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Photodynamic Therapy with Levulan
PDT is a process by which a photosensitizing agent (Levulan) is applied to your skin. A Photosensitizing agent is a special solution applied to the skin that is activated by a specific wavelength of light, which “turns it on.” Levulan has been used extensively for the treatment of a variety of different skin conditions. Levulan® treatment has two main components: an aminolevulinic acid solution (a substance found naturally within your body) and light therapy. The light can be in the form of intense pulse light or a blue light. First, the clear Levulan® solution is applied with a cotton swab applicator to skin that is plagued by acne, rosacea, actinic scarring or all three. Then left to absorb into your skin for up to two hours, the solution is changed to a chemical called PPIX. This preps the treated area for the Blue Light portion of the process by increasing the damaged skin's sensitivity to light. Next, the Blue Light therapy is shone onto problem spots, killing the acne-causing bacteria and destroying any Actinic Keratoses (AK) lesions and other sun damaged areas. Though mainly used to treat precancerous skin lesions known as AK lesions and mild to moderate acne, Levulan® can also treat oily skin and slow growth sebaceous glands, sun damaged skin, fine lines and creases. While each patient is different, common side effects may include a tingling sensation at the application site, reddening (like a mild sunburn) and swelling, as well as dry, scaly patches of skin. There are few if any complications to using this therapy and it works well on all skin types.
All Levulan Photodynamic Therapy procedures are performed or supervised by |
