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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2.9
185
5
14.1%
4
24.3%
3
25.4%
2
13%
1
23.2%

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July 24, 2009

Pros:

It really works. Without the horrible side effects of accutane

Cons:

it's expensive. 4-5 days of downtime

Levulon with Blue Light WORKS-- WORKS. I was on accutane and it worked for a little while but the clogged oily skin came back and it didn't get rid of the pitting and scars. Blue Light takes a few treatments. My skin got really ugly during the time of healing. It peeled, it oozed, really terrible oil came out. It looked like a terrible sun burn for about 4 days. But the results are more amazing than accutane. I had bad side effects from accutane-- joint pain, floaters in my eyes that still have not gone away. It messes with your thyroid. I can't believe the insurance will not cover a superior treatment like Blue Light with Levulon.
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July 11, 2009

Pros:

I just had my second treatment today so I am waiting for the results - I have had less breakouts since my first tratment

Cons:

staying indoors for a whole weekend - but after 113 years with acne - totally worth it.

I read a lot of posts on this site about using the levulan and blue light treatment. I have to say the recovery was nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be - granted everyone is different. After my first treatment I looked sunburned later that evening and the following day. By the end of the second day and definitely by the third morning you couldn't tell I had had treatment. During the first 24-48 hours I avidly applied moisturizer, ice and ran from the sun like a vampire - I think it made a large impact on the ease of my recovery. I didn't peal or have any hyper pigmentation. I am on day 1 of my second treatment (this time they kept me in the levulan for 75 minutes instead of 60) I feel a little warmer than usual and I hope to see some real results. My doc said it typically takes 2-3 times to see a significant difference.
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June 3, 2009

Pros:

Cleared up my cysts...reduced sebum production.. made my skin really smooth and pores are small..

Cons:

None really. I have really sensitive skin and am white. The burn is not as bad as people say. It turns red. It didn't hurt at all. Just felt really dry and had some peeling. But you get peeling with every acne product practically.

This works. Its safe and effective. Its much safer then taking antibiotics and accutane. I did both and although accutane was great while i was on it.. my acne came back really strong when i went off over time. They left the levulon on me for an hour and a half then i had IPL on it first and then a few minutes in the BLU light. Its not that painful. Really. Please do this if you can afford it, you wont regret it. It worked for me, but everyone is different i guess.
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May 30, 2009

Pros:

I have used accutane 2 times and there really is nothing left except this. I went with 5 cysts on my cheeks and they were leaving scars. The cysts cleared up after the first use. All but one. I can visibly see a reduction in pore size.

Cons:

The first treatment was HORRIBLE. He said LESS severe side effects than accutane. WRONG. My skin SCABBED, peeled and is about 4 shades darker in the area that he put the levulan than my untreated skin. I think the sun burned me.

It has tremendously helped me. I was desperate and at 27 it is NOT fun to be getting acne when high school kids are getting it. It's embarrassing and painful. Although I have some pigment change, the doctor assured me it will fade COMPLETELY after 3 months. I can definitely see it fading. This product does take some down time. It BURNS like a sun burn and you MUST stay out of the sun after the treatment. It will also peel. The first treatment was MUCH more abrasive than the second. I am on day 2 of my second treatment and although my skin is a little red and irritated, it is nowhere near the condition of the first. I looked like I was a burn victim. The result is definitely what you have to focus on. My cysts have disappeared and I can see a MAJOR change in my pore size. YOU WILL LIKELY BREAK OUT because the treatments cause your skin to bring out the impurities before it heals. Be patient. Eventually your skin will be MUCH better than before and FOLLOW all INSTRUCTIONS.
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May 8, 2009

Pros:

It works really good, the number of pimples I wake up to everyday has reduced dramatically. However it takes a few treatments to see any significant results. But if you get 3 or more treatments it should clear a majority if not all of your acne.

Cons:

The price, it is very expensive.

If your desperate to get rid of your acne, save up for this. It works! It has helped my self esteem dramatically, it is well worth the price if you can afford it.
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April 24, 2009

Pros:

Noticed improvements over night! Very fast process.

Cons:

Too expensive. A little itchy.

Had Luvian on face for 15 minutes and blue light for ten minutes. Noticed acne decreasing over night. Pores and acne shrinking. Skin continues to heal everyday, even months after first treatment.
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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.
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April 1, 2009

Pros:

In the long run, you can definately tell the difference. Went from Dark, beat red, to new, clearer looking skin. This product definately helps with acne scars.

Cons:

You do have to deal with quite a bit of redness (severity of redness depending on the patient). Redness usually lasts for about 3 days, and then immediately begins to peel.

Great product. Well affordable. Great Results!
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March 3, 2009

Pros:

I am 21, and about a month after my third treatment of Blu-U/Levulan. The large painful whiteheads have decreased in size by 30% and frequency by 50%. Not much downtime for me, i have brown skin is why. Reduces the size of pores. Oil reduced by 30%

Cons:

Still getting large pimples they just come up slower and don't persist as much. Definitely do not go out in the sun, I went out like a moron and got burned nicely. Pricey for sure but in my opinion money well spent.

I hate to be negative but any pimples are bad and Im still dealing with pimples. I have heard that 3 treatments is minimum so I am planning to go for at least one more, I dont believe 6 is necessary but my skin never ceases to amaze me. I would most definitely recommend this treatment, it should reduce your acne at least by 30% minimum. Your scarring will definitely improve by probably over 50%, which is icing on the cake. You will face the usual onslaught of pimples during the months of treatment, but this time there is light at the end of the tunnel so keep your head up. Please, do not post a review if you have not had at least 3 treatments, you are wasting everyone's time. Acne will not go away in days, but months. I will be back with a final review. Good luck to you
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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.
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