Photodynamic Therapy Q&A
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Will Levulan Give Me a Good Cosmetic Result?
asked 1 year ago by KatyMandM in San Francisco Bay Area
Latest answer by Mitchel Goldman, MD
Question viewed 932 times
Tags: candidate, sun damage
My dermatologist recommended Levulan with blue light for sun damage. Can I also expect a good all-over result for wrinkles, evening skin tone, and collagen rebuilding? Are there any downsides to this treatment?
5 answers to Will Levulan Give Me a Good Cosmetic Result?
+1
If you want cosmetic results you need to combine it with an IPL
If you want cosmetic results from Levulan PDT you need to activate the chemical with a laser in addition or instead of only blue light.
Mitchel Goldman, MD
San Diego Dermatologic Surgeon
San Diego Dermatologic Surgeon
+1
PDT photodynamic therapy ALA levulan for cosmetic use
Although PDT is approved for treatment of pre-cancerous lesions, it also works for several other things:
1. Acne.
2. Rosacea (adult acne).
3. Sebaceous hyperplasia (enlarged oil glands)
4. Enlarged pores.
5. Overall smoothness of skin.
Gary Goldenberg, MD
New York Dermatologist
New York Dermatologist
+1
Photodynamic therapy
Levulan combined with blue light is called photodynamic therapy. It is an excellent option for treatment of Actinic Keratoses, so called pre-cancers. After clearing these lesions, the skin often appears rejuvenated.
+1
Levulan with lasers may give great cosmetic benefit
I often perform Levulan treatments for sun damaged skin but I combine an IPL (intense pulsed light) device or a pulsed dye laser with the blue light for improved cosmesis. These laser and light devices will improve facial redness, blotchy dyspigmentation and brown spots allowing for an improved overall appearance to the skin. I almost never use the blue light alone with Levulan if I'm treating sun damage. Good luck.
+1
Levulan is Not a Cosmetic Treatment
The reason to undergo Levulan treatment is to address sun damaged skin. There may be some minimal aesthetic improvement but it is not a cosmetic procedure.
Joseph Campanelli, MD
Minneapolis Facial Plastic Surgeon
Minneapolis Facial Plastic Surgeon