Mobile Photodynamic Therapy doctors
 |
Thomas W. Bender, III MD
Mobile Dermatologic Surgeon
6701 Airport Blvd Suite D232, Mobile |
3 answers | |
 |
Heather Haley, MD
Mobile Dermatologic Surgeon
202 Rock Creek Parkway, Fairhope |
Recent Answers
I had the procedure done today for my acne. The doctor and staff members did not an adequate job telling me exactly what was going on. They gave me an info sheet 4 weeks ago, but did not say much to me for the initial treatment day. Levulan kerastick solution was placed on my face for 30 mins. Then, I was told to rinse it of,not wash it of. Following the rinse, I was placed under the light for 5 mins. Is 5 mins a good time? Also, my face has yet to start peeling or gotten red. Is that normal?
The Blue Light is approved for use in acne, however I have found that the pulsed dye laser is a better activator of the Levulan when treating acne, and the literature backs this up. You probably could have used another 10-15 minutes under the light to activate the medicine, course then you would have had a significant amount of redness after the procedure.
I have had the Levulan with IPL treatment 3 times over the last three years. The first two times were by the same office and my face reacted the same way - very red, swollen and then a peeling period for about 6/7 days. The results were amazing.
This last time was by another office and my face was barely red for an hour and there was no swelling and very little peeling - the peeling was finished after 3 days.
Do you think the last treatment was adminstered incorrectly?
It is not uncommon to have less of a reaction as you have more treatments as there are fewer actinic keratoses on the face in the area. If the incubation time was shorter the third time, that could explain a kinder reaction as well. The time under the light could also affect the treatment outcome. I would suggest getting your records from the previous treatment, so your current physician knows how long you were incubated and how long you were under the light.