Levulan PDT

How Many Treatments will it take to see the “Best Results”?

A series of three treatments 1-4 weeks apart is the most effective. More treatments can be done at periodic intervals in the future to maintain the rejuvenated appearance of the skin. If there is a flareup, w would treat that immediately.

What are the disadvantages?

Following PDT, the treated areas can appear red with some peeling for 2-7 days. If you don’t avoid the sun in the first 24h, you may have an exuberant response to PDT, and experience marked redness of their skin. Repeat treatments may be necessary as PDT medicine is not an exact science.

What are the advantages?

• Easier: the side effects are minimal, rapid healing, and only 2-3 treatments required.
• The ALA/PDT treatment at our clinic is painless.
• Reduced acne scarring and an improved cosmetic outcome like smaller pores, improved texture, decreased the oily sensation of the skin.
• Levulan improves the whole facial area treated creating all one color, texture, and tone. Levulan/PDT is great because it’s:
• Well tolerated (essentially painless)
• Easily performed by a specialty clinic environment
• Non-invasive (no needles or surgery required)
• Excellent cosmetic outcome (particularly in cosmetic sensitive areas of the face)

Before the Procedure make sure:

Patients who have a history of recurring cold sores (Herpes simplex type I) should start oral Valtrex 500 mg tablets, two tablets twice daily for three days – starting this prescription the morning of your PDT treatment. We can give you a prescription If you need one.
Make sure your skin is clean and free of all makeup, moisturizers, and sunscreens. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and scarf when appropriate to the clinic.

• Photography will be done by the staff before the Levulan is applied.
• You must sign a consent form.
• An acetone scrub is performed. This will enhance the absorption of the Levulan and give much more even uptake. We might even do microdermabrasion to enhance absorption.