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Will Levulan Give Me a Good Cosmetic Result?

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?

Doctor Answers 5

PDT photodynamic therapy ALA levulan for cosmetic use

April 13th, 2011
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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

Levulan with lasers may give great cosmetic benefit

December 19th, 2010
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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.  

Jason R. Lupton, MD

Jason R. Lupton, MD
San Diego Dermatologic Surgeon
4.3 out of 5 stars 7 reviews

If you want cosmetic results you need to combine it with an IPL

September 13th, 2011
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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.
 

Web reference: http://www.gbkderm.com

Mitchel P. Goldman, MD

Mitchel P. Goldman, MD
San Diego Dermatologic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 15 reviews

Levulan is Not a Cosmetic Treatment

December 16th, 2010
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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

Joseph Campanelli, MD
Portland Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.5 out of 5 stars 8 reviews

Photodynamic therapy

December 20th, 2010
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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.

Steven Hacker, MD

Steven Hacker, MD
West Palm Beach Dermatologic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 4 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.