PDT (BLU-U with Levulan)

Recommended Products:

Solar Silk SPF 30
Beta-A Treatment Gel
Daily Clarifying Pads

Complementary Services:

BLU-U Light Therapy is a non-invasive and effective treatment which offers pain-free blue light treatment for moderate inflammatory acne, a condition affecting millions of adults, teens and children. There is little downtime, no prescriptions to fill and no daily medication to remember. For more dramatic results, Photodynamic therapy combines Levulan with traditional BLU-U treatment to treat moderate to severe acne, as well as actinic keratosis.

What is PDT?

PDT is photodynamic therapy. It utilizes a blue-violet light source to kill bacteria that causes skin lesions and will help to improve skin texture. In its most aggressive form, it involves the dynamic relationship of a light source (BLU-U) combined with a topical photosensitizer (Levulan) to create an energy exchange. The use of a photosensitizer makes PDT unique from other laser and light treatments.

BLU-U treatment can be received alone for a more mild approach to acne treatment or combined with Levulan for a more dramatic approach. At your consultation, Dr. Reinertson will determine if you are a good candidate for Levulan therapy as part of your BLU-U treatment.

What is PDT used for?

The concentrated BLU-U light is effective in killing the bacteria that causes acne and it will also correct overactive oil glands. This treatment is also beneficial for patients that have been diagnosed with precancerous or cancerous skin cells, otherwise known as actinic keratosis.

I loved my visit here. Besides the fabulous view of Seattle, Dr. Jodie and her staff created a cheerful ambiance, and were as friendly as they were knowledgeable. Dr. Jodie knows what she is doing. I had bad acne on my face, and after doing a series of rounds of the IPL laser, microdermabrasion, and some micropeels, I can proudly go out without makeup for the first time in years. THANK YOU DR. JODIE.
Samantha, Seattle, January 2011

How long does a typical PDT Therapy take?

Depending on the treatment area, typical treatments run from 30 minutes for a simple BLU-U treatment and can vary greatly if treatment will incorporate topical Levulan for photodynamic therapy.

What results can I expect?

BLU-U and photodynamic therapy can reduce acne breakouts, as well as smooth the texture of your skin. Patients who receive the best results receive repeated treatments on a predetermined cycle. Results will also be based on the severity of the acne and the age of the patient.

What does PDT literally do?

Utilizing Levulan allows the skin tissue to be more receptive to the radiant blue light of the BLU-U. The energy exchange between the Levulan, the blue light, and the skin tissue, allows for the light to kill the surface bacteria that causes acne. Levulan is absorbed by the tissue cells where it is converted to a chemical that makes the cells extremely sensitive to light. The BLU-U treatment causes reactions which destroy the acne lesions and actinic keratosis cells (if present). With regular treatments the severity of breakouts will reduce as the health of your skin will improve.

Is PDT treatment painful?

BLU-U light therapy alone is pain-free. Photodynamic therapy, which incorporates the use of topical Levulan, can potentially cause an increase in sensitivity during treatment as the Levulan will increase the receptiveness of the treated areas to the BLU-U light therapy.

What are the common side effects?

BLU-U treatment alone will be effective in reducing moderate acne outbreaks but the addition of Levulan therapy will produce more dramatic results. In combination with Levulan, the skin will become highly sensitive and can peel for a couple of days (or more) after treatment. Patients that are treated with Levulan should not expose the photosensitized lesions to sunlight or prolonged or intense light for 48 hours. Sunscreens will not protect against photosensitivity reactions caused by visible light.

Levulan treatment is not advisable for patients who have cutaneous photosensitivity at wavelengths at 400-450 nm, porphyria, or for patients with known sensitivity to any of the components of the Levulan solution. The most common side effects include scaling/crusting, hypo/hyper-pigmentation, itching, and stinging. Most patients will peel after treatment. This is a highly desirable result of treatment as old skin will shed to create a fresh surface for new skin growth. Peeling can last a few days up to a few weeks. This is by no means a complete list of potential side effects. A full list of side effects is available at your consultation.

What does treatment cost?

Cost for treatment varies considerably based on the individual and his/her unique goals and desires. We endeavor to provide you the best combined value of cost and exceptional patient care at CosMedic Skincare. In keeping with that desire, we offer a fantastic opportunity for our Seattle-based patients to save money on treatments with our Patient Recognition Program. Please ask to be enrolled in our program and you will receive monthly cost-savings opportunities at CosMedic Skincare. For your convenience, you can request to be registered online.