Acne.org Products
Phototherapy
Acne.org’s Real World Take
PDT as it’s called is an incredibly painful procedure, but one that may produce lasting results. It’s a less invasive option than isotretinoin for severe acne that doesn’t cause so many potentially lifelong side effects. However, it works by permanently disabling skin oil glands, and what happens long term when you do that remains unknown. Proceed with caution.
Phototherapy
How to Get It
Have a dermatologist? Make an appointment to get this procedure done. Don't have a dermatologist? See The American Academy of Dermatology Physician Database to find one.
Used Photodynamic Therapy? Rate It:
Choose from 1 to 5 stars
June 14, 2007
Cons:
4 days of downtime, very expensive, promised one treatment to work but had to have two.
Well after spending $750 at the Derm I thought my skin would now be perfect. So far I am on day 4 after the treatment and my skin is a peeling mess. This is my second time with the levulan and blu-u. First time incubated for 2 hrs and had blu-u for 15. Second time had facial first, then incubated with Levulan for 2.5 hrs and sat under the light for 15 min. (Before levulan sat under blu-u twice a week for two weeks and it did nothing.) Seems longer than anyone else posting. Cheeks just started breaking out today with tiny pimples that are already crusting over. I hope this will work cuz this is the last ditch effort before Accutane. I also started taking 4 grams of Vitamin C a day plus a 50mg zinc tablet and it seems to help a great deal. If your at wits end, at least try vitamins to see if it makes a difference.
November 17, 2006
Pros:
Reduction in cysts, mild fading of hyperpigmentation, some tightening of pores
Cons:
Slight redness, being house-bound for 2 days
I had Levulan (30 min. incubation time) + Blu-U (10 min.) last week, and so far I'm cautiously optimistic. I've noticed that the cysts on my cheek as well as other spots on the chin dried up very quickly, and that some of the hyperpigmentation on my cheeks has faded. I've scheduled two more sessions at $200 each (I have 80% coverage for the Levulan) and am keeping my fingers crossed. After reading all the posts here, I was nervous about the discomfort involved. For me, pain, redness and swelling were minimal. The day of the procedure, i was very slightly red, but after that, I was back to normal.
According to the doctor I consulted, he said that generally about two-thirds of the patients he sees leave satisfied with Levulan + Blu-U...
September 29, 2009
Pros:
Cleared up tiny bumps all over my face
Cons:
Had to hide for a week, peeling skin, more whiteheads/breakouts, looked like a burn-victim
This is my first treatment, so it is hard to say what 3 treatments would be like. My face looks just as bad, if not worse than before. I am hoping it gets better within the next week. I am trying accutane.
April 19, 2009
Pros:
it shrinks my pores & acne scars. i just hope it will get rid of my acne completely.
Cons:
it's really painful while on the blue light like getting fried.even after the treatment face still burning hot. it's tolerable though if you take a pain killer like Vicodin 30 mins. before exposure to the light . dontime of at least 7 days.
it's seems effective especially if you have a lot of scars from acne.
this is my second tx. less traumatic now because i had a strong pain killer.
February 15, 2009
Pros:
I'm only on my second day of the treatment, and even though my face is about the color of a tomato, my scars have already started to disappear, and my skin is not oily at ALL. Every single pimple I've had has completely dried out.
Cons:
My face is about the color of a tomato and very mildly irritated.
I think it's definitely worth the slight discomfort, and I can't wait til the red fades, because I can already tell it's gotten better.
July 10, 2008
Pros:
any treatment has a Pro.
Cons:
Redness and swelling. Severe breakout after treatment.
I have been battling acne for over 2 years now and have tried Proactiv. Having had no luck, I gave Blu-U and Levulan a shot. It has been about 6 days now after my first treatment. At first, my face became very red. This lasted for about 4 days. During this redness I did breakout constantly especially around the chin area. I'm guessing because it's really surfacing all the infectious bacteria thats deep down under my skin. These breakouts do leave very dark spots but I'm not at all worried. Being skeptical about a treatment does no good. I'm scheduled for my 2nd appointment in about 4 weeks. And im sure it will be much better.
January 6, 2008
Pros:
Significantly improves hyperpigmentation, texture of skin, acne scars, and reduces the sizes of the pores!!!!
Cons:
About 4 days of isolation.
I have had this treatment done two times, and in a few more weeks I am going for my third treatment. I have had acne for about 5 years. Proactiv didn't work, and the topical creams and medications didn't give me the results I was looking for. I highly recommend this treatment to everyone...my dermatologist said that it happens frequently that remission is induced! The pigment on my cheeks has gone away, I am not getting any breakouts, and my skin is rejuvinated and looking great! I do recommend that you do not see the light of day at all. The first time I had it done, I walked out to my car the next day, came back inside, and my face was burning for the rest of the day. So just stay inside and you'll be fine! Also...load up the face with Vaseline, it really helps when you peel. Your insurance might even cover the treatment completely!!!
October 2, 2007
Pros:
Cleared up my severe acne.
Cons:
PRICEY!
I had this proceedure done along with the Smoothbeam laser and one thing that people need to be mindful of is to literally stay in the dark for the first 48 hours otherwise your skin will burn. If you stay in the dark and away from ALL windows, you will not burn. But it was worth it. I'm at the point where I need a couple of maintantence sessions with the laser.
September 19, 2007
Pros:
i had really bad back acne where levulan and blue light was used. i had 5 treatments costing about 1800 dollars. but i still think this is good. the acne is significantly less and scarring is going lower too. my doc said i should do 1 every six month
Cons:
it hurts a little for 2 days with burning sensation and the back is / feels burnt but beyond that it is ok.
i think it is better than soaps, medication, and lotions wise. although insurance doesnt cover it i think it is cost effective time wise.
March 31, 2007
Pros:
Smoother skin after 1 treatment
Cons:
pricey
I had 1 treatment so far-yesterday. So far, my skin is much smoother. The derm used the Blu-u ligt therapy for 10 minutes and then I went to another room where they used some type of hot laser on my skin but it wasn't painful. I have to pay 500 dollars for each session and only get 1 per month. oh.. my derm also told me to use plain old acetone (good old finger nail poilish remover- go figure!) once a week and then follow by a moisturizer. Hope it works! (I'm 37 and have had acne for literally 27 years.)
Pros:
Cleared up red marks I thought were going to be scars, and made my skin tone even. Started to get rid of acne.