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Photodynamic Therapy
Levulan Photodynamic
Therapy for:
-
Removing
precancerous skin
lesions
-
Preventing skin
cancer
-
Improving wrinkles
-
Improving pores
-
Improving skin
texture
-
Improving
pigmentation
-
Treating moderate to
severe cystic acne
-
Treating sebaceous
hyperplasia
The science behind the
treatment
Blue Light with Levulan
is a type of
photodynamic therapy
(PDT) that consists of
the topical application
of Levulan (aminolevulinic
acid) combined with Blue
Light , a specialized
blue light treatment.
Levulan is a substance
that occurs naturally in
the body in small
amounts. After it is
applied and absorbed
into the skin it is
converted into a potent
photosensitizer,
protophorphyrin IX.
Because Levulan absorbs
into actinic keratoses
and sebaceous glands it
selectively targets
them. The blue light
then activates these
protophorphyrins which
leads to shrinkage of
these tissues. By
shrinking the sebaceous
glands, acne is
improved.
Information about the
treatments
Some patients will
improve after just 1
treatment. Several
treatments (usually 2-4)
are necessary to
significantly clear
moderate–to–severe acne
and actinic keratoses.
Treatments are spaced 4
weeks apart. Acne may
stay clear (be in
remission) for 6-12
months. Results will
vary among individuals.
Visits consist of
application of the
Levulan, waiting while
the Levulan absorbs into
the skin for 30-60 min.
for faces, 5 hrs. or
longer for other areas,
then sitting under Blue
Light for 8-16 min. or
more per area. Except
for mild stinging or
burning, treatments are
usually painless.
Instructions
-
Before your
treatment
the area
must be
completely
clean
without
makeup,
creams or
lotions.
-
It is
extremely
important
that you
stay out of
direct and
indirect sun
for 48 hours
after your
treatment!
Your skin
will be
sensitized
to the sun
and you can
get severely
sunburned.
Use a
sunscreen
with a SPF
of 30-50
even when
indoors.
-
You may be
red
following
the
treatment
for several
hours to
several
days. You
may have a
sun-burned
look for 1-7
days. Light
peeling can
occasionally
occur, which
may last 7 –
10 days.
Swelling may
occasionally
occur,
especially
around the
eyes.
Blisters and
scabbing can
occur if you
do not
follow
directions.
Call our
office if
you
experience
blisters or
scabbing.
-
If your skin
stings
indoors,
stay away
from bright
lights and
windows.
-
If your skin
feels
uncomfortable
or to reduce
swelling,
apply cold
compresses
or ice packs
as needed.
Take Tylenol
or Advil if
needed
-
Continue to
wear
sunscreens
and a hat
for 2 weeks
after each
treatment.
-
You should
see the full
effect of
your
treatment
within 30
days.
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Combining Intense Pulsed
Light (IPL or Photo
Facial) with Blue Light
and Levulan for actinic
damage.
You can dramatically
increase your results by
combining an IPL
treatment with one of
your Blue Light with
Levulan treatments. Not
only will it resolve
more actinic keratoses,
but your skin will also
look and feel better.
Many patients receive
significant cosmetic
improvement to their
skin when IPL is added.
This treatment also
improves redness, brown
spots and texture.
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