Levulan

Finally, there is a safe and effective alternative to treating acne that also improves sun-damaged skin, fine lines, blotchy pigmentation and rough skin patches. Levulan is being used in conjunction with many skin rejuvenation therapies such as Intense Pulse Light (IPL). If only you could undo the years of sun damage…now you can!

WHAT IS PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY?

PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT) also know as ALA/PDT, is a treatment performed with a topical photosensitizing agent called Levulan (5-amiolevulinic acid or ALA) that is applied to your skin and then activated with the correct wavelength of light. These treatments remove sun damaged precancerous spots called Actinic Keratosis. Treatments also improve sun-damaged skin, fine lines, blotchy pigmentation and rough skin patches. PhotoDynamic Therapy treatment has the unique ability to minimize pores and reduce oil glands – effectively treating stubborn acne, acne rosacea and improving the appearance of some acne scars.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?

The treated area can appear red and you may experience some peeling for up to 7 days following treatment. Mild swelling can occur around the lip or eye area. If swelling occurs it is usually temporary and will subside within a day or two. Sensitive skin may appear very red for the first couple of days. Pigmentation spots can become temporarily darker and then will peel off, leaving the skin smooth and even-toned. You will be advised to stay out of the sun and to consistently use a sun block. You will be photosensitive for several days and must protect the treated area.

HOW MUCH IMPROVEMENT CAN I EXPECT?

You will see improvement after each treatment. People with severe sun damaged skin, Actinic Keratosis, rough skin patches, poor skin texture, and uneven pigmentation may see excellent results. Treatment improves the appearance of large pores and some acne scars. Active acne can improve dramatically.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

To achieve maximum improvement for sun damage, texture and skin tone, a series of three or more treatments performed 2 – 4 weeks apart is often recommended.

HOW IS THE PROCEDURE PERFORMED?

First, the area being treated will be cleansed and properly prepared for treatment. In some cases an exfoliating scrub may be performed. On some skin types a gentle cleanser will be used. The Levulan is applied evenly to the area and maybe left on the skin for up to an hour. Once removed, the IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment is performed.

WILL TREATMENT IMPROVE ACNE?

Yes. Acne is a disease involving the sebaceous glands of the skin and affects over 98% of adolescents and many adults. During puberty, our bodies produce large amounts of an oily substance called sebum. Sebum, when combined with excessive skin debris, sticks together in our pores causing the pore to become plugged. Without effective treatment, these clogged pores can become infected, red, swollen and form unsightly pimples that can lead to scarring. Topical creams can irritate the skin and take months to work. Antibiotics can have multiple side effects and become less effective over time. After several PDT treatments, mild or active acne can improve dramatically.

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Levulan Finally, there is a safe and effective alternative to treating acne that also improves sun-damaged skin, fine lines, blotchy pigmentation and rough skin patches. Levulan is being used in conjunction with many skin rejuvenation therapies such as Intense Pulse Light (IPL). If only you could undo the years of sun damage…now you can! WHAT IS PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY? PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT) also know as ALA/PDT, is a treatment performed with a topical photosensitizing agent called Levulan (5-amiolevulinic acid or ALA) that is applied to your skin and then activated with the correct wavelength of light. These treatments remove sun damaged precancerous spots called Actinic Keratosis. Treatments also improve sun-damaged skin, fine lines, blotchy pigmentation and rough skin patches. PhotoDynamic Therapy treatment has the unique ability to minimize pores and reduce oil glands – effectively treating stubborn acne, acne rosacea and improving the appearance of some acne scars. WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS? The treated area can appear red and you may experience some peeling for up to 7 days following treatment. Mild swelling can occur around the lip or eye area. If swelling occurs it is usually temporary and will subside within a day or two. Sensitive skin may appear very red for the first couple of days. Pigmentation spots can become temporarily darker and then will peel off, leaving the skin smooth and even-toned. You will be advised to stay out of the sun and to consistently use a sun block. You will be photosensitive for several days and must protect the treated area. HOW MUCH IMPROVEMENT CAN I EXPECT? You will see improvement after each treatment. People with severe sun damaged skin, Actinic Keratosis, rough skin patches, poor skin texture, and uneven pigmentation may see excellent results. Treatment improves the appearance of large pores and some acne scars. Active acne can improve dramatically. HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED? To achieve maximum improvement for sun damage, texture and skin tone, a series of three or more treatments performed 2 – 4 weeks apart is often recommended. HOW IS THE PROCEDURE PERFORMED? First, the area being treated will be cleansed and properly prepared for treatment. In some cases an exfoliating scrub may be performed. On some skin types a gentle cleanser will be used. The Levulan is applied evenly to the area and maybe left on the skin for up to an hour. Once removed, the IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment is performed. WILL TREATMENT IMPROVE ACNE? Yes. Acne is a disease involving the sebaceous glands of the skin and affects over 98% of adolescents and many adults. During puberty, our bodies produce large amounts of an oily substance called sebum. Sebum, when combined with excessive skin debris, sticks together in our pores causing the pore to become plugged. Without effective treatment, these clogged pores can become infected, red, swollen and form unsightly pimples that can lead to scarring. Topical creams can irritate the skin and take months to work. Antibiotics can have multiple side effects and become less effective over time. After several PDT treatments, mild or active acne can improve dramatically. ↑ top