Isotretinoin (oral medication)
Treating recurring severe acne from the root

Isotretinoin is an oral acne medication that is said to be the last resort for treating severe acne. It works by reducing clogged pores and inflammation, and by preventing acne scars and new acne from forming.
This treatment is recommended for those who have tried various cosmetics and treatments without success.
Recommended for:
- Those who suffer from recurring acne
- Those who have not seen results from other treatments
- Those who are prone to acne scars such as redness and pigmentation after acne has healed
- Those who suffer from rosacea (red face)
- Those with excessive sebum secretion
Supervisor information
Tsubasa Shirozu
- 2010
- Graduated from Hiroshima University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine.
Worked at Saga Prefectural Hospital, Kyushu University Hospital, JCHO Kyushu Hospital, Fukuoka Red Cross Hospital, Kitakyushu Municipal Medical Center, Oita Prefectural Hospital, Kyushu Medical Center
- 2020
- Cosmetic dermatology Elm Clinic Fukuoka Clinic
- Juvederm Vista certified doctor
- Certified doctor trained in Allergan’s Vista program
- Cosmetic Ingredient Test Level 1
What is isotretinoin?
Isotretinoin is an oral acne medication that contains a type of vitamin A derivative. It has effects such as preventing clogged pores, suppressing sebum secretion, acting as an antibacterial agent against acne bacteria, and acting as an anti-inflammatory, making it known as the ultimate treatment for severe acne.
It is expected to be highly effective against intractable acne, recurring acne, rosacea, and acne scars. It is also effective in suppressing the occurrence of new acne, not just existing acne, and is said to prevent acne from occurring for 3 to 5 years after taking it, depending on the duration of oral administration.
However, it is an oral medication that can have some side effects, so it must be taken only under a doctor's prescription.
Isotretinoin Features
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Point
Suppresses the activity of sebaceous glands
Acne is often caused by clogged pores, so this product helps to suppress excess sebum secretion and reduce the occurrence of new acne.
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Point
Calms inflammation
Inflammatory acne occurs because the immune system responds excessively to eliminate the overgrowth of acne bacteria. Isotretinoin has anti-inflammatory properties, normalizing the immune response and calming red, swollen inflammatory acne.
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Point
Promotion of turnover
It has the effect of promoting skin cell turnover (metabolism), which makes pores less likely to become clogged and reduces the occurrence of new acne. Furthermore, by quickly suppressing inflammation and promoting cell turnover, it is expected to have the effect of reducing the remaining acne scars (pigmentation and craters).
Disadvantages of Isotretinoin
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Side effects
Isotretinoin is an oral medication that has some side effects, such as dry skin and mucous membranes, chapped lips, dry eyes, nosebleeds, and dry hands and feet.
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May not be able to take
Isotretinoin cannot be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with a history of allergies to vitamin A, or those with liver dysfunction, so a doctor will always provide counseling.
Treatment overview
| Duration of treatment | 30 minutes |
|---|---|
| Points to note | Those who cannot take isotretinoin orally ・Pregnant or breastfeeding women -People who have had an allergic reaction to vitamin A -People with liver dysfunction ・Those with high triglyceride and cholesterol levels ・People with depression or a depressive temperament - People in their growth period (women under 15, men under 18) |
| Side effects | Dry skin, teratogenicity, dry mouth, depression, insomnia, hair loss, etc. (Note that side effects other than dry skin, lips, and mucous membranes are rare.) |
*Pain, downtime, and effects vary from person to person.
*The treatment time does not include counseling time.
*Pregnant women cannot undergo any treatments.
Isotretinoin case photos


- Our Treatments
1 month 20mg 15,000 JPY x XNUMX months
- Treatment amount
- 90,000 JPY(TAX+)
- Side effects
- Dry skin, teratogenicity, dry mouth, depression, insomnia, hair loss, etc.
- Our Treatments
1 month 20mg 15,000 JPY x XNUMX months
- Treatment amount
- 90,000 JPY(TAX+)
- Side effects
- Dry skin, teratogenicity, dry mouth, depression, insomnia, hair loss, etc.
