Photodynamic Therapy
Results
Side Effects

Photodynamic therapy is a more intense form of light therapy that includes first topically applying a photosensitizing agent that makes the skin more...

Photodynamic therapy is a more intense form of light therapy that includes first topically applying a photosensitizing agent that makes the skin more sensitive to light, and then applying medical-grade light therapy to the skin. It is thought to work primarily by reducing the size and activity of skin oil (sebaceous) glands.

The procedure is usually performed multiple times (up to 5) in weekly or biweekly intervals. Results are usually seen 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure and your skin will continue to improve after your last session.

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Compare To Other Treatments
5
14.1%
4
24.3%
3
25.4%
2
13%
1
23.2%

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January 6, 2007

Pros:

it works

Cons:

it's expensive

I suffered from not terrible but annoying cystic acne (hormonal I think) and my skin is too sensitive to withstand a lot of harsh creams eg BP, retin-a, etc. This treatment was like a miracle! Dr. Lisa Kellett of DLK on Avenue in Toronto prescribed a series of 6 treatments consisting of microdermabrasion, then levulan applied (left on for 1 hr) and then IPL. You have to stay out of the sun completely (even if you are indoors stay away from the windows) for 48 hours, which is annoying. For anyone whose face turned red, it is because you got exposed to sunlight! If you don't, it is not painful and redness goes away after a day or so. You might flake a bit but that's it. Treatments are spaced about 4 weeks apart. This has been the ONLY thing that has cured my acne and now it's been about 6 months since my last treatment and I still have ZERO blemishes. Only downside is it is very expensive. but the peace of mind is worth it. Highly recommended.
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January 4, 2007
Before I had the treatment, I had severe acne. Went in and they did the microderm abrasion before putting the levulan on... but because they'd squeezed me in, the rooms with the blue light/and or the cooler were full, so I waited two hours before they put me under. Sooo painful under the light. My face was almost purple and was hot for two days. All I could do was sit on a couch with a fan directly at my face. I blistered and peeled terribly. But after about a week, though I was still pink, the result was amazing. My skin was clearer than it had been in 10 years. The acne did start to return, so I had another treatment. This time no microderm abrasion and less time with the levulan on. Almost no result. Have had it done twice more with the microderm, and while my skin is not perfect, HUGE improvement. If nothing's worked for you, this is worth a try, but I strongly suggest getting the microderm first, and keeping the levulan on for as long as they'll let you. Bring tylenol. ;)
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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
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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...
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