What Does Blu U Light Treatment Cost?

Question

How many treatments are typically needed? What is the cost range?

William Ting, MD · Answer

The efficacy of BLU U increases several folds when light exposure is preceded by application of Levulan kerastick (otherwise known as photodynamic therapy, or PDT) which can have a downtime between 4-7 days. PDT is covered by most insurance carrier for treatment of precancerous lesions or actinic keratosis, but not for acne vulgaris. BLU U light treatment alone has no associated downtime but the clinical benefit is modest unless it is done 2x/week for several weeks. The cost of PDT is between $300-$350 per treatment and the cost of BLU U alone is typically $100.

Paul L. Hester, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Blu-U is an effective treatment for acne at all ages and all skin types. It is very popular because it is simple and requires no social downtime. The narrow band blue light is applied to the affected skin and creates penetrating heat that reduces the bacteria known to cause acne. Each treatment consists of just 17 minutes of exposure to the Blu-U light and cost can range from $25-75 per treatment. Some practices will offer reduced pricing to students to make the treatment more accessible. A typical patient may require 2 treatment sessions per week for 4 weeks and then may choose to do occasional maintenance sessions to keep their acne under control. 
Health and Happiness, Dr. Hester

Samuel Hetz, MSc, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Blu-U light treatment alone costs on average anywhere from $30-$100 per treatment. All the best.

Keith A. Lopatka, MD · Answer

Yes, blu u with levulan is generally covered by most insurance plans for the treatment of actinic keratoses (pre cancerous skin lesins) of the head/neck.  For other cosmetic conditions, the blu u with or without levulan is not routinely covered.  The cost of a cosmetic treatment with blu u can vary between $30-$250 depending on whether the blu u is used alone or in conjunction with levulan.

Steven Hacker, MD · Answer

Blue light combined with levulan is a FDA approved treatment for actinic keratoses. It is used off label for acne. The costs include the costs of levulan plus the service of delivering the blue light therapy. The cost is $350 per treatment. Many insurance companies will not cover the cost when levulan is used for purposes other than actinic keratoses.

What Does Blu U Light Treatment Cost?

Answers (7)

Answer: Blu U or Photodynamic Therapy

Answer: Blu U or Photodynamic Therapy

Answer: Blu U photodynamic therapy and levulan

Answer: Blu U photodynamic therapy and levulan

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Everything you need to know about Photodynamic Therapy

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

What Does Blu U Light Treatment Cost?

Answers (7)

Answer: Blu U or Photodynamic Therapy

Answer: Blu U or Photodynamic Therapy

Answer: Blu U photodynamic therapy and levulan

Answer: Blu U photodynamic therapy and levulan

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.