Acne
A complete plan for persistent, hormonal, cystic, or scarring acne.
A focused video consultation for acne that has not responded to standard topical routines, or for patients who want a physician-led plan that considers oral, hormonal, and combination therapy.
Who it's for
Who this consultation is for
- Persistent acne despite over-the-counter or prior topical treatment
- Hormonal patterns along the jawline, chin, or neck
- Inflammatory nodules or cystic lesions
- Acne with scarring risk or active scarring
- Patients seeking a longitudinal plan and continuity of care
Commonly evaluated
Symptoms and situations
- Comedonal (blackheads and whiteheads)
- Inflammatory papules and pustules
- Deep, painful, nodulocystic lesions
- Premenstrual flares and jawline distribution
- Post-inflammatory pigmentation or scarring after breakouts
The visit
What Dr. Shaikh will review
- Previous topical and oral treatments and how you tolerated them
- Hormonal patterns, menstrual history, and relevant medications
- Skincare routine, actives you are using, and product tolerability
- Scarring risk, photographs, and long-term goals
- Maintenance planning to reduce recurrence
Treatment categories
Potential treatment categories
Treatment is individualized. Categories below may be discussed when clinically appropriate. No prescription or specific outcome is guaranteed.
- Prescription topicals (retinoids, azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide combinations)
- Oral antibiotics such as doxycycline when clinically appropriate
- Hormonal options including spironolactone when appropriate
- Isotretinoin evaluation and iPLEDGE pathway when appropriate
- Post-inflammatory pigmentation and scar-management discussion
When video care may not be appropriate
Some presentations require in-person examination, dermoscopy, biopsy, procedures, or urgent evaluation. If video care is not appropriate, Dr. Shaikh will explain when in-person evaluation is recommended.
- Suspected serious infection or systemic illness
- Findings that require in-person examination, biopsy, or procedure
- Deep scarring management that requires in-office treatment
Included
What the $250 visit includes
A comprehensive live video consultation with Dr. Shaikh — not an asynchronous topical pathway.
- A 30-minute live video visit directly with Dr. Shaikh
- Review of history, prior treatments, and photographs
- A written treatment plan tailored to your acne pattern
- Prescriptions sent to your pharmacy when clinically appropriate
- Guidance on follow-up timing and monitoring
Medication, laboratory testing, and follow-up visits are not included unless explicitly stated.
FAQ
Common questions
- Is this different from an asynchronous topical acne service?
- Yes. This is a live 30-minute video consultation directly with Dr. Shaikh, designed for acne that has not responded to standard topical routines or that may benefit from oral or combination treatment.
- Can Dr. Shaikh prescribe oral acne medication?
- When clinically appropriate, options such as doxycycline, spironolactone, or isotretinoin evaluation can be discussed. No medication is guaranteed at any visit; prescribing depends on your history and clinical picture.
- Do you treat acne scarring?
- Scarring risk and prevention are part of the plan. Certain scar treatments require in-person procedures; Dr. Shaikh will explain what is and is not appropriate for telemedicine.
- How long until I see results?
- Acne treatment typically takes 8–12 weeks before meaningful improvement, with continued progress over several months. A follow-up visit is often planned to adjust the regimen.