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 12, 2008

Pros:

Works, but not a long-term solution.

Cons:

Cost me $5,250.

I'm almost 21 and have been on Accutane 4 times at double doses. I took it 3 times in high school and again last year. Yep it sucks. It's a shame I have one of the most persistent cases on the planet, but that's the way it goes... Anyway, right now I'm doing Natural Cures/Antibotics/Luvulan for my skin. I mainly am having the Luvulan done just to reinforce my skin. Blemishes have been reduced and sometimes I go a week without breaking out...which is great because that's like a record for me. I really couldn't tell you how good Luvulan is because I've got a very serious condition. If you have mild acne or acne because you're not genetically prone, I think you should get it done as it will keep you clear in the long run.
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December 12, 2007

Pros:

waiting to see

Cons:

Redness, itchyness, peeling.

Got it done today...had the ala put on last night. So far all i see is redness on my cheeks and jaw area. But hope fully thats a sign of it working. skin seems to be very irritable to...but its only been a few hours haha so cant really say much...
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October 2, 2007

Pros:

Cleared up my severe acne.

Cons:

PRICEY!

I had this proceedure done along with the Smoothbeam laser and one thing that people need to be mindful of is to literally stay in the dark for the first 48 hours otherwise your skin will burn. If you stay in the dark and away from ALL windows, you will not burn. But it was worth it. I'm at the point where I need a couple of maintantence sessions with the laser.
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September 19, 2007

Pros:

i had really bad back acne where levulan and blue light was used. i had 5 treatments costing about 1800 dollars. but i still think this is good. the acne is significantly less and scarring is going lower too. my doc said i should do 1 every six month

Cons:

it hurts a little for 2 days with burning sensation and the back is / feels burnt but beyond that it is ok.

i think it is better than soaps, medication, and lotions wise. although insurance doesnt cover it i think it is cost effective time wise.
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July 21, 2007

Pros:

Shinks pores..

Cons:

very pricey.... 3-6 days of downtime due to a severe sunburn appearence and embarrising peeling.

I got the levulan treatment about 3 days ago.. the procedure was relitivley painless.. but the aftermath is what gets you...my face was extremly red and sensitive to the touch... ice packs helped a little... by now my face is starting to peel around the nose and chin area... it's itchy and iritating... I don't have any pimples right now so i hope the treatment worked... it has only been 3 days so i guess will not see results until a few more days i hope... crossing my fingers
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July 19, 2007

Pros:

I'm not sure yet. My doctor told me I have to do it 2 or more times to see better results. It took 2.5 hrs. Very comfortable. No pain at all.

Cons:

It's pricey. $450/session (including photodynamic treatment on back and both arms and also had some left for my chins and cheeks). The doctor told me if I don't see any result in the 3 session (which I should) the fourth one will be free.

This is my first time. I'm not sure if it will work or not. I just had it at 12pm today. It took an hour for the cream to sink in and 20 minutes more for the blue light.I went to the Cosmetic & Laser in Buckhead. The place is called Tuxedo Aesthetic Service. Everyone there was extremely nice to me, and I was very comfortable. My face is starting to turn red now (it's been 7 hrs since the 1st treatment). I really hope it works because I've suffered acne (face, arms, back and chest) since I was 14. I'm 24 now. My acne is better then when I was in high school, but it is mild on the face and very BAD on the back and arms.
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June 23, 2007

Pros:

Works, has side effects but they are short term (as opposed to things like Acutane), reduces red marks.

Cons:

It requires more than one treatment (no matter what they tell you), requires you to stay of the sun for a while, and it's pricey.

It works by destroying the bacteria and infection that forms underneath the skin, while also partly regulating the oil production. The problem is that it requires more than one treatment because the infection can just keep spreading (remember, the is no "cure" to acne, only ways to contain and control it and this is no exception) if you don't do enough treatments. It won't be a miracle cure but it'll help a lot. The negatives are that it has downtime and it can also make your skin very red. It can also cause hyperpigmentation. You have to have the "right" type of skin and this is something to become informed about before you do it. Whatever you do, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE stay out of the sun for AT LEAST two days. The damage from the Levulan combined the sun's light can be horrible.
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April 12, 2007

Pros:

worth a try, saw results with one treatment, pores tighter, skin smoother

Cons:

housebound for 2 days, face looked severely burnt

i suffered with acne when i was a young adult and was left with minor scarring - going into the peri-menopause years i began getting white bumps underneath my skin i thought great here it goes again!!! I consulted with a dermatologist and he recommended the levulan and blue light therapy - I had my first treatment a month ago and just yesterday had my second treatment - there's no doubt you're housebound for a couple of day, it's almost depressing because your so red, but after a couple of days you start seeing improvements even with the peeling that is happening- and as time goes on face starts looking better and better- i feel it's worth trying because of the positive results i've seen - for those that haven't been happy with this treatment i hope you find something that works because acne is not easy to live with and for us that have it know this only to well. Good Luck
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March 31, 2007

Pros:

Smoother skin after 1 treatment

Cons:

pricey

I had 1 treatment so far-yesterday. So far, my skin is much smoother. The derm used the Blu-u ligt therapy for 10 minutes and then I went to another room where they used some type of hot laser on my skin but it wasn't painful. I have to pay 500 dollars for each session and only get 1 per month. oh.. my derm also told me to use plain old acetone (good old finger nail poilish remover- go figure!) once a week and then follow by a moisturizer. Hope it works! (I'm 37 and have had acne for literally 27 years.)
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February 22, 2007

Pros:

Reduced pore size, reduced sebum production, scars fade, smoother skin texture. Any new pimples (which are few) go away in a day or two.

Cons:

Hiding for a couple days with an awful "sunburn"

Works. If you've got the money don't hesitate to try this procedure.
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ClearAF4444
April 27, 2021

It’s been a decade later, has your acne come back? 
Did you experience premature aging? 

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