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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March 22, 2008

Pros:

Significantly reduces oil,Shrinks pores, no more deep pimples, gets rid of redness from prior acne. Reduces number of pimples in general.

Cons:

Not covered by insurance, no sun exposure for 2 days (not even for a few seconds), feels like a sunburn for up to 48 hours after treatment.

THis has worked a lot better than all topical solutions, creams, washes, antibiotics. No negative effects like accutane. Get 3 treatments. that are 3 weeks apart. Each time, face gets better looking. First day after a treatment, face may break out some. Each treatment was 300$. You go, you get your face washed off with acetone, then the levulan is painted on your face. Wait an hour (dont wipe it off), go under the blue-u light for 10 minutes. Some burning sensation (very tolerable though). The levulan itself costs like 150$ for the tube of it...if youre paying more than 300/400$ per treatment, you are getting ripped off.

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Andie

March 1, 2008

Pros:

It has been 2 days after my second treatment and the redspots are already going away. I had pretty bad icepick scars too, about 10 on each cheek.. now I have about 3 or 4. This works best if your scars are FRESH! So once ur acne goes away book an apt

Cons:

Hurts a bit!! But its tolerable! I have very low pain tolerance, but if u really want this done, you'll be fine:)
Saw NO difference after the first treatment:(

It fads redspots like crazy!! There wont be a difference the first time, but the texture of ur skin will definitely improve. Its very important to exfoliate 3 times a week! I always put vitamin E on my scars every night!! Major improvement! Stay out of the sun!! Sunblock urself like crazy! Just give it a shot!! Tad bit expensive, but it will work:) I paid $300 for three treatments! Good luck!! I hope it works because having adult acne has been one of the hardest things to deal with:( *Cheers*

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Will

February 22, 2008

Pros:

Improves overall skin texture and eliminates breakout cycles.

Cons:

pricey, about four days to heal

Combining the Blu-u/Levulan treatment with the other four steps in Bill's Acne Solution ([link removed]) will clear your skin fast, with long-lasting results. Beware the medical professional who performs this procedure. When done correctly, it is the best acne treatment available.

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v m

January 10, 2008

Pros:

Worked 100%

Cons:

Have to do it every month and kinda expensive

I have been trying acne treatment products for about 5 years. I tried everthing from benzoyl peroxide to antibiotics. many combinations of those treatments, helped reduce acne by about 10%. The most effective control back then was through a very strict and annoyingly painful diet (free of all fats and sugars) and stress control. But after I tried phototherapy with Levulan, for the first time in years I have a clear skin. It kills all active acne instantly and prevents future outbreak by slaughtering all the remaining acne bacteria in the skin. I have been acne free for 3 months now. The only drawback is that its expensive and has to be repeated every month. Do to extreme photosensitivity after the treatment, I usually stay home the next day. I think thats not too bad :).

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Joseph

January 3, 2008

Pros:

Worked very well for me.

Cons:

Redness and swelling for 3-4 days. Does not "cure" acne but merely substantially reduces it for 1-5 years.

Most of the reviewer who are dissatisified with PDT had it for less than 48 hours and fewer than 3 treatments. For most people with a significant acne problem, 3-4 treatments will be needed. Furthermore, the optimal effects of PDT shows only after 3-6 months. Here are my recommendations. 1)Budget at least 2-3 PDT treatments (4 if you have a real bad acne problem) spaced 2-4 weeks apart. A single PDT treatment rarely cures acne. A competitive price for most regions is around $500/treament. 2)Get a microdermabrasion prior to the treatment. It substatiallly increases the effectiveness of Levulan. You can get a home Microdermabrasin kit for around $35. 3)Your acne will get worse before it gets better. Do not panic or write a review in the first 3-4 weeks. 4)You may want to get a PDT treatment every 1-2 years to make sure your acne does not come back. Presently, there is no permanent solution to acne. 5)PDT is hardly painful and is very temporary.

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FEE

November 20, 2007

Pros:

YOU WILL LOOK GREAT AFTERWARD

Cons:

REDDNESS, DRYNESS, PEELING DURING THE FIRST 3 TO 4 DAYS. BUT REMINDER THAT IS THE DEAD SKIN THAT'S ON THE TOP SURFACE. THIS PROCEDURE BRING THE NEW SKIN TO THE SURFACE.

NOTHING WORKS OVER NIGHT. IF U HAD ACNE FOR 10 YEARS AS I DO. YOU WILL TRY ANTHING. BUT I LOOKING FOR A DOCOTOR IN ATL THAT IS AS GOOD AS MY DOCTOR IN STL. NOW, IF U LIVE IN STL GO TO DR. MOORE IN CLAYTON. AT LIFESTLYE CENTER BY THE COURT HOUSE. HE IS AWSOME. I EVEN THINKING TO FLY BACK HOMW JUST TO GET ANOTHER TX WITH HIM. HE VERY REASONABLE AT COST. THE BLU LIGHT KILLS THE BACTERIA IN THE SKIN. LEVULAN GETS TO THE ROOT. BUT U MUST GET THE DERMBRASION

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October 5, 2007

Pros:

My skin seems smoother, scarring is better, less oily, and pores look a little smaller

Cons:

Redness for about 2 days, and peeling for about 7 days

Im almost 40 and have had acne since I was a teenager. I've tried everything, antibiotics, accutane 2 times, CO2 laser, prescriptions, soaps, lotions, expensive, inexpensive etc... I wasnt going to try the levulan because nothing has ever worked for me. But since its supposed to give you similar results as accutane, but without all the bad side effects, I thought it would be worth a try. I didnt exeperience any discomfort while sitting with the levulan on my face (sat for 1 hour 15 minutes) But did have some discomfort once I got under the blue light (sat for 17 minutes) it really burned. My face was red for about 2 days afterward and then the peeling started for about 5 days. I had the treatment on Thurs eve and returned to work Monday. I was able to wear makeup, but it was hard to apply with all that dry skin and peeling. Its been about a week now, and my skin is much smoother, scars are less, Im less oily and pores are smaller. I'll probably get another treatment next mon

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jboy

August 13, 2007

Pros:

alternative for those who dont want to try accutane

Cons:

like any other acne treatments(oral or topicals), you have to give it time to work. w/levulan at least 3 is recommended.levulan has a downtime of at least 5 days.

effective if done by a knowledgeable doctor.. so make sure to do research before doing anything.. information is important.. ask questions..

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carguy

June 14, 2007

Pros:

Cleared up red marks I thought were going to be scars, and made my skin tone even. Started to get rid of acne.

Cons:

4 days of downtime, very expensive, promised one treatment to work but had to have two.

Well after spending $750 at the Derm I thought my skin would now be perfect. So far I am on day 4 after the treatment and my skin is a peeling mess. This is my second time with the levulan and blu-u. First time incubated for 2 hrs and had blu-u for 15. Second time had facial first, then incubated with Levulan for 2.5 hrs and sat under the light for 15 min. (Before levulan sat under blu-u twice a week for two weeks and it did nothing.) Seems longer than anyone else posting. Cheeks just started breaking out today with tiny pimples that are already crusting over. I hope this will work cuz this is the last ditch effort before Accutane. I also started taking 4 grams of Vitamin C a day plus a 50mg zinc tablet and it seems to help a great deal. If your at wits end, at least try vitamins to see if it makes a difference.

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jeannie

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.

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