What is Photodynamic Therapy?

Photodynamic therapy is a special treatment performed with Levulan (5-aminolevulinic acid), a topical photosensitizing agent that is activated with a correct wavelength of light from either a laser or IPL light source.  The treatments remove sun damaged pre-cancerous areas of skin and spots called actinic keratoses.  Sun damage, blotchy pigmentation, fine wrinkles, and blood vessels are also significantly improved.  Levulan Photodynamic Therapy is also very effective at reducing pore size and oil glands, often dramatically improving even cystic acne, rosacea and the appearance of minor acne scarring.

How much improvement can be expected?

Patients with severely sun damaged skin manifested by actinic keratoses, texture and tone changes like mottled skin pigmentation, skin laxity, wrinkling, ruddiness may see excellent results. One may also see improvement in large pores and pitted acne scars.  Active acne, even cystic forms, often improves dramatically.

How many treatments will it take to see the “best results?”

A series of two to three treatments 3-5 weeks apart are usually needed to achieve maximum improvement.  Some patients with only actinic keratoses may achieve excellent results in just one treatment.

What are the disadvantages?

Following treatment, the treated areas may appear red with some peeling for 2-7 days.  Temporary swelling of the lips and around the eyes may occur for a few days.  Darker pigmented spots may become temporarily darker and then peel off leaving more normal skin. (This takes 7-10 days usually.)  Repeat treatments may be necessary.  Medicine is still an art and not an exact science.

What are the advantages?

• Easier treatment for patients who would otherwise need repeated liquid nitrogen, Efudex, Carac or Solaraze creams or Aldara, because the side effects are minimal, healing more rapid, and only 1-3 treatments needed.

• Photodynamic Photorejuvenation or Actinotherapy are comparatively painless versus liquid nitrogen, Efudex, Carac, Solaraze and Aldara.

• Reduced scarring and improved cosmetic outcome compared to traditional surgical, CO2 laser or Efudex and similar cream use.

• Photodynamic Levulan Photorejuvenation improves the whole facial area treated, creating one color, texture, and tone rather than just spot treating with liquid nitrogen, CO2 laser or blade surgery.

In Summary, Photodynamic Photorejuvenation is

• Well tolerated – essentially painless

• Easily performed in an experienced practice setting

• Non-invasive – no needles or surgery required

• Excellent cosmetic outcome, especially in cosmetically sensitive areas of the face

Treatment Steps

• If there is a history of recurrent fever blisters or cold sores, Valtrex 1000mg two times a day for three days should be taken, starting the morning of treatment.  The prescription will be ordered for you.

• The skin should be clean and free of all make-up, moisturizers and sunscreens.  Bring sunglasses, a hat and scarf when appropriate, to the office the day of treatment.

• Photographs will be taken before the Levulan is applied.

• A consent form must be signed.

• The areas to be treated will be cleaned with acetone or treated with microdermabrasion or both to enhance the even absorption of the Levulan.

• Levulan is applied to the whole are to be treated.

• Levulan is left on 30-60 minutes before laser or IPL treatment.

• Levulan is activated with NLite laser or with a Photoderm IPL.  Levulan is left on for NLite treatment, but removed prior to Photoderm IPL treatment.

• After treatment, any remaining Levulan is removed.

• Post-treatment instructions will be given to you to help take care of your improved skin.

© 2006 Joel A. Sabean, M.D.  Privacy Statement  Disclaimer