Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) with Levulan Near Chicago

Photodynamic Therapy with Levulan is used for fast and noticeable results in photorejuvenation and severe skin damage. The term “photodynamic” comes from “photo,” meaning light, and “dynamic,” meaning action.

PDT uses light or laser energy to target skin issues, such as sun damage, precancerous cells (actinic keratosis), acne, and inflammatory rosacea. Our very own, Dr. Amy Forman Taub, is a pioneer in researching, improving, and applying PDT to skin conditions.

Benefits of PDT Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) specifically targets damaged cells while minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissue. It’s known for precision and safety, with no long-term side effects reported. This non-invasive treatment offers a relatively quick recovery time, allowing you to resume normal activities with little disruption.

Once your skin heals, it will look smoother, clearer, and more even in tone, with long-term benefits like improved texture and reduced signs of sun damage.

How Levulan Photodynamic Therapy Works

The process begins with applying a prescription solution called Levulan to the affected skin, which makes the targeted cells or glands more sensitive to light. We then wipe off the Levulan and either have you sit under a blue light or apply cooling gel to begin laser treatment.

When combined with light therapy, Levulan not only addresses the damaged cells or glands but also promotes healthier, smoother, and clearer skin, potentially reducing the risk of skin cancer.

How Do I Know If PDT is Right for Me?

PDT may be right for you if you have sun-damaged skin, actinic keratosis, acne, inflammatory rosacea, hidradenitis suppurativa, or other less common skin diseases. Pregnant women or patients taking Accutane during the previous six months are not eligible.

If you’re looking for an experienced healthcare provider for PDT treatments, Advanced Dermatology, a Forefront Dermatology Practice, treats patients across Chicago’s North Shore, with locations in Lincolnshire and Glencoe. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Photodynamic Therapy

What does PDT feel like?

Photodynamic therapy uses light or laser energy that is minimally painful. You may feel slight discomfort during treatment, as if a rubber band snapping is on your skin.

What can I expect on the day of treatment?

On your treatment day, you should arrive 60 to 120 minutes early, depending on the area being treated, so your skin can be cleansed and coated with Levulan. For best results, we sometimes also perform microneedling to increase Levulan absorption. You may want to bring a book to read while Levulan is absorbed by your skin.

Can this be combined with other treatments?

Yes – PDT may be combined with traditional Photorejuvenation, chemical peels, and other therapies. The choice of combinations depends on the skin condition being treated. It also may be combined with tissue tightening treatments or injectable fillers and toxins.

What is the cost of Photodynamic Therapy?

The cost depends on several factors, such as the number of treatments and use case. Medical PDT for actinic keratosis may be covered by your insurance if we only use blue light. Treatments of acne, rosacea, and sun damage are not covered by insurance and are considered cosmetic treatments that you are responsible for.

Can PDT be used to treat acne?

Yes, we offer PDT specifically for acne. Hidradenitis suppurativa, a severe form of acne, requires monthly treatments until the condition is under control. These are usually followed with maintenance treatments.

What are the risks and side effects of PDT?

Before treatment, your medical provider and cosmetic coordinator will review all potential risks and side effects.

After the procedure, it’s common to experience redness and flakiness, similar to the effects of a sunburn, which can last anywhere from one day to over a week. If you have existing sun damage, the treated area may feel particularly sensitive. If your skin is tanned or recently exposed to the sun, we recommend waiting until the tan fades before proceeding with PDT to minimize side effects like blisters or crusting. However, if you prefer treatment on tanned skin, we can adjust the intensity to reduce discomfort.

The good news is that despite any temporary side effects, there will be no scarring, and the long-term results are highly beneficial.

Is there another way to get the same effect as PDT?

Yes, there are alternatives to PDT in many scenarios.

Precancerous cell removal: While PDT is the only method that destroys tiny precancerous cells not visible to the naked eye, there are additional methods: topical creams, liquid nitrogen, and surgery. Topical creams and PDT each result in an 80% to 90% improvement in actinic keratosis. While PDT is done in a single visit, topical creams must be applied daily by the patient for weeks.

Sun damage: Sun-damaged skin may also be treated by the Fraxel laser, chemical peels, topical creams, and by laser without Levulan.

Severe acne: Alternative treatments for acne include chemical peels, acne facials, lasers, and light therapy.

Before & After Gallery

I drive all the way from Lakeview to see the wonderful people at Advanced Dermatology

“It’s all because of the exceptional care you are guaranteed each time you walk through their doors!”

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Is there another way to get the same effect as PDT?

Yes. Precancerous cells may also be destroyed by topical creams, liquid nitrogen, and surgery. Sun-damaged skin may also be treated by the Fraxel laser, chemical peels, topical creams, and by laser without Levulan.

Topical creams and PDT each result in an 80% to 90% improvement in actinic keratosis. PDT is done during one visit to the physician’s office, whereas topical creams must be applied daily by the patient for weeks. After PDT the patient appears red and scaly for a few days compared to 3 to 6 weeks with topical therapy.

Although uncomfortable for a few minutes, freezing with liquid nitrogen is fast and effective and can be done in a single visit. It’s also simpler than a PDT procedure and less messy than creams. Freezing with liquid nitrogen may also leave a white scar.

A major advantage of PDT is that it destroys tiny precancerous cells not visible to the naked eye. None of the other procedures do this.

For hidradenitis suppurativa, PDT works better than most other treatments. You also avoid having to lance swollen areas; this is uncomfortable and leaves scars.

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Advanced Dermatology is the leading aesthetic and medical dermatology practice in the North Shore servicing Glencoe, Lincolnshire and Chicago.