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Acne sufferers see light with Blue-U Light Therapy combined with the topical application of Levulan. This is also known as Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) or ALA/PDT treatment. It is a medically supervised, simple two step procedure. ALA/PDT therapy is good not only for acne, but it is also an excellent and effective treatment for removal of sun damaged, pre cancerous zones and actinic keratosis. This treatment is also helpful for improving fine lines, blotchy pigmentation and acne pit scars.
At the time of the treatment, the areas to be treated are thoroughly cleansed with acetone. Levulan Kerastick solution is prepared for each client and applied directly to the affected areas with a wet applicator stick. After the first layer of Levulan dries, a second layer may be applied, depending on the severity of acne.
After the application of Levulan, the patient waits for 60-90 minutes, depending again on the severity of the acne lesions. During this waiting time Levulan reaches inside the pores where acne bacteria are found. After this incubation time (waiting time) the prepared areas are exposed to a safe blue light for 7-10 minutes in order to activate the Levulan drug, thus destroying the bacteria.
The treatments are gentle and safe for all skin types. A mild sun burn like sensation may be seen soon after treatment by most individuals. The skin will feel tight and may peel after 2-3 days. Intense and direct sun exposure should be avoided soon after, and for about 24 hours immediately following the treatment. A series of at least 3-5 treatments at 4 weeks interval are recommended to see satisfactory results.
Before and After Photographs Click Here
Frequently Asked Questions:
WHAT IS PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY?
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a special treatment, performed with a topical photosensitizing agent called Levulan (5-aminolevulinic acid or ALA) which is activated by the correct wavelength of light. This is also known as "ALA/PDT treatment". These treatments can remove sun damaged pre-cancerous zones and spots called actinic keratoses. Sun damage, fine lines, and blotchy pigmentation can also be improved sue to the positive effect of Levulan and the light treatment on skin condition. ALA/PDT treatments also have the unique ability to minimize pores and reduce oil glands, effectively treating stubborn acne vulgaris, acne rosacea, and improving the appearance of some acne scars.
HOW MUCH IMPROVEMENT CAN I EXPECT?
Patients with severe sun damaged skin manifested by actinic keratosis, texture and tone changes including mottled pigmentation, and skin laxity may see excellent results. You may also see improvement of large pores and pitted acne scars. Active acne can improve dramatically.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL IT TAKE TO SEE THE "BEST RESULTS"?
To achieve maximum improvement of pre-cancerous sun damage (actinic keratosis), skin tone, and texture, a series of three treatments spaced 3-5 weeks apart is most effective. (Some patients with just actinic keratosis are happy with one treatment).
WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES?
Following PDT, the treated areas can appear red with some peeling for 2-7 days. Temporary swelling of the lips and around the eyes can occur for a few days. Darker pigmented patches called liver spots can become temporarily darker and then peel off leaving normal skin. (This usually occurs over seven to ten days). Repeat treatments may be necessary depending on how your skin responds to treatment.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?
- Easier for patients than repeated topical liquid nitrogen, Efudex (5-FU), or Aldara,
because of minimal side effects, rapid healing, and requirement of only 1-3 treatments.
- ALA/PDT treatment at Laser Genesis is painless verses liquid nitrogen, 5-FU and
Aldara.
- Reduced scarring and improved cosmetic outcome compared with cautery, surgery
or Efudex. Liquid nitrogen can leave white spots on your skin.
- Levulan improves the whole facial area treated creating one color, texture, and
tone rather than just spot treating with liquid nitrogen, cautery or surgery.
In summary, PDT matches the "Ideal treatment" for actinic damage:
- Well tolerated (essentially painless)
- Easily performed by a specialty clinic environment
- Non-invasive (no needles or surgery required)
- Excellent cosmetic outcome (particularly in cosmetic sensitive areas of the face)
TREATMENT STEPS
- Patients who have a history of recurring cold sores (Herpes simplex type I) should
start oral Valtrex 500 mg tablets, two tablets twice daily for three days - starting this
prescription the morning of your PDT treatment. The prescription for this product will
be ordered for you.
- Please ensure your skin is clean and free of all make-up, moisturizers, and sunscreens.
Bring a hat, sunglasses, and scarf when appropriate to the clinic to protect your skin from sun exposure following treatment.
- Photography will be done by the staff before the Levulan is applied.
- You must sign a consent form.
- An acetone scrub is performed. This will enhance the absorption of the Levulan and
promote a much more even uptake of the drug.
- Levulan is applied topically to the whole area/zone to be treated (for example
whole face, back of the hands, extensor part of the forearms, etc.).
- The Levulan is left on for 3-70 minutes prior to light treatment.
- The Levulan is activated with the BLU-U light. This unique spectrum of light activates the
Levulan beginning with low energy levels. This is painless but requires around 89
minutes to complete.
- Post-treatment instructions will be given to you for care of your improved skin.
For News Report about ALA Click here
Pre and Post treatment photographs
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