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
May 29, 2007
Cons:
Effects don't last. I developed melasma as a result, which doesn't go away. Expensive.
I had this procedure done four times over the course of three months and I regret it more than anything. It left me with hyperpigmentation called melasma on my nose, forehead, and cheekbones. These brown spots don't go away and now I have to avoid sun exposure almost completely. I also developed a huge cystic pimple on my cheek that took over a month to go away and it left a prominent scar. It's expensive too- each session was $350. Bottom line: some people may have good experiences with this, but there are better options. Right now I'm using Tazorac 0.05 cream at night and Duac in the morning. I'm also taking the oral antibiotic Dynacin (minocycline) once a day (100mg). This is working great. Since the Tazorac causes peeling and dryness with me, I mix it with an equal part of Cetaphil lotion and apply it. This was recommended to me by my dermatologist and works well. After 3 months I will go off the antibiotic and remain on the taz and duac, which should be enought. Get a good doctor!
February 28, 2007
Pros:
none
Cons:
hurts a lot! definately not cheap! cost me 800 dollars for one treatment!
this does not work! all the people that r writing that it works, work for a dermotologist! they r just writing that it works to make more money. this treatment does not work and it is rather painful! DLK on Avenue is the dermatologist i went to and they r a complete scam! they have lost all credibility from me and i will forever rant and rave that there clinic is a scam! i have told all of my friends and i may even launch a website against them!! Everyone from toronto DO NOT GO TO DLK ON AVENUE! after the treatment my face was completely red and swollen! this lasted for the next 5 days! very painful and very emabarassing! then my skin peeled for the next 3 days! the areas of my face that actually looked cleaner were areas without acne so it could just be in my head that it is cleaner then before the treatment! but all areas around the jawline, temples, forehead and nose with pimples were untouched and exactly the same as before the treatment!
January 22, 2007
Pros:
I just got treated 3 days ago and although im completely red....the texture of my skin is so much better and my acne looks a lot better
Cons:
i'm not sure if my skin is going to completely clear up...and im nervous it wont.
its expensive but if this works after 3 treatments the price is completely worth it...my skin is bright red and swollen but its definetely better
October 19, 2006
I did the blue-u light with the infrared light for 4 weeks, twice a week (one day blue, one day infrared) and can't say it worked. I also did one session of levulan with blue-u light and again, can't say it worked. I was fortunate to do these treatments in a study, so I didn't pay for them. I would recommend looking for laser centers that offer studies to try this, rather than paying. Accutane worked the best (though it dried up my sinuses) but recently learned you can take it in very low dosages, though for a much longer time. But with so many side affects, I would recommend 2.5% BP, mild cleanser (vanicream) a good moisturizer (nuetrogena healthy defense) and a health insurance plan where you can get injections from derm for cystic breakouts. Also, health reimbursement account for monthly chemical peels (as long as it's from a derm and a receipt for treatment of acne is provided) and a diet full of vegetables!
February 19, 2009
Pros:
I don't know yet. I am on day two of my second treatment. Unfortunately I am not peeling as much as I see others on the message board have. Should I not be moisturizing as much? Apparently the more you peel the better it works?
Cons:
The recovery process is more intense than I would've thought. I felt sunstroked.
Any advice from those who it worked for would be great. I just wouldn't mind knowing some of the signs that it is working - right now I am just itchy and quite broken out.
January 10, 2009
Pros:
none at all worse than ever,can't believe I fell for this mess
Cons:
ruined my skin has made it a total disaster,wasted a whole bunch of money and summer
If you like throwing your money and your time away go for it, I wouldn't do it again if someone paid me a million bucks, I am a 31 year old woman with a mess that noone knows what to do with I can't even look at people when I am talking to them my students even ask me what happened to my face or how I got this rash. hate eveything about the treatment
September 29, 2008
Pros:
Not as many side effects as Accutane
Cons:
Could not get in light for 2 days, severe peeling and redness.
This treatment was extremely expensive and did not work for me at all. I have had acne for over 30 years and taken Accutane 3 times, it wears off, so I was looking for a treatment with less severe side effects and more permanent results. Two months after treatment my skin is just as oily and prone to break-outs as before treatment started. I had 4 treatments over the course of 4 months. Also, before each treatment I had a microdermabrasion, as my doctor said it would make the treatment more effective. The only lasting effect it has had is that now my skin is very sensitive to products that I could use before the laser treatment. This was a waste of money and not covered by my health insurance.
June 7, 2008
Pros:
Improved acne, smoother skin...
Cons:
EXTREMELY painful ! Downtime at least 4 days
I've done 3 treatments, 2 weeks a part . First time was SUPER painful, tears were coming out by themselves, I'm a 24 years old man thoug:))
Second time, I got Advil and it wasn't so bad. After all it smoothed my skin, reduce scars/pores by 10-15 % in some places 0 % :( After 3-4 weeks from the last treatment I felt like I haven't done anything to my skin at all just spent 1500$ in total. Didn't work for me, I'm on Accutane now, works well so far;))
January 29, 2008
Pros:
Amazing! I had three treatments of the Levulan/Blue light treatment combined w/a VBeam Laser. Do not be discouraged the first treatment will not do the trick. You will breakout. According to my doc, it takes 3-6 treatments to get the best results.
Cons:
Costly, but well worth it. Somewhat painful if you are extremely broken out, but your skin should clear with each treatment. It will hurt less everytime.
I used to have terrible breakouts, including cystic acne. After 3 treatments (about a month apart) I had clear skin. I still get some superficial stuff on the forehead, but no big ugly/painful pimples. The treatments last about a year, then I went in for a touch up session. Beware my dermatologoist said that the levulan/blue therapy alone does not work that well, but when combined with the laser treatment the treatment can do wonders. I believe I paid about $900-1000 per treatment. If you live in the area, I saw Boris Zaks in Beverly Hills, CA. He specializes in acne and anti-aging treatments. On top of being very personable and understanding, he is a board certified dermatologist and performs the treatments himself.
December 28, 2007
Pros:
NOTHING
Cons:
EXPENSIVE and DID NOTHING
it did absolutely nothing. it is a waste of my money and time.
Pros:
At first, it seemed that oil production went down and that my skin was clearer.