do not see any improvement after undergoing acne treatment covered by insurance, you may want to consider treatment with isotretinoin.
A Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic in Hiroshima Explains the Process and Precautions for Isotretinoin Treatment
Before undergoing isotretinoin treatment in Hiroshima, be sure to review the specific treatment process and precautions.
■Steps from the Initial Visit to the Start of Treatment
Acne treatment with oral isotretinoin can sometimes cause serious side effects.Therefore...a diagnosis by a doctor and blood tests are essentialYou must take this medication only after a doctor has determined whether it is appropriate for you.In recent years, it has become possible to purchase isotretinoin online or through personal import, but users are solely responsible for any side effects that may occur, and the high risks involved have been pointed out.そのため、必ず医療機関で診察・指導を受けて治療を開始しましょう。
皮膚科やクリニックで初診から治療開始までのステップは以下のとおりです。
- Initial Consultation and Counseling… The doctor will examine your skin and perform a blood test.
- Follow-up appointment and prescription of oral medication in one week… If the results are normal, isotretinoin will be prescribed and treatment will begin.
- Follow-up visits every month after starting the medication… The doctor will examine you every month after you start taking the medication to monitor your symptoms and side effects and determine whether to continue treatment.
■Typical Treatment Duration and Course
Since isotretinoin gradually begins to affect the sebaceous glands after you start taking it,It takes about 16 weeks to notice an improvement in acne.It will take that amount of time.Acne may temporarily worsen for 1 to 2 weeks after starting treatment, but some people may begin to notice results as early as one month after starting the medication.Although the time it takes to see results varies from person to person, if you keep taking it consistently, you’ll likely start to notice the effects in about four months.
■Precautions for Acne Treatment with Isotretinoin
Isotretinoin is...are more likely to cause side effects than oral medications prescribed under insurance coverageIt is said that dryness of the skin, lips, and eyes are relatively common side effects; however, since serious symptoms have been reported in rare cases, please keep in mind that the following side effects may occur.
- Miscarriage and fetal abnormalities
- Serious mental illnesses such as depression, psychosis, self-harm, and suicide attempts
- Anaphylaxis
- Impaired liver function
- Rising Cholesterol Levels
- Dizziness and Nausea
One of the serious side effects of isotretinoin is the risk of miscarriage or fetal malformationsです。そのため、女性は妊娠中・妊娠の可能性がある場合は服用できません。また男性についても、服用中および一定期間は避妊が推奨されるため、妊娠を希望している場合は事前に医師へ相談が必要です。
また...It has also been pointed out that these factors carry a risk of causing serious mental illnesses, such as depression, psychosis, self-harm, and even suicide attempts.It is reported that, while some recent studies have ruled out a causal relationship between isotretinoin and mental disorders, its use is not recommended for individuals currently being treated for depression or other mental disorders.
[Isotretinoin Treatment] Features of Yayoi Clinic, a Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic in Hiroshima
![[Isotretinoin Treatment] Features of Yayoi Clinic, a Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic in Hiroshima](https://develop.yayoiclinic.jp/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/5b1005dac0561bc31778e7a22f323784.webp)
If you’re looking to receive acne treatment with isotretinoin in Hiroshima, please entrust your care to Yayoi Clinic, a cosmetic dermatology practice. Below, we’ll introduce the isotretinoin treatment offered at Yayoi Clinic, which is staffed by dermatologists with over 20 years of experience.
■We have experienced dermatologists on staff
At Yayoi Clinic, a cosmetic dermatology clinic in Hiroshima,An experienced dermatologist, who has worked at major hospitals and other institutions, is in charge of acne treatment with isotretinoin.A physician who is a member of the Japanese Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and has been honing his skills for over 20 years draws on his extensive knowledge and experience to recommend the most appropriate treatment tailored to each patient’s individual acne condition.
■Introduction of the “VISIA” Skin Analysis System

To provide a more detailed assessment of skin condition, Yayoi Clinic has introduced the “VISIA®” skin analysis system.VISIA® is a skin analysis device that can analyze not only your current skin condition but also future trends in skin changes.By analyzing the levels of “porphyrin”—a metabolite produced by Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne—we can determine a person’s susceptibility to acne. Quantifying skin condition allows us to recommend more effective treatments.
■Personalized Treatment Tailored to Each Individual
At Yayoi Clinic, a cosmetic dermatology clinic in Hiroshima,We also offer “customized treatments” tailored to the condition of your acne and acne scars.We offer customized treatment plans—a flat-rate program that allows us to combine equipment and medications, ranging from isotretinoin to medical-grade skincare products and laser treatments, based on the condition of your acne and your treatment progress. If you’re concerned that your acne isn’t improving with insurance-covered treatments, please feel free to consult with us.
■ Conclusion.
自分ではケアが難しい重症のニキビにお悩みの方は、ニキビ治療の有効な治療手段の1つであるイソトレチノイン内服薬を検討してみましょう。4ヶ月前後の長期間で正しく服用を続けると、治りにくいニキビの改善が期待できます。ただし、イソトレチノインには重大な副作用もあることを忘れてはいけません。必ず専門の医療機関で医師の診察を受けて、安全に治療を進めましょう。
広島の美容皮膚科・美容内科・美容外科・アートメイク ヤヨイクリニック(YAYOI CLINIC)では、お肌、お体、お顔のお悩み別に治療法をご紹介しています。
皆さまにより良い選択肢をご提案できますよう一人ひとりのお肌の状態を見極め、治療期間やご予算、ダウンタイムの許容範囲などご希望に合わせた治療方針を立案していく考えです。
お悩みのある方は、まずはカウンセリングにお越しください。
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【施術の内容】イソトレチノイン
【施術回数の目安】1ヶ月ごとに1回の経過観察※回数は症状に応じて個人差があります。
【費用】¥19,800~¥29,800※回数等によって料金は異なります。
【副作用・リスク】妊娠中の女性における流産・奇形のおそれ、皮膚や粘膜の乾燥、うつ、精神病、自傷行為、頭痛、発疹、軽度のかゆみ、落屑、眼瞼炎、結膜炎、筋肉痛、関節痛、横紋筋融解、肝機能低下、脱毛、めまい、吐き気などがあり、皮膚や粘膜の乾燥以外は稀な副作用ではある
【使用機器について】
Isotretinoin treatment involves the use of a domestically unapproved drug or medical device.
The medicines and medical devices used for treatment were imported by private individuals based on the judgment of the doctors at our clinic. Please refer to the following for information on medicines and other items of concern for personal importation.
https://www.yakubutsu.mhlw.go.jp/individualimport/purchase/index.html
There are no other domestically approved drugs with the same ingredients or performance.
Information on safety, etc. in other countries
-Approved by the U.S. and FDA.
About the Adverse Reactions Relief System for Drugs
In the unlikely event of serious side effects, the drug is not covered by the government's Adverse Drug Reactions Relief System.


