Photodynamic Therapy
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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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May 5, 2008

Pros:

i've had moderate acne for 6 years and it got more troublesome in college. i had two of these treatments and my skin is flawless. i get complimented on it all the time and it has made my life so much easier. my red scars are gone now as well.

Cons:

you can't see the sun for 48 hours. the treatment is a bit uncomfortable and your skin is severely red for about 3 to 4 days (and is peeling as well).

the cost, the week of peeling and redness is worth having absolutely beautiful skin. would recommend over any other treatment for acne and i've literally tried them all.
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March 25, 2008

Pros:

little down time, low cost compared to lasers/peels etc.q

Cons:

burning sensation the next day (for me) that lasts almost all day.

I love this treatment. I have had 2 done - the first (in Feb.) I saw no improvement but the Dr. told me that up front. Had the 2nd two weeks ago and see a big difference in texture/pore size and my face is less oily. I really have no breakout issues, just trying to heal damaged skin from teen acne. I have tried IPLs, thermage & TCA peels - none evened out my skin tone like this one appears to be doing and it costs less! My Dr. uses the IPL laser (not the blue light) and I am ok day one, tomato red day two, look like wax day three and then normal (but flaky) for about the next 5 days. After about a week make sure to exfoliate - don't do it too early as the skin may not be ready to come off. I planned on 3 treatments but I am willing to do more as I like what I see so far.
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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.
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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!!!
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September 12, 2007

Pros:

Reduces oil, minimizes pores, helps with scarring.

Cons:

Down time of about 7 days. You look pretty scarey and don't want ANYONE to see you. Feels like a REALLY bad sunburn.

I am 33 and pretty much have had acne since 6th grade. I have tried everything under and over the counter, home remedies, the works. During my last pregnancy I cleared up (I guess some hormones or something) pretty good but was still left with the nasy pock marks on my cheeks and jaw line. I also still had Zits that were underneath my skin where it feels bumpy but theyre really not that noticeable (except to me). The Levulan totally drew out all the Zits and after the skin all pealed away, my face was so smooth. I still have the occasional zit/zits, but nothing like before. I have always been very oily. Not anymore. I was planning on getting lazer done for my scars which cost over $5,000. The levulan was a drop in the bucket compared to that. Only $400.00! The scaring has gone down a little. I was told that it should still go down with time. I am thinking about doing it agian in a few months if my skin still needs it. So worth it! I actually wear my hair up in a pony tail in public.
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May 4, 2007

Pros:

n/a

Cons:

n/a

I'm 27. I've started to have bad acne when I tried birh control for 9 months and decided to get off them. When I got off, my nightmare came. I brokeout soo much - where I NEVER broke out before. Such an emotional drain this was. So, I've done a lot of research about acne. I've been told that it is internal and hormonal. It's about what you EAT. Do NOT eat dairy. If you absolutely crave milk/yogurt -> go for Sheep's milk products, they are better quality because their deficit. If you crave ice cream -> go for sherbet (believe me I have a SWEET TOOTH). I have discovered BORAGE OIL. Google it and see how beneficial it is. Ever since I've started taking BORAGE OIL I noticed my the pimples/cysts start to shrink after about 1 week. My skin have improved in texture as well -->just after one week = imagine what will happend in the long-run. So, yesterday, I had done ALA Blue Light dynamic therapy and I am waiting for results. Will post with an UPDATE! Good luck and keep strong!
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The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

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