Was my Photodynamic Therapy done incorrectly?

Question

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?

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

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.
The way in which the face was prepared and the care taken to apply the ALA.  The practitioner needs to take care to carefully clean and prepare the face before application of the ALA.  This combined with proper application of the product will result in maximum absorption of the ALA and a more aggressive response.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

The outcome of a Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)  treatment can depend on several variables : the  technique of the procedure,  the tool used  ( light source) and the degree of correction needed ( amount of skin damage , acne scarring and age).   Studies have shown that the application of the of the aminolevulinic acid  ( ALA) is best absorbed when applied to  "prepped" skin surfaces for an incubation period of 60-70 minutes.  The use of an IPL laser lends the advantage of not only activating the medication for a dramatic effect but treating the redness and uneven discolorations .  The Sciton laser does this effectively!

William Ting, MD · Answer

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 having supervised hundreds of PDTs, where it may be necessary to increase incubation time to bring out similar inflammatory response as the prior PDT treatments.

Julie A. Maughan, MD · Answer

In our experience, patients can have different reactions to PDT even when administered in the same office by the same person.  Patients who have undergone prior PDT in the same area usually have a less aggressive response the second time around.

Thomas W. Bender, III MD · Answer

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.

Was my Photodynamic Therapy done incorrectly?

Answers (7)

Answer: PDT

Answer: PDT

Answer: Variation after PDT Treatments

Answer: Variation after PDT Treatments

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Photodynamic Therapy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Was my Photodynamic Therapy done incorrectly?

Answers (7)

Answer: PDT

Answer: PDT

Answer: Variation after PDT Treatments

Answer: Variation after PDT Treatments

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Photodynamic Therapy

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.