Flow of treatment
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Flow of treatmentby doctors and nurses
Counseling
(About 30 minutes)At our clinic, we place great importance on counseling by our doctors. All first-time patients are required to receive counseling from a doctor. Before treatment, we will examine the condition of your acne and ask about the content, duration, and effectiveness of any previous acne treatments you have received. Please feel free to ask any questions or concerns you may have.*For those who only need counseling, the session ends here.
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Flow of treatmentPrescribe oral medication
We will prescribe isotretinoin and begin treatment. Please rest on the day of taking the medicine, and if you feel unwell or experience any other abnormalities, please contact our clinic immediately.
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Flow of treatmentRevisit
One month after starting treatment, you will be asked to come back for a follow-up appointment to monitor the effectiveness of isotretinoin and the condition of your acne. Thereafter, you will be asked to come back for regular follow-up appointments depending on your acne symptoms.
Isotretinoin price
(tax included)| Menu | Regular fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 20 mg/day | ¥15,000 |
| Up to 40 mg/day | ¥25,000 |
| Up to 60 mg/day | ¥35,000 |
Click here for details on the fees for each treatment
About Payment Methods
You can choose the payment method that suits you.
Various combinations are possible.
- Lump sum cash
- Credit Transfer

- Medical loan(3 to 60 installments/annual interest rate 8.4%)
For minor patients
If you are a minor, a "parental consent form" is required.Please download and fill out the form in advance and bring it with you, or bring one of your parents with you.
Clinics that offer isotretinoin (oral medication) treatment
- Omotesando-in Temple
- Azabuin
- Kyotoin
- Osaka-in
- Kobein
- Hiroshima-in
- Okayamain
- Fukuoka-in
- Kumamoto-in
Elm Clinic Omotesando
- Address
- Zip code:107-0062
2F, 5-8-1 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo - Access
- 2-minute walk from Exit B1 of Omotesando Station on the Tokyo Metro.
- Medical time
- 9:30 ~ 18:30
[Regular closing day] Sunday *There may be temporary closures. - Phone Number
- 03-5962-6095
Elm Clinic Azabu
- Address
- Zip code:106-0045
4F, Azabu KF Building, 1-9-7 Azabu Juban, Minato-ku, Tokyo - Access
- 1-minute walk from Exit 5a of Azabu-Juban Station on the Tokyo Metro.
- Medical time
- Weekdays 10:00-19:00 / Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 9:30-18:30
[Regular closing days] Irregular closing days *Temporary closures may also occur. - Phone Number
- 03-6807-4171
Elm Clinic Kyotoin
- Address
- Zip code:600-8031
594 Teianmae-cho, Teramachi-dori Shijo-sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Okamoto Mirror Shop Building 4F - Access
- 3-minute walk from Exit 10 of Hankyu Railway's Kyoto Kawaramachi Station.
- Medical time
- 10:00 ~ 19:00
[Regular closing days] Irregular closing days *Temporary closures may also occur. - Phone Number
- 075-353-1854
Elm Clinic Osaka Clinic
- Address
- Zip code:530-0001
2F, Osaka Station Front Building No. 4, 1-11-4 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture - Access
- 2-minute walk from Exit 8 of Higashi-Umeda Station on the Osaka Metro.
- Medical time
- 10:00 ~ 19:00
[Regular closing day] Sunday *There may be temporary closures. - Phone Number
- 06-6147-6761
Elm Clinic Kobe
- Address
- Zip code:650-0011
4F, Toei Building, 3-1-21 Shimoyamatedori, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture - Access
- 5-minute walk from the west exit of Hankyu Railway's Kobe Sannomiya Station.
- Medical time
- 9:00 ~ 18:00
[Regular closing days] Sundays and Mondays *There may be temporary closures. - Phone Number
- 078-335-6025
Elm Clinic Hiroshima
- Address
- Zip code:730-0051
5F Ueda Building, 1-4-14 Otemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture - Access
- 3-minute walk from the Hondori tram stop on the Hiroshima Electric Railway.
