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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February 3, 2007

Pros:

skin wasnt so oily anymore, blemishes go away faster

Cons:

price and the peeling!

I had it done 7 days ago and I am finally back to normal. I was red for 5 days and peeled for 3 days, but the peeling was HORRIBLE! I hated every day of it. I ended up getting a few new blemishes after the procedure, but I can say that they only last a day or so, when they used to last up to 7 days. My skin is not oily anymore, which helps with the control of the blemishes. I think I might get one more treatment done, they said to wait 2 weeks. I really dont want to go through that peeling stage again....but I think it's worth it :)
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January 29, 2007

Pros:

It was easy and painless. Cleared my acne. (I had mild-moderate around my chin and a bit on my cheeks)

Cons:

Expensive and you have to be very careful about staying out of any light for 48 hours.

This treatment is only beneficial to people with mild to moderate inflammatory acne and should not be used to treat cystic or severe acne. If your derm is suggesting that it will, get a new derm. Seriously. It also not 100% quaranteed to clear up your skin. There are stats available if you google it but I think it's something like 70% of treated patients experience total clearing. What I noticed about some peoples posts that they were getting a really high number of treatments and that possibly there were treated with the Clear Light, which is a weaker version of the Blu-U. 3 treatments is about standard for most people, with some people having to do some additional treatments. All in all I was happy with my treatment and my skin is pretty much acne free with some minor very small pimples every once in awhile.
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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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