PDT (PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY) FOR ACNE
Copyright © 2024 M Beauty Clinic by Dr. Tess
Dr. Tess Mauricio, MD, FAAD is
a Board Certified Dermatologist
from Stanford University Medical
School. She graduated Summa
Cum Laude from UCSD and is a
past President of the San Diego
Society of Dermatological
Surgery. She is known
worldwide as “America’s
Favorite Dermatologist.”
PhotoDynamic Therapy kills the bacteria in your skin that causes acne. The blue light
can be administered alone or in conjunction with a topical application of ALA for the
trBlue Light Levulan Photodynamic Therapy for acne treatment involves three
mechanisms of action against acne. Levulan PDT inactivates the bacteria that trigger
acne, exfoliates the skin to unclog pores, and the most exciting mechanism is that
levulan treatment shuts down the sebaceous glands in the skin. This is exciting
because sebaceous glands are the root cause in the formation of acne so it has a long
lasting effect even on severe acne.
Blue Light Levulan Photodynamic Therapy can even work in patients who have failed
accutane. Accutane also targets the sebaceous gland but accutane has fairly toxic side
effects. Levulan is a much safer alternative to accutane treatment.
Levulan Photodynamic Therapy is the most recent advance in photo-rejuvenation.
Levulan Photodynamic skin rejuvenation involves the application of Levulan which is
then activated with Fotofacial IPL or ELOS Blue Light Acne Laser. This results in
significant improvement in moderate to severe cystic acne and any precancerous
conditions such as AKs, actinically damaged skin and sun damaged skin. Additionally it
improves wrinkles, pore size, skin texture, pigmentation, rosacea, sebaceous
hyperplasia, and potentially prevents the development of skin cancer.
PDT is also great for sun damage and brown spots!
Levulan Photodynamic Therapy (PDT):
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Improving pores
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Improving skin texture
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Improving pigmentation
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Treating moderate to severe cystic acne
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Treating sebaceous hyperplasia (large oil glands)
You are a good candidate if you have
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Moderate to severe acne
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Stubborn and resistant acne
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Failed with other treatment options
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Hormonal acne
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Pesky white bumps under the skin
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Oily skin
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Large pores
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Successfully treated your acne but want to maintain your results
What Can I expect During My Appointment
Levulan Photodynamic Therapy Procedure:
This is a lengthy appointment so please expect to be in the office for about 3 hours.
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We use a special technique that is unique to our office to apply the Levulan
medication onto the treatment areas. This allows to deeper penetration of the Levulan
medication to achieve faster and better results.
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The Levulan incubates on your skin for 15-75 minutes.
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For your comfort we apply a high quality numbing cream before the laser
treatment.
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The treatment areas are cleaned and the laser treatment is applied to activate the
Levulan.
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Most patients find the laser treatment painless but you may feel a sunburn
sensation after the treatment.
What Can I Expect After The Treatment
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You must stay out of the sun and bright light for 48 hours after treatment. We
recommend that you plan to stay home for 2 days immediately after treatment.
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The skin will be red and possibly swollen for 1-2 days
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Some crusting and peeling is normal
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There can be some discomfort, but no significant pain.
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After 1 week, there might be some residual redness that will subside after a few
days and can be covered with make up.
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For patients who have an medium to dark skin tones, you will notice a tan to the
treated areas that will resolve in 2-3 weeks post treatment.
How many treatments do I need
A series of treatments are needed and depend on the severity of acne. On average
patients need 2-3 treatments. For severe and resistant acne you will need at least 3
treatments done once every month. Combination therapy is important when treating
severe and resistant acne. During your visit we will discuss the types of therapies such
as topical, oral and in-office treatments that will suit you best.
Dr. Tess patients Before / After
Aesthetics & Regenerative Medicine - Beverly Hills, San Diego, Chula Vista
*w/Cosmetic Consultants
$250 fee w/Dr. Tess, applied towards
any purchase or service