Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic Therapy is a specialized 2-part treatment for acne, sun-damaged skin and actinic keratoses. It may also help blotchy areas of hyper-pigmentation, fine facial lines and deep acne ice-pit scars. Actinic keratoses are areas of sun damage on the skin which appear as rough, dry, scaly patches. They can progress to skin cancer.

Your treatment begins with a facial cleaning with acetone. We then apply a medicated solution (Levulan Kerastick®) to your skin. This solution is left in place for 60-90 minutes allowing it to be absorbed by the acne causing bacteria, the precancerous skin cells, and the sebaceous glands. The skin cells and bacteria convert the solution into a chemical which makes them extremely sensitive to light. We then expose the prepared areas to a safe blue laser light, BLUE-U®, which activates the medication and destroys  the cells and bacteria.

These treatments are gentle and are safe for all skin types. Afterwards, you may feel as though you have a mild sun burn. It is normal that your skin peels in the 2 to 3 days after the session.

You MUST avoid exposing the treated areas to sunlight or prolonged or intense light for 48 hours because your skin will remain hypersensitive to light.

These treatments are repeated depending on the original problem. For people with acne, 3 to 5 treatments may be required at 4-week intervals. Some patients benefit from annual treatments for skin cancer prevention. We tailor the sessions to how your skin reacts to the therapy. Because Levulan® may be prescribed, please verify with your insurance company if they will reimburse you for this therapy.