Photodynamic therapy is a safe and effective alternative to plastic surgery that combines intense pulse light with a topical photosensitizing agent called Levulan®. It's currently being used as a treatment of sun damaged skin, brown and red skin discolorations, large pores, broken blood vessels, brown and red spots, acne, acne scars, and skin pre-cancers. It has also been shown to improve skin tone and texture. Treatment areas include the face, neck, chest, arms, hands and legs.

Unlike plastic surgery, Photodynamic therapy provides the patient with refreshed, younger looking skin, improved tone, color and texture with no scarring or surgical excisions. Patients with severely sun damaged skin, acne or acne scars have reported excellent results. Furthermore, diminished pore size, discoloration and blotchiness are usually significant.

Unlike some ‘lunchtime' treatments, Photodynamic therapy does require some downtime. Patients should, however, expect redness and peeling for several days following the procedure. Temporary swelling of the lips and around the eyes also may occur. The entire healing process usually takes 7-10 days, and practitioners suggest 2-3 Photodynamic therapy treatments at 2 to 3 week intervals until obtain optimal results are achieved.

Levulan®, a clear painless solution, is applied to the skin and left on for 15-60 minutes. Following this, the Levulan® is activated with a specific wavelength of light. This is called BLU-U or Clear-Light. This interaction between the solution and the light gives rise to the name "Photodynamic therapy.” This activation process takes approximately 10 minutes. During the treatment patients may feel stinging, tingling, or burning, although these sensations subside after the treatment is completed.