If you’ve ever Googled Accutane and felt overwhelmed, you’re not alone. What you find online can feel confusing, even intimidating, but the reality of treatment is often very different. In this episode of Queen City Skin, Dr. Emily O. McLean is joined by medical assistant Jane Lewis to break down what isotretinoin, commonly known as Accutane, is really like from both a clinical and patient perspective. Together, they walk through what treatment looks like month to month, how side effects are managed, and why this medication can be life-changing for patients with acne. Jane shares her personal experience taking Accutane as a teenager and now guiding patients through the process in clinic. Her dual perspective offers reassurance, practical tips, and a clear understanding of what to expect every step of the way.

Jane Lewis graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2023 with a B.S. in Psychology. She has spent the past two years working as a medical assistant at Charlotte Skin and Laser, where she has gained hands-on clinical experience in dermatology. Jane plans to attend physician assistant school and hopes to build a career centered on compassionate, patient-centered care.

Resources mentioned:

• Acne Treatment at Charlotte Skin & Laser
• Laser Acne Treatment at Charlotte Skin & Laser

3 Things to Know Before Starting Accutane

• Accutane is highly effective for the right patients. For moderate to severe acne or acne that risks scarring, isotretinoin can dramatically improve skin and help prevent long-term damage.
• Side effects are expected but manageable. Dryness is common, but with the right support, routine check-ins, and simple strategies, most patients tolerate treatment very well.
• Clear skin is just the beginning.Accutane is a powerful reset, but long-term skin health depends on maintenance with sunscreen, gentle skincare, and often a topical retinoid.

Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologists Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser; and Dr. Emily O. McLean, a physician at Charlotte Skin & Laser. We're here to cut through the noise — from social media myths to marketing hype — and bring you clear, evidence-based advice on caring for your skin at every stage of life.

Connect with Us:

• Website
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Phone: 704-333-9113

What if the best way to learn medicine is to jump in and start doing it? In this episode of Queen City Skin, Dr. Emily McLean sits down with two of Charlotte Skin and Laser’s medical assistants, Samantha and Mansi, to talk about what it’s really like to train inside a busy dermatology practice. Both recent graduates preparing for PA school, they share how the program gives them hands-on clinical experience from the very beginning. Together they discuss the learning curve of dermatology, the surprising depth of patient relationships, and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps a clinic running smoothly. From assisting in procedures to counseling patients and navigating insurance approvals, this episode offers a candid look at how the MA program helps shape the next generation of healthcare providers.

Mansi Pitalia and Samantha Mitchell are medical assistants at Charlotte Skin and Laser who joined the program after graduating from Clemson University and NC State. Both plan to pursue careers as physician assistants and share how their clinical experience in dermatology is preparing them for the future.

Resources mentioned:

• Charlotte Skin and Laser Medical Assistant Program

3 Things That Make the Charlotte Skin and Laser MA Program Special:

• Hands-on learning accelerates confidence. Medical assistants begin interacting with patients and assisting with procedures within their first few days in clinic.
• Great care is a team effort. MAs play a vital role in patient education, procedure support, and navigating complex insurance processes.
• Work culture shapes future providers. A supportive, collaborative environment helps young clinicians grow while reinforcing compassion and patient-centered care.

Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologists Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser; and Dr. Emily O. McLean, a physician at Charlotte Skin & Laser. We're here to cut through the noise — from social media myths to marketing hype — and bring you clear, evidence-based advice on caring for your skin at every stage of life.

Connect with Us:

• Website
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Phone: 704-333-9113

The eyes are the windows to the soul and often the first canvas upon which time leaves its mark. If you find yourself bothered by dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, or sagging skin around the eyes, you are not alone. In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Rostan reveals why dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and loss of definition around the eyes demand a sophisticated, multi-modal approach. If your eyes are communicating fatigue rather than vitality, this conversation illuminates what's truly happening, and what genuinely works to refresh and sustain results over time.

Resources mentioned:

• EltaMD Renew Eye Gel
• Blepharoplasty at Charlotte Skin & Laser
• Neuromodulator Relaxers at Charlotte Skin & Laser
• Fraxel Treatment at Charlotte Skin & Laser
• Microneedling at Charlotte Skin & Laser

3 Truths About Aging Eyes:

• Dark circles are not one problem. They can come from pigment, visible blood vessels beneath thin skin, or volume loss that creates shadowing. Identifying the true cause matters, because each one requires a different approach.
• The eye area is structural, not just surface-level. What looks like a tired under-eye often begins in the cheek, the brow, or shifts in facial contour over time. Restoring balance thoughtfully creates more natural results than simply filling a hollow.
• Maintenance makes the magic happen. The eyelid skin is thin and constantly in motion, which means it responds well to treatment but also needs consistency. The right eye cream and strategic in-office treatments help preserve brightness over time.

Welcome to Queen City Skin, the podcast where skincare meets science. Hosted by board-certified dermatologists Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, Founder of Charlotte Skin & Laser; and Dr. Emily O. McLean, a physician at Charlotte Skin & Laser. We're here to cut through the noise — from social media myths to marketing hype — and bring you clear, evidence-based advice on caring for your skin at every stage of life.

Connect with Us:

• Website
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Phone: 704-333-9113