Photodynamic Therapy

PDT is used to treat acne, rosacea, sun damage, oily skin, large pores, superficial acne scars, wrinkles and pre-cancerous  lesions or Actinic Keratosis.  At Marcus Medical Spa, the doctor will start by applying a photo sensitizer Levulan Kerastick to the face.  In acne patients, Levulan will inactivate the bacteria that trigger acne; exfoliate the skin to unclog pores; and decrease the activity the sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin.  For patients with pre-cancerous lesions, Levulan is absorbed by the cancer cells which makes it sensitive to light.  When the optical (light) energy at the proper wavelength is directed at the area of the precancerous lesions, the drug is activated and the cancer cells are destroyed.

Once Levulan has been applied, it is activated by a blue light and there is an incubation period of about one hour.  This procedure sometimes includes an IPL Photofacial, to maximize results.  Excellent improvement in rosacea, acne, skin tone, and texture can be expected.  The treatment has a high success rate with little downtime.  It is important to avoid the sunlight for 48 hours after the PDT treatment and is common to experience mild to moderate dryness or a sunburn like effect for 2-3 days.  A series of 2-3 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart is recommended.