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
February 23, 2008
Cons:
Expensive and not covered by my Blue Cross/Shield insurance
I am being treated for mild to moderate adult acne/cysts.The Levulan was applied and I relaxed in a comfy spa chair for 45 minutes while the product did its thing.The doctor then adorned me with goggles and began using the blue light.She warned me it would feel like a rubber-band snapping on my face with a hot jolt.She was correct.Some sensitive spots on my face hurt more than others during the process.But the mild pain was very tolerable. It took about 20 minutes for the blue light process. My face felt very warm during and immediately following the procedure. However, on my one hour drive home, the warmness subsided and my face did not look as red as it was at the office. It is now 3 hours after the procedure and I have little redness or sensitivity to light. I was told to expect the worse and to see some acne develop over the next few days. 2 scripts - one for potential herpe outbreak and another antibiotic to prevent a bacterial infection. I will keep you all posted on my progress!
May 11, 2007
Pros:
Hoping that my chin ( where I am Acne pron) clears up and my dark pigmentation spots clear up.
Cons:
Just had the treatment Two days ago. My face is unbelivably red. I look like a red monstor. Its swollen too and hurts. Ice packs helped last night.
Im getting Married in 5 weeks and Im freaked out that my skin will not be back to normal and my poor face will look terrable on my wedding day. I have been going to the dermatologist now for about 2 months. At first they were just using the smooth beam and IPL laser. The RN who did the proceudre said that the DR also prescribed Levulan with the IPL laser. First she cleaned my face with Acetone to remove all the oils and make it clean. Then she used a laser like I usually have. She put me in a room and applied the Levulan all over my face. It stung but I was in front of a fan. She left it on for about 30-45 min. Then we went to another treatment room where she usd the IPL laser. I was not to red or swollen for the first few hours. LAter that night it go worse. Ysterday monring I was horrified when I looked in the mirror and today is not much better. I pray pray pray my skin goes back to normal.
March 25, 2007
Pros:
Clear up pre cancerous spots.
Cons:
Hibernation and being recluse for 2 days. Itching and redness first few days.
I am on my fourth day and have begun to wear my bare minerals make up to cover the remaining redness. So far my experience has not been devestating and I am hopeful that this treatment has taken care of the actinic keratosis on my face. This is a far better treatment than cryosurgery or effudux cream.
November 24, 2006
Pros:
nothing
Cons:
does not work
for the past two months, I did three treatments of Levulan photodynamic treatments every 2 weeks and in between i would get chemical peels. ALL BECAUSE my dermatologist told me that it would WORK. about 2000 dollars later...and NOTHING. my skin looks the same. believe me..I take pictures of my face everyday to see if theres any difference. and ZERO. do not waste your money on this
September 14, 2008
Pros:
Gives you a new layer of skin
Cons:
Redness, iritation, pealing of the skin for several days. cant be outside for 48 hours.
This is day three for me after getting the treatment... and right now i wish i would have never done it. My face is very red and sensitive and im pealing all over.
But, hopefully in the next few days it will be gone or at least better than it is now.
July 16, 2008
Pros:
Absolutely pain free. Alittle red now after about 6 hrs. since treatment. Think I could have done longer under the blue light, but better to be cautious the first time.
Cons:
Can't go outside for 48 hrs. after treatment.
I had it done for sebaceous hyperplasia and it seems to have taken a few of the spots away, but I know I'll need addtional treatments to rid myself of all of them.
April 9, 2008
Pros:
you can almost feel the bacteria in your pores dying
Cons:
SEVERELY chapped and red skin, some pain, complete embarassment
So I'm only about 48 hours into my first bluelight treatment with Levulan. I want to start out by saying that I think this is going to work great for me. You can almost feel it killing the bacteria under the light.
HOWEVER, the recoop time the doctor told me did not cover the half of it. I was warned there would be "slight discomfort with some swelling, redness and peeling, but it should clear up within 48 hours." Well, unless there's fresh skin just under these chapped scabs, I'm definitely going to be missing ANOTHER day of classes, because this is disgustingly embarrassing. My face is red, except for where I had on goggles (which now makes me look completely awful) and I've got ~ 15-20 white heads that have been pushed up to the surface.
I think this treatment is a great thing and will work, but from what I'm seeing, you should try and schedule the first treatment when you can afford to hide from the world for 3-4 days.
March 7, 2007
Pros:
NONE
Cons:
emotionally damaged
Dont do it. Dont do it. It will turn your enjoyable days into acne nightmares. I cant believe I was so stupid.
February 8, 2009
Pros:
Make u feel like it gonna work even tho its get worse. The doctors say "its need to get worse before it get better" as there catch phrase so u can do another one,another one. and another one.
Cons:
350 session. I had for time already. Every time i go in do it. I ask "shouldn't it get better by now?" they say "well ur acne is pretty bad" thanks doc.
Its a waste of money, don't do it. The results isn't even permanent.
October 14, 2008
ok maybe it will work for one year but the day you will stop using doing pdt you are going to have more acne than you had before...i ve done 1 pdt treatement ..for 2 months i didnt have any new acne ..after that i started have alot of acne more than before..it made my sebacious gland hyperactive..it made the opposite effect
Pros:
I'll get back to all of you on that - just had it done a few hours ago!