Will Levulan Give Me a Good Cosmetic Result?

Question

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?

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

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.

Gary Goldenberg, MD · Answer

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.

Steven Hacker, MD · Answer

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.

Jason R. Lupton, MD · Answer

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.

Joseph Campanelli, MD · Answer

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.

Will Levulan Give Me a Good Cosmetic Result?

Answers (5)

Answer: Levulan with lasers may give great cosmetic benefit

Answer: Levulan with lasers may give great cosmetic benefit

Answer: Levulan is Not a Cosmetic Treatment

Answer: Levulan is Not a Cosmetic Treatment

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.

Will Levulan Give Me a Good Cosmetic Result?

Answers (5)

Answer: Levulan with lasers may give great cosmetic benefit

Answer: Levulan with lasers may give great cosmetic benefit

Answer: Levulan is Not a Cosmetic Treatment

Answer: Levulan is Not a Cosmetic Treatment

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.