LevulanŽ PDT for Acne

If you suffer from resistant, hard to treat acne BNG Aesthetics offers the new "wonder" treatment, Levulan® Photodynamic Therapy. It is become one of our most popular procedures for treating acne in men and women of all ages. Levulan® Photodynamic acne treatments involve the application of a photosensitizing agent Levulan® (5-aminolevulinic acid), which is then activated by specific wavelength of light. Levulan® Photodynamic Therapy results in significant improvement in moderate to severe cystic acne as well as actinic keratoses, warts, sun damage, and other skin problems. As an added bonus it improves wrinkles, pore size, skin texture, pigmentation, rosacea, sebaceous hyperplasia (overactive oil glands), and diminishes older acne scars.

It is very effective in treating resistant and cystic acne. The light destroys acne bacteria (P.acnes) and reduces the output of over active oil glands in the skin. The result is that acnes heal and pores remain open, preventing further outbreaks. In the past Accutane has been used to treat these conditions, but Accutane has been a cause of serious side effects including: liver damage, joint pains, skin dryness, as well as severe psychological problems. PDT resolves these skin conditions with relatively minor irritation and discomfort.

What is the procedure?

Topical Levulan® is applied to the effected area and absorbed by the hair follicles, oil glands, bacteria and rapidly growing cells. After leaving the solution on the skin for 30-60 minutes the lesions become sensitive to light. Blue Light or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is then applied to the skin for 20 minutes. During treatment you may feel stinging, tingling, prickling, or burning of the lesions. The discomfort usually improves immediately after treatment and ends within 48 hours. The skin can turn red and may be swollen for the first 24 to 48 hours. At time some crusting may be noted. Peeling and sunburn-like redness may persist for about a week. After one week, residual redness may be covered with mineral make up. Microdermabrasion is often performed prior to the application of Levulan.

Before the Procedure:

• Patients with a history of recurring cold sores (Herpes simplex type I) should start on oral Valtrex 500 mg tablets, two tablets twice daily for three days - starting on the morning of your PDT treatment.
• Skin should be clean and free of all makeup, moisturizers, and sunscreens.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses, and scarf when appropriate to the clinic.
• You will be asked to sign a consent form.
• Photography will be taken before the procedure
• To enhance the absorption of the Levulan an acetone scrub or microdermabrasion is performed

After PDT, a small amount of activated substance remains in the skin for 24 to 48 hours. Sunlight and even indoor light may continue to activate remaining substance and cause excessive redness and itching. To avoid undesired side effects use of sunscreen and physical barriers are highly recommended. We strongly suggest spending the first two days after treatment indoors.

A series of about three treatments four weeks apart are the most effective. However, the exact number of sessions required will depend on the severity of skin condition.

During your free initial consultation, Dr. Gabinskiy will evaluate your skin and recommend the most effective course of treatment. He will explain the procedure in detail, and recommend an acne skin care regiment for maintaining healthy skin.

Click here to request a consultation for Levulan® PDT