- Medical time
- 9:00 ~ 18:00
[Regular closing day] Sunday *There may be temporary closures. - Phone Number
- 082-246-2406
Elm Clinic Okayama
- Address
- Zip code:700-0903
Actus Building B1F, 7-20 Saiwaicho, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture - Access
- 5-minute walk from JR Okayama Station, Korakuen Exit (East Exit)
- Medical time
- 9:00 ~ 18:00
[Regular closing day] Sunday *There may be temporary closures. - Phone Number
- 086-222-8772
Elm Clinic Fukuoka
- Address
- Zip code:810-0041
3F Center Building, 2-2-7 Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture - Access
- 4-minute walk from Exit 5 of Akasaka Station on the Fukuoka City Subway / 6-minute walk from Exit 2 of Tenjin Station on the Fukuoka City Subway
- Medical time
- 10:00 ~ 19:00
[Regular closing days] Irregular closing days *Temporary closures may also occur. - Phone Number
- 092-717-7227
Elm Clinic Kumamoto
- Address
- Zip code:860-0845
6-15 Kamitori-cho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Oaks Building 2, 3rd Floor - Access
- 5-minute walk from the Kumamoto City Tram "Toorimachi-suji" stop.
- Medical time
- 9:00 ~ 18:00
[Regular closing days] Irregular closing days *Temporary closures may also occur. - Phone Number
- 096-277-1950
Supervisor information (overall supervision, treatment supervision, column supervision)
Hiroshi Kikuchi
- 2008
- Graduated from Hiroshima University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine Worked at Chiba University School of Medicine Affiliated Hospital and related hospitals.
- 2013
- Cosmetic dermatology Elm Clinic Fukuoka clinic opened
- Juvederm Vista certified doctor
- Certified doctor trained in Allergan’s Vista program
- Cosmetic Ingredient Test Level 1
About medical advertising guidelines
At Elm Clinic, under the supervision of a doctor, we are reviewing and improving our website as appropriate in the following two areas, in accordance with the "Medical Advertising Guidelines."
(i) Addition/deletion of testimonials
(ii) When posting case photos, please describe the details of the treatment, risks of the treatment, price of the treatment, etc.
[Business hours] 9:00-18:00 [Closed] Sundays
*Temporary closures may be established.[Business hours] 10:00-19:00 [Closed days] Irregular holidays
*Temporary closures may be established.[Business hours] 9:00-18:00 [Closed] Sundays
*Temporary closures may be established.[Business hours] 10:00-19:00 [Closed days] Irregular holidays
*Temporary closures may be established.[Business hours] 9:00-18:00 [Closed days] Irregular holidays
*Temporary closures may be established.[Business hours] 10:00-19:00 [Closed] Sundays
*Temporary closures may be established.[Business Hours] 9: 00-18: 00
[Closed] Sundays and Mondays
[Business Hours] 9: 30-18: 30
[ Regular holiday ]Sunday
Weekdays 10:00-19:00 Saturdays, Sundays and holidays 9:30-18:30
[Regular holidays] Irregular holidays
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Hiroshima-in
@elm_clinic_hiroshima View post -
Fukuoka-in
@elmclinic.fukuoka View post -
Okayamain
@elmclinic_okayama View post -
Kyotoin
@elmclinic_kyoto View post -
Kumamoto-in
@elmclinic_kumamoto View post -
Osaka-in
@elmclinic.osaka View post -
Kobein
@elmclinic_kobe View post -
Omotesando-in Temple
@elmclinic_omotesando View post -
Azabuin
@elmclinic_azabu View post
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Director Kazuhito Aihara
@elm_kaz_ View post -
Hiroshima clinic doctor Madoka Hananoki
@dr.hananoki View post -
Director of Fukuoka Clinic Hiroshi Kikuchi
@dr_kikuchi View post -
Fukuokain doctor white water wings
@tsubasa_shirozu View post -
Fukuokain doctor Yusuke Hayakawa
@dr___yusuke View post -
Director of Kyoto Institute Yuichiro Uchiyama
@dr_yuichiro View post
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Director of Fukuoka Clinic Hiroshi Kikuchi
Director's blog View post -
Fukuokain doctor white water wings
Dr. Shiramizu's note View post -
Director of Okayama Clinic Tohru Takahashi
Director Tooru and staff blog View post










