Photodynamic therapy

Photorejuvenation using intense pulsed light (IPL) is now the gold standard of non-ablative skin treatments. The most recent advance is photorejuvenation is photodynamic therapy (PDT) combined with IPL, known as photodynamic skin rejuvenation. Photodynamic skin rejuvenation involves the application of Levulan, a photosensitizing agent, which is then activated with a laser or light source. This results in significant improvement in precancerous conditions such as AK’s, actinically damaged skin, sun damaged skin, and moderate to severe cystic acne, and potentially prevents the development of skin cancer. Levulan is revolutionizing how we perform skin rejuvenation and how we treat sun- damaged skin.

Photodynamic therapy with Levulan for:

The Procedure
We apply the medicine (Levulan), after 1 hour Levulan will be activated with IPL or intense pulsed light. You will be given special goggles to wear to protect your eyes during the treatment. During the treatment you may feel stinging of the lesions, but this should go away after the treatment. You should stay out of the sun and bright light as much as possible for the next 48 hours. The skin will turn red and swollen in the following 3-7 days. Occasionally crusting maybe noted. There should be some discomfort but no significant pain. After 1 week there might be some residual redness that will subside after a few days and can be covered with make-up.

What causes acne?
Acne is caused by overactivity of sebaceous or oil glands triggered by male hormones or androgens which is also produced in females. Production of this hormone is highest during puberty. The hormone also increases the activity of the cells lining the gland ducts. These cells clump and clog the skin pores and causes oil trapped beneath the skin, leading to development of white and black heads.

Acne typically starts in adolescence however many older individuals suffer from acne. There are different forms of acne ranging from milder comedonal (black or white heads) to moderate postular or pus-forming pimples to sever large inflammatory cystic acne. Bacteria normally can be found in the inflammatory oil glands of acne patients.

Levulan acne treatment and rejuvenation

Acne treatments using Levulan Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is the most recent advance in acne therapy. Photodynamic acne treatment involves the application of Levulan, a photosensitizing agent, which is then activated with a laser or light system. This results in significant improvement in moderate to severe cystic acne.

Levulan treatment inactivates the bacteria that trigger acne, exfoliates the skin to unclog pores, and shuts down the sebaceous glands in the skin. This is exciting because inflamed sebaceous glands are the cause of acne.