Levulan Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) or 5-Aminolevulinic Acid

Don't let acne steal your self-esteem and your beauty! At Solaris Med Spa, you can reclaim blemish-free skin with Levulan Photodynamic Therapy, or PDT. This system is also referred to as 5-Amniolevulinic Acid.

Purpose

To reduce or erase troublesome facial acne.

Treatment Options

There are two products that can eradicate bacteria and reduce the production of sebum that contribute to acne: Accutane and PDT.

While Accutane is effective, it requires treatment over six months or longer. Accutane has been known to cause liver problems, so frequent lab tests are required during therapy. Dry, cracked skin, and random nosebleeds as well as depression are also common side effects.

Non-Surgical Therapy

At Solaris Med Spa, we use Levulan Photodynamic Therapy because it offers a predictable recovery time of two to four days during which the skin undergoes a chemical peel. After we apply 5-aminolevulinic acid to the skin, you may be asked to let the medication incubate. After 2-4 hours, you should return to the office for Power Levulan treatment with the Photofacial laser and/or a Blu-U treatment. The Power Levulan procedure involves exposure to an IPL (photo-facial) which activates the Levulan deep within skin. Blu-U treatment activates the 5-aminolevulinic acid more superficially. We can determine which process is best for your unique case. Usually, 1-3 Levulan Photodynamic Therapy treatments at one month intervals are required for optimal results. It may be unrealistic for the patient to expect miraculous results with only one treatment.

Effects

Levulan Photodynamic Therapy rejuvenates the skin and inactivates bacteria and sebaceous glands that cause acne. In addition to the desired acne reduction, you can also expect to achieve smoother, tighter skin from this medical grade skin peel. After the skin goes through a period of redness with some burning (in the sun), skin tightness and subsequent peeling complete the process a day or two. The adverse side effects of Accutane are not present with Levulan Photodynamic Therapy.

As a personal note, this author took Accutane in college and did experience persistent dry skin, frequent nosebleeds, drainage from pustular acne, suicidal ideation, and depression. Levulan Photodynamic Therapy was not an option then. It is an option now.

Results

An IPL and Blu-U light-assisted Levulan Photodynamic Therapy will help remove acne, improve pigmentation, improve skin texture (wrinkles & pores), and remove (and thereby protect from the advancement of) precancerous Actinic Keratosis (AK) skin lesions.