I get hormone related cystic acne (2-3 spots at a time, usually) during Shark Week as a pre-op. After reading about how our hormones tend to go wonky after surgery, I'm kind of expecting it to get worse before it gets better.

Is that the case? If so, has anyone out there found a good product / method / ritual to keep it under control? I'm not too worried about the "regular" acne, I'm a pro with foundation, but the cystic stuff hurts.

Thanks!

I know that within each layer of fat there is toxins held from the time the weight started to go on. And as each layer is released by dropping weight the toxins come out of our bodies in our pores and other ways..... Bowels and urine as well.

You may be fine and have nothing to worry about. Make sure your home care routine is on point. Use products that are appropriate for both this weather and your skin type. Try and do regular facials. Visit your dermatologist. With cystic acne, they can do injections to reduce the inflammation. DO NOT PICK IT! DO NOT SCRATCH IT! DO NOT POKE IT! DO NOT TRY AND EXTRAXT IT!

Oh gosh - layers of toxins? I've got 300 pounds worth of strata to work through, I'm imagining one of those sci-fi facehuggers bursting out at me sometime around the halfway mark, lol!

I may have to make the leap to a dermatologist, but knock on wood it won't get worse!

Oh gosh - layers of toxins? I've got 300 pounds worth of strata to work through, I'm imagining one of those sci-fi facehuggers bursting out at me sometime around the halfway mark, lol!

I may have to make the leap to a dermatologist, but knock on wood it won't get worse!

Your funny! Humor is good . I broke out for a while as well. But I do not have the condition you have. So it could be that a visit to the dermatologist is the thing. But you are still a very funny lady!

Cystic acne can scar even if you don't touch it. They are painful and are mostly caused by hormones. I would get one on my chin almost every month a few days before my period during my early 20's. I was put on Accutane and didn't get another one for 15 years. Guess when that was? Two days before surgery! It would hurt every time I talked or smiled. After surgery, I got a few on my back, which has never happened before.

Since there is nothing over the counter that will prevent or control cystic acne, I made the trip to the dermatologist. I was put on a hormone pill and strong retinoid cream. I had to fight my insurance company a little to get the cream because the price tag on it was $300. Anyhow, I haven't had an outbreak since. The cream is drying out my skin, but I'd rather have that than another cyst.

it might be worth it!! I've been sliced up before, and it doesn't tickle, but I think a face full of cysts would hurt worse! Can't put an icepack on it and call in sick, lol. Well, I COULD, but they already think I'm nuts