Laser & Light Treatments for Acne in Chicago
What is Photodynamic Therapy?
Who is a candidate?
What is Photodynamic Therapy like?
How does Photodynamic Therapy work?
What type of equipment is used?
What desired results can be expected?
Are there any negatives?
What happens after Photodynamic Therapy?
Is there another way to get the same effect?
How is this different than other procedures?
Can this be combined with other treatments?
What is the cost of Photodynamic Therapy?
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a laser or light treatment that includes Levulan (Aminolevulinic acid), a photosensitizing compound. Levulan is applied 15-60 minutes before a treatment and is preferentially absorbed by certain cells such as precancerous skin cells, oil glands, pores and other structures, making them more sensitive to light. After the incubation period, a laser treatment using the Aurora, CoolGlide Xeo, Clearlight, or Blu-U is performed. Using this technology we can treat actinic keratoses, rosacea, acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, photodamage, and other conditions without surgery and/or medication.
Patient with diffuse actinic keratoses, moderate to severe acne and/or rosacea, hidradenitis suppurativa, or moderate to extensive sun damage are good candidates for photodynamic therapy.
If you are pregnant, have been on Accutane within 3 months, or have an active cold sore you should not have this procedure. If you are taking aspirin or blood thinners, you may experience some bruising that can take up to 2 weeks to resolve. If you are tanned or have recently been exposed to the sun in the area you are having treated, you may be more susceptible to potential side effects such as blisters or crusts and/or your treatment may need to be reduced in intensity or postponed until the tan fades. In addition, patients with pacemakers or internal defibrillators should not have this procedure with the Aurora.
What is Photodynamic Therapy like?
You will be asked to arrive 30-75 minutes before your treatment. During this time the treatment area will be cleased with acetone and alcohol. Levulan will be applied to the treatment area and allowed to incubate for a specified amount of time. During the incubation time you will be allowed to rest in our locker room. Feel free to bring along work or a book. After the incubation, the Levulan will be removed with alcohol and the treatment area will be cleansed with soap and water. Treatment will follow with either blue light or laser. After the treatment, sunscreen will be applied.
How does Photodynamic Therapy work?
When applied, Levulan is preferentially absorbed by certain cells such as precancerous skin cells, oil glands, pores and other structures, making them more sensitive to light. Thus when a light treatment follows, we can treat conditions such as actinic keratoses, acne, rosacea, hidradenitis suppurativa, and sun damaged skin.
What type of equipment is used?
Photodynamic Therapy can be performed utilizing a variety of light or laser sources. We use the Aurora by Syneron, CoolGlide Xeo by Cutera, ClearLight by Lumenis, or Blu-U by DUSA.
What desired results can be expected?
Results depend on the condition being treated.
Actinic keratoses can usually be treated in 1-2 treatments. Occasionally thicker actinic keratoses may not fully respond to light treatments, and alternative treatment, such as cryotherapy or topical chemotherapy, may be necessary. Subsequent actinic keratoses may develop over time and future treatments may be needed.
Acne breakouts can be greatly reduced in three treatments and rosacea is usually improved in three to five treatments. Rosacea and acne can be chronic conditions, and maintenance treatments may be necessary to remain in remission.
Hidradenitis suppurativa can be greatly improved in three to five treatments. Maintenance treatments may be necessary to maintain results.
The majority of patients undergoing photodynamic therapy have minimal discomfort with no adverse effects or very mild redness and peeling. About 25% of patients have redness and peeling with some discomfort that lasts for 2-3 days and feels and looks similar to first-degree sunburn. Less than 2% of patients can have extreme redness, peeling, pustules, and/or blisters as well as significant pain that can last for 5-10 days. After Levulan is applied, the area will be sensitive to sunlight or other intense light sources for 48 hours. YOU MUST STAY OUT OF DIRECT LIGHT, EVEN PROLONGED EXPOSURE THROUGH A CAR WINDOW FOR 48 HOURS. It is also extremely important that following a treatment a sunscreen with zinc oxide and SPF 30 or higher is used regularly for at least the first 48 hours following. For those who need to be mobile, use a thick layer of pure zinc oxide to the entire area that is treated (can buy in any drugstore). Failure to stay out of the sun following a treatment will increase your risk of these side effects, but they may occur regardless of sun exposure.
What happens after Photodynamic Therapy?
A sunblock containing zinc oxide with an SPF 30 or higher should be used for at least 48 hours following a treatment. Consider a broad rimmed hat even when going to and from your car. Apply pure zinc oxide thickly to the treated area if you need to be exposed. Make up may be applied immediately after your treatment. Normal skin care can be resumed after 24 hours unless otherwise directed by your provider.
Is there another way to get the same effect?
Cryotherapy, topical chemotherapy, and surgery are alternative treatments for actinic keratoses.
Traditional oral and topical medications are alternative treatments for acne and rosacea.
Laser photorejuvenation, chemical peels and physician dispensed skincare products are alternative methods for treating photodamage.
How is this different than other procedures?
Photodynamic therapy allows effective treatment of actinic keratoses over large areas without pain and extensive downtime associated with cryotherapy and topical chemo.
Laser and blue light alone have already been effective in the treatment of rosacea and acne, but by adding Levulan we are able to treat it more effectively with fewer treatments and get longer lasting results.
Can this be combined with other treatments?
Photodynamic Therapy may be combined with traditional photorejuvenation, chemical peels, SonoPeels, and other therapies dependant upon what condition is being treated.
What is the cost of Photodynamic Therapy?
In some cases, such as for the treatment of actinic keratoses, we may be able to submit treatment to your insurance if we are contracted with them. Treatments for conditions such as acne, rosacea, and sun damage are at this time not covered by insurance. Please schedule an office visit where your provider will evaluate a treatment plan specific for your skincare goals.
View our dermatology skin care products store in Lincolnshire, just outside Chicago