Top Photodynamic Acne Therapy Treatment in Los Angeles – Expert Acne & Scar Care

A new procedure is now available that treats active acne as well as older acne scars leaving your skin smoother. The procedure is called  using Levulan.

Photodynamic Acne Treatment is a process by which a photosensitizing agent (Levulan) is applied to your skin. The Levulan is then activated with a specific wavelength of light, which “turns it on”. Levulan has been used extensively for the treatment of a variety of different skin conditions, and it is approved by the FDA for the treatment of pre-cancerous lesions (actinic keratosis). Treatment of other conditions by this method is considered an “off-label” use in Los Angeles dermatology clinics.

Levulan is a 20% solution of Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA). ALA is a natural substance found throughout your body, as it is a precursor for hemoglobin synthesis. You would be unable to make a red blood cell to carry oxygen without ALA in your body. Consequently, it is a “natural” product found in all humans seeking expert acne therapy in Los Angeles.

Acne results from the obstruction and inflammation of the sebaceous glands, and it affects 80% of the human population. Acne typically begins in adolescence with hormonal changes. However, there are many older individuals who suffer from adult acne treatment in Los Angeles.

There are several different presentations of acne ranging from comedonal (blackheads and whiteheads), papular, pustular, and cystic acne. In many cases, many of these presentations of acne can be present on an individual simultaneously requiring comprehensive acne treatment.

Photodynamic Acne Therapy in Beverly Hills & Santa Monica

Prior to Photodynamic Acne Treatment, the best available treatment option for 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. PDT Acne Treatment provides a viable alternative for all types of acne treatments in  Beverly Hills and Santa Monica.  patients.

Photodynamic Acne Treatment is done as follows: The Levulan is applied to your skin and left on for 30-60 minutes. Levulan is a clear solution and painless. Levulan is then activated with a specific wavelength of light. This takes about 10 minutes. The Levulan targets active cells. Acne sebaceous glands are active cells that respond well to advanced acne therapy in Los Angeles.

These cells preferentially absorb Levulan, and these cells are targeted by Levulan once it is activated; hence the term, photodynamic therapy. The Levulan will also target sebaceous hyperplasia (which are those small (1 -3 mm), benign bumps on your skin) and the papules of acne rosacea. Skin oiliness is decreased, and the appearance of pores is minimized through professional skin rejuvenation treatment.

The entire skin texture improves following a photodynamic acne treatment procedure in Los Angeles.

Recovery & Side Effects

The “downside” of Photodynamic Treatment (PDT) is that you will be red and have some skin peeling (and crusting if you have skin cancers) for several days after the treatment. Usually, the first 1-2 days are the worst. We advise remaining indoors the day following your treatment to avoid sun exposure, as you are photosensitive for about 24 hours after PDT.

Patients receiving acne scar treatment in Los Angeles should follow sun protection guidelines.

Advantages of Photodynamic Therapy Acne Treatment

The advantages of Photodynamic Treatment (PDT) are rapid treatment of acne lesions all over face without scarring or surgical excision. The skin appears refreshed and younger following these treatments.

We advise 2-3 treatments at 2-3 week intervals to obtain optimal results for acne scