Photodynamic Therapy Done Incorrectly?

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?

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redness technique

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by Tabby in Breckenridge, CO, USA

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Variation after PDT Treatments

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. more

PDT Reaction changes after each treatment

It is not surprising that you had a decreased reaction on the third treatment. If the incubation periods were the same, it is likely that you have less pre-cancerous areas on the face. These were probably treated after the first two treatments (typically it takes 2 for good effect) and that is why you had a decreased reaction on the third time.

Photodynamic therapy outcome variation

Clinical outcome from photodynamic therapy (PDT) for actinic keratoses or acne unfortunately is not an exact science. Important factors include incubation time (amount of time Levulan or Metvixia is left on treated area), whether or not occlusion was utilized (such as on the scalp or back), pre-treatment protocol using topical retinoid or 5-flurouracil, and whether or not adequate pre-op cleansing was performed. On top of that, I have recognized a skin hardening effect after... more

Photodynamic Therapy Treatment Differences

In our experience, there are a couple issues that may affect what kind of response you receive from the treatment: The incubation period - the amount of time spent with the Levulan (amino levulanic acid or ALA) on the face. This can vary from 60 minutes to several hours and is determined by the practitioner. The device used to activate the ALA. A pulsed dye laser will generally result in a more dramatic response than an IPL or Blu Light device, but the device used depends on skin type... more

Harold J. Kaplan, MD

4 reviews

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.celibre.com

Hard to know

Obviously something was different - perhaps the concentration of the levulan or the settings on the IPL. See if you can find out what was done previously and let your doctor know.