Frequently Asked Questions About Levulan Photodynamic Therapy

What is Photodynamic Therapy?
Photodynamic Therapy is a special treatment performed with a topical photosensitizing agent called Levulan activated with the correct wavelength of light. This is also known as “ALA/PDT treatment”. These treatments remove sun damaged pre-cancerous zones and spots called actinic keratoses. Sun damage, fine lines, and blotchy pigmentation are also improved because of the positive effect of Levulan and the light treatment. ALA/PDT treatment also has the unique ability to minimize pores and reduce oil glands, effectively treating stubborn acne vulgaris, acne rosacea, and improve the over-all appearance of some acne scars.

How much improvement can I expect?
Clients with severe sun damaged skin manifested by actinic keratosis, texture, and tone changes including mottled pigmentation and skin laxity may see excellent results. You may also see improvement of large pores and pitted acne scars. Active acne can improve dramatically.

How many treatments will it take to see the “best results”?
To achieve maximum improvement of pre-cancerous (actinic keratosis) sun damage, skin tone and texture, a series of three treatments 2-4 weeks apart is the most effective. Some clients with only actinic keratoses are happy with one treatment. More treatments can be done at periodic intervals in the future to maintain the rejuvenated appearance of the skin.

What are the disadvantages?
Following PDT, the treated areas can appear red with some peeling for 2-7 days. Some clients have an exuberant response to PDT, and experience marked redness of their skin. Temporary swelling of the lips and around your eyes can occur for a few days. Darker pigmented patches called liver spots can become temporarily darker and then peel off leaving normal skin. (This usually occurs over 7-10 days.) Repeat treatments may be necessary as PDT medicine is not an exact science.

What are the Advantages?
It’s easier for clients than repeated topical liquid nitrogen, Efudex, Aldara or Accutane because the side effects are minimal, rapid healing, and only 1-3 treatments required.

1. The ALA/PDT treatment is painless versus liquid nitrogen, 5-FU and Aldara.
2. Reduced scarring and improved cosmetic outcome compared with cautery, surgery and Efudex. Liquid nitrogen can leave white spots on your skin.
3. Levulan improves the whole facial area treated creating all one color, texture, and tone rather than just spot treating with liquid nitrogen, cautery and surgery.

In summary, PDT matches the “ideal treatment” for photo-damaged skin:

• 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)