Photodynamic Therapy

Benefits/How It Works

Benefits:

Two potential uses: treatment of sun damage and treatment of acne. For sun damage, precancerous spots termed actinic keratosis can be treated leading to healthier skin. The entire face can be treated as can the hands and forearms. Greater clearance than with spot treatment like liquid nitrogen can be obtained and with minimal downtime compared to prescription creams.

How It Works:

Levulan® lotion is applied to the affected areas for up to an hour followed by a few minutes of activation with the visible blue light, Blu-U™. Levulan® contains aminolevulenic acid, a natural substance normally found in our skin. Acne bacteria produce a related substance and the Levulan® boosts that reaction, leading to reduction of these bacteria as well as shrinkage of the oil glands. With sun damage spots, these are removed as the affected skin preferentially absorbs the Levulan® and spots cleared once the treated areas are activated by the Blu-U™ light.

Treatment/FAQ

Ideal For:

Patients with acne who do not wish to take pills. Patients with sun damage who wish more complete clearance of actinic keratosis with the shortest downtime.

How It Feels:

Some patients experience a mild tingling or stinging sensation.

Downtime:

Without Levulan® – no downtime. With Levulan®, 3 – 7 days of redness and possible crusting. Due to photosensitivity, patients are advised to avoid sunlight for 48 hours after each treatment.

Treatment Time:

Acne: 8-15 minutes of Blu-U light preceded by 30-45 minutes Levulan®; Actinic Keratoses: 15-20 minutes Blu-U preceded by 1 hour Levulan®

Frequency:

Acne: recommended treatments with Levulan® are every 3 weeks for an average of 6 sessions. Blu-U without Levulan® is 2 times per week for 8-12 weeks. Maintenance treatments are recommended. Actinic Keratoses: 1-2 treatments one month apart.

Technology Used:

Blu-U™
Levulan Kerastick™