LEVULAN / PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY

A powerful combination for effective treatment of actinic keratosis 

What is Levulan Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)?


Levulan Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) combines Levulan Kerastick, a topical solution, with light therapy to treat various skin conditions like actinic keratosis and acne. The process is minimally invasive and FDA-approved, offering a non-surgical solution to improve skin health.


How Does Levulan Photodynamic Therapy Work?


Levulan Kerastick is applied to the targeted skin areas, where it is absorbed by abnormal or damaged cells. After the application, the skin is exposed to a specific light source, activating the Levulan to treat the affected cells. This light-activated process targets pre-cancerous cells, reduces acne, and improves overall skin appearance.


What to Expect During Levulan PDT Treatment?


  1. Consultation: First, your healthcare provider will assess your condition and determine if Levulan PDT is right for you.
  2. Levulan Application: The Levulan Kerastick is applied to the affected areas. After application, the solution is allowed to absorb into the skin for about 15 to 30 minutes.
  3. Light Exposure: After the Levulan is absorbed, the skin is exposed to a specialized light source (such as a BLU-U light) for about 15-30 minutes, depending on the condition being treated.
  4. Aftercare: You may experience some redness or mild discomfort post-treatment. Follow your provider’s aftercare instructions, which often include avoiding direct sun exposure and using sunscreen.



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • How long does the treatment take?

    Typically, the entire process takes about 60 to 90 minutes, including Levulan application and light therapy. In most cases, you will need a total of 5 treatments per area.


    Repeat treatments to the same area can occur no sooner than three weeks. Only one area can be treated per visit.

  • How many treatments are needed?

     In most cases, you will need a total of 5 treatments per area.


    Repeat treatments to the same area can occur no sooner than three weeks. Only one area can be treated per visit.

  • What should I expect after the treatment?

    You will experience mild to moderate redness and swelling for 48 - 72 hours. The level of reaction is based on the amount of sun damage to your skin. All types of sun exposure for 36 hours after the treatment can greatly increase a sunburn like reaction. 

THE FOLLOWING ARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOU TO GET THE MOST BENFIT FROM THIS THERAPY


1. The day of your treatment and the day after your treatment (36 hours) you must stay 100% completely out of the sun and avoid fluorescent indoor lights. Even very miniscule exposure to the sun can cause an increase in the reaction you get. Plan for a minimum of two hours for the completion of the appointment.


2. If you have discomfort after your treatment you should purchase Aloe Vera gel (no additives) over-the-counter which helps to cool the area and provide relief from discomfort (can keep refrigerated for added cooling). You can also use cold water compresses, Extra-strength Tylenol, and keep the treated area elevated.


3. DO NOT apply any make-up, moisturizers, after shave, etc to any area that will be treated the day of your appointment. These applications can prevent the medication from absorbing into your skin therefore decreasing your reaction. Wash your face twice with a mild cleanser before coming to the office.


4. It is important that you understand different areas of the body may respond more or less than others. You also should not compare your treatment response to another patient's. For example, the left side of the face and neck has more sun damage than the right side so it would be normal for the one side to have more redness than the other.


5. You may shower or bathe any time after your treatment but make sure you keep the treated area well moisturized to prevent dryness.

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