Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a special treatment performed with a topical photosensitizing agent called Levulan (5-aminolevulinic acid or ALA) activated with the correct wavelength of light. This is also known as “ALA/PDT treatment”. These treatments remove sun damaged pre-cancerous zones and spots called actinic keratoses. Sun damage, fine lines, and blotchy pigmentation are also improved because of the positive effect of Levulan and the light treatment. ALA/PDT treatment also has the unique ability to minimize pores and reduce oil glands, effectively treating stubborn acne vulgaris, acne rosacea, and improve the appearance of some acne scars.
Treating acne with the Levulan Photodynamic Therapy begins with the application of aminolevulinic acid or ALA with the Levulan Kerastick, which is then activated by the LimeLight (IPL). The Levulan treatment inhibits acne causing bacteria and creates an exfoliating action on the skin unclogging pores and regulating exxessive oil production. Stubborn acne may not always be responsive to traditional methods of treatment such as antibiotics. Levulan is a safe and effective alternative for acne.
Excessive and unprotected sun exposure leads to sun damage in the form of skin discolouration, enlarged pores, brown spots and precancerous conditions such as Actinic Keratoses (AK’s). AK’s generally develop on the ears, scalp, face, neck, hands and arms. Approximately, more than 5million North Americans develop Actinic Keratosis lesions. The Levulan Photodynamic Treatment is an effective solution.
Patients with severe sun damaged skin manifested by actinic keratosis, texture, and tone changes including mottled pigmentation and skin laxity may see excellent results. You may also see improvement of large pores and pitted acne scars. Active acne can improve dramatically.
You are not an ideal candidate for the Levulan Therapy if you are TANNED, have light sensitivities such as Porphyria, allergies to porphyrins or Lupus.
Patients will experience a mild pinching or stinging sensation. Anaesthesia or pain medicine is typically not required.
To achieve maximum improvement of pre-cancerous (actinic keratoses) sun damage, skin tone and texture, a series of 2-4 treatments scheduled 2-4 weeks apart is the most effective. Some patients with only actinic keratoses are happy with just one treatment. More treatments can be done at periodic intervals in the future to maintain the rejuvenated appearance of the skin.
Your skin will experience sensitivity for the first 3-14days following your treatment. Redness is expected and encouraged. Avoid any sun exposure within this time period. Sunblock is strongly advised to be used daily after your treatment, especially if sun exposure is unavoidable.
Levulan Therapy can also work effectively on treating freckles, acne scarring, and solar lentigenes(liver spots)
Metvix, a prescription cream used photodynamic red light therapy (PDT) to treat the following skin conditions:
Metvix is a simple, non-invasive treatment that consists of applying the Metvix cream to the skin lesion followed by its exposure to a specifically designed light. The cells in the lesion absorb the active ingredient from the Metvix cream. When exposed to light (photodynamic therapy), a chemical reaction is activated, which eliminates only the precancerous and cancerous cells.
Levulan Before
Levulan After
Levulan Before
Levulan After
Levulan Before
Levulan After
Levulan Before
Metvix After
