Acne treatment with Levulan® photo-dynamic theraphy - by Dr. Vafa

At LaserTouch Aesthetics, Dr. Ali Vafa of New York Medical Aesthetics conducts all Chemical Peels, Botox, dermal filler and laser cosmetic procedures. Dr. Vafa is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine and has had extensive training in Medical Aesthetic procedures. He specializes in the use of AHAs, TCAs, and as well as the VI Peel, which produces powerful results with no pain, no skin preparation and very little downtime.

Dr. Vafa is committed to being a leader in aesthetic medicine by providing his patients the newest advances combined with the highest quality medical care in New York City.

Levulan - Acne, Pimple, Scar treatment

Photo dynamic Acne Treatment (PDT) also known as Photo dynamic Therapy or “ALA/PDT" or "Levulan with IPL" treatment is a new procedure that treats resistant, hard-to-treat active acne and acne scars. The procedure, combines Photo Genesis (IPL) or light and Levulan. Levulan is a special light-activated topical photosensitizing agent made of a 20% solution of Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA).

ALA is a “natural” product found in all humans throughout the body. The Levulan, which is a clear painless solution, is applied to your skin and left on for 15-60 minutes. The Levulan is absorbed by active cells like acne sebaceous glands, making the targeted acne cells more sensitive to the light. During the procedure, the ALA is activated with the use of Photo Genesis (IPL) light which is far more effective than blue light or other light spectrums. This combined interaction of the solution and the Photo Genesis is what gives rise to the term "Photo dynamic therapy."

Treatments target and destroy acne activity leaving your skin smoother, and in many cases makes it possible to discontinue the use of antibiotics such as Accutane. Levulan has been used extensively for the treatment of a variety of different skin conditions including actinic keratosis, sun damage, and fine lines. Blotchy pigmentation are also improved because of the positive effect of Levulan and the light treatment. ALA/PDT treatments also have the ability to minimize pores and reduce oil glands, effectively treating stubborn acne vulgaris, acne rosacea.

Prior to Photo dynamic Acne Treatment, the best available treatment option for resistant and cystic acne was Accutane. However, with Accutane there are many systemic side effects including birth defects, liver abnormalities, mood depression, and virtually all patients get dryness and night vision changes. Systemic treatments are any medications that are taken orally, injected or infused that affect the entire body system.

Photo-dynamic acne treatment provides a viable alternative to all types of acne treatment without having negative systemic effects.

Frequently asked questions

What is the procedure for the treatment?
We always perform a consultation, skin evaluation and test patch before proceeding with the procedure. The Levulan is then applied to the area for 15-60 minutes. Goggles are then placed over your eyes for protection. When the pulse of light is delivered, you may feel a mild, brief pinching sensation. The actual treatment usually takes less than fifteen minutes, making it convenient for your lunch hour or after work.

How many treatments do I need?
Recommended number of treatments: We recommend 2-3 treatments at 2 to 3 week intervals for maximum results.

What should I expect right after the treatment?
Following the procedure, you may notice some initial reddening of the skin and brown spots may slightly darken. Do not go out into the sun for at least 24 hrs.

Any side effects?
Although patients experience few side effects, the most commonly noticed are slight reddening and local swelling of the skin. In rare instances blistering, scarring or pigment changes may occur. Special considerations are important when lasers are used on darker skin tones to allow for safe and effective treatment. No sun exposure for up to 24 hours after the treatment.