BLUE LIGHT PHOTODYNAMIC ACNE THERAPY WITH LEVULAN® IN DALLAS

The inflammation of acne can be one of the most uncomfortable attacks on the skin. The pimples, blackheads, cysts and whiteheads on the face, back and arms can be devastating and cause an overwhelming sense of insecurity. Fortunately, there are some solutions that are non-invasive, painless and quick to treat this skin condition and prevent the flare-ups from reoccurring.

At Advanced Skin Fitness we are proud to offer different levels of Blue Light, Blu-U,and ClearLight™ acne therapy treatments depending on the severity of your condition and amount of skin rejuvenation required. Blue Light Acne Therapy Treatment and Blue Light with Photodynamic Therapy with Levulan® are both effective at attacking the p. acnes bacteria that causes an acne outbreak. A laser light is used to destroy the p. acnes bacteria, but the Blue Light with Photodynamic Therapy with Levulan® is more of a multi-step process and offers long term effectiveness.

Bacteria that live in the sebum and is released by the sebaceous glands deep in the follicles and pores contribute to acne problems. When there is an excess of sebum oil, the follicles and pores become clogged, causing the p. acnes bacteria to multiply, which results in an inflammation of acne. There are some concerns that patients may have before having the treatment. We address some of the most common questions.

Blue Light Therapy Destroys Acne Causing Bacteria

Our treatment uses a specialized laser that tuned to specific blue light wavelengths to destroy the bacteria, which develops into inflammatory acne.

This therapy addresses moderate to severe outbreaks of acne. The light waves are similar to ultraviolet light, but tuned to a different wavelength that, while effective, causes no free radical damage to the skin. The light waves are delivered to the dermal layer of the skin. Once the light waves penetrate the skin, they kill the p.acnes bacteria that is causing the inflammation when sebum oil blocks the follicles. For any lingering bacteria that has not been destroyed the light waves trigger porphyrins, a natural bacteria-fighting compound in the body that chemically reacts to the light wave by producing peroxide, which subsequently will kill the remaining p. acnes bacteria.

Blue Light is a treatment that is highly effective without the supplemental use of acne medication although it can be more effective when combined with topical acne serums and washes and often times a salicylic acid chemical peel.

Blue Light Therapy (Also known as ClearLight™ or Blu-U™) combined with Levulan®

We enhance the effectiveness of blue light therapy by combining it with a substance called Levulan® (5-amino levulenic acid) with blue light waves to destroy the bacteria, which develops into inflammatory acne. It’s more aggressive at rejuvenating the skin and involves a multi-step process as well as 48 hours of downtime.

Blue Light with Photodynamic Therapy or PDT has a similar process to Blue Light, but the results are more immediate and can be completed in fewer sessions. Before using the light waves, a Levulan® topical medicine is applied to the area for an “incubation period” which is 1 to 2 hours prior to the procedure. The p. acnes bacteria absorbs the Levulan® and turns it into a light-sensitive substance, which then selectively absorbs blue laser light, destroying the P. acnes bacteria for 1 – 2 years or longer. This is the best alternative to antibiotics and other extreme acne medications such as Accutane or Isotretinoin.

How long is the Blue Light treatment and how many treatments does it take to complete the treatment?

The procedure takes about 25 minutes to complete and requires about 8-10 treatments. Although the treatment takes 25 minutes, the following 8-10 treatments should be performed twice a week over a four to five week period.

How long is the Blue Light with Levulan® or Photo Dynamic Therapy treatment and how many treatments does it take to complete the treatment?

The procedure takes anywhere between 2 to 4 hours and requires on average about 3-5 treatments.

Although the treatment takes a few hours to complete, there are fewer following sessions. The Blue Light procedures involving Levulan® are performed every 3 weeks and the results can last 2 or more years.

Is Blue Light treatment painful?

The treatment is painless, but there might be a mild discomfort, depending on the patient.

It’s a painless process, but patients are likely to feel a subtle warm sensation around the treatment area. It feels very similar to a tanning bed.
Are there any side effects after the Blue Light treatment?

There are not any evident side effects that patients should be aware of post treatment.

Although there aren’t any usual side effects after the treatment, a patient may notice some redness, resembling a sunburn in the area of where an inflamed bump was located. This redness should subside eventually. To avoid any additional irritation, patients should avoid ALL sun exposure for at least 48 – 72 hours after the treatment if it involves Levulan®.

Are there risks associated with Blue Light with Levulan® or PDT?

There are certain conditions and products that may not react well with the treatment. It’s best to consult the technician about any medications or disorders you may have before having the procedure.

We recommend that people who are pregnant, experience seizures, have photosensitivity disorders like lupus avoid having the treatment. Patients should not use particular products before the treatment like Retin A, Tazorac, oral antibiotics or medications prohibiting sun exposure.

All patients are required to wear protective eyewear while having the procedure or risk eye irritation.

How much does Blue Light Acne Treatment cost?

Single Treatment: $60 | Series of 10: $495

How much does Blue Light + Levulan® or Photodynamic Therapy with cost?

Single Treatment: $650 | Series of 3: $1,500

What’s the difference between Blue Light and Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy with Levulan®?

Blue Light is a one step process and takes more sessions before completing the treatment. But it is least costly of the two procedures.

This procedure is more temporary and is best suited for a patient with a temporary flare-up.

Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy with Levulan® is a multi-step process and shows immediate beneficial results. Fewer sessions are required to complete the treatment. The procedure involves coating the skin with medicine to make the clogged pores more sensitive to the blue light, so it absorbs more light waves. It’s also a more preferred solution than antibiotics and other aggressive medications. This procedure often provides clear skin for 2 or more years but does require 48-72 hours completely out of sunlight after the procedure.[/expander_maker]