Photodynamic Therapy
The addition of Levulan® to an IPL photofacial is called photodynamic therapy or PDT. This is an ideal treatment for people with years of sun damage, acneic skin or widespread actinic lesions.
What is Photodynamic Therapy?
The addition of Levulan® (a prescription solution) to a photofacial is called photodynamic therapy or PDT. Levulan intensifies the IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment and can produce significant results in a short amount of time. This is an ideal treatment for people with years of sun damage, acneic skin or widespread actinic lesions.
How Photodynamic Therapy works
Levulan, or ALA, is a photosensitizing agent. After it is absorbed by the skin for a certain amount of time, a photofacial is performed. Light from the IPL activates the drug. It works on three levels: inactivates the bacteria that causes acne, shuts down the glands that create sebum and exfoliates the skin and unclogs pores. Together, these actions help to improve skin and can even potentially help in preventing skin cancer.
What to expect during your appointment
Once your skin is cleansed, we will perform a light microdermabrasion on the areas to be treated. Next, the Levulan is carefully painted onto the skin. It is left on the treated area anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. 20 minutes before the IPL treatment, we will apply numbing cream over the Levulan. After thoroughly cleansing the skin again, we will perform the IPL portion of the procedure. Because Levulan makes skin sensitive to light, you will feel a mild-to-moderate burning sensation. This should start to subside immediately after the IPL treatment. We will place a cool, hydrating mask to facilitate the process. A liberal application of sunscreen will conclude the procedure. Because the Levulan incubation period varies, this treatment can take anywhere from 1-2 hours.
Length of results
After the first treatment, you will see a difference that should last for a few months. However, if you have severe sun damage, more treatments will improve your skin even further.
Request a free consultation in Beverly Hills
To treat your sun damage and improve the overall health of your skin, request a free consultation at LA SkinAesthetics in Los Angeles. We have the technology and expertise to help you reach all of your aesthetic goals. You can request your free consultation by filling out the form on our site, or by sending a text to (424) 256-5272. We look forward to assisting you!
Before and after photos
