Photodynamic Therapy

Our office in Lancaster, Pennsylvania offers a safe and effective alternative to treating acne, rosacea and sun-damaged skin. This advance in cosmetic medicine is called PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT). Also known as ALA/PDT, this treatment is performed with a topical photosensitizing agent called Levulan (5-aminolevulinic acid or ALA). Applied to the skin, ALA is preferentially taken up by precancerous skin lesions (Actinic Keratoses) as well as other photodamaged skin cells. After an hour’s incubation period, a light of the correct wavelength activates the medication causing destruction of these abnormal cells. Because we use a vascular laser to activate the Levulan, red and brown skin discolorations are also effectively treated. The improvement of severely sun-damaged skin can be dramatic.

Levulan photodynamic therapy

Before and after one Levulan treatment

Levulan treatments are also extremely effective for acne. The P. Acnes bacterium and oil glands also incorporate ALA. With light activation, the bacteria is destroyed, oil production greatly reduced, and pore size shrunk. Because a vascular laser is the Levulan activator,skin reddness so often seen with Rosacea and acne lesions is decreased. Prior to Levulan, this kind of treatment response could only be achieved with the drug Accutane. However, unlike Accutane, Levulan is without side effects, risks of toxicities or the need for monthly blood testing.

Sun avoidance for the first 24 hours is mandatory following ALA treatment. During this time, treated skin will be red and feel sunburned. Ibuprofen or a topical steroid cream can be used if desired. As with sunburn, skin peeling and flaking may follow several days after treatment.

Best results are obtained following 3-5 treatments which are spaced 2-3 weeks apart. Improvement can be maintained for nine months to a year and in some, even longer. A maintenance treatment can be repeated when needed by returning to our Lancaster office at regular intervals. Levulan is truly a medical breakthrough! For more information on Levulan, www.dusapharma.com.

“I couldn’t be happier with the results of my Levulan treatment. I never expected the results to be so dramatic. After just one treatment, my pores shrank considerably and my face looked smooth, even-toned, and flawless. I’ve just had my second Levulan treatment, and the results from this one are even more impressive! Dr. Cohen certainly worked some magic with Levulan and a laser. Dr. Cohen treated me with such care, she even called me at home to see how I was doing! I’ll never go anywhere else.”
—Susan G., Lancaster, PA

To make an appointment, please call 717-560-4460 or let us know how we can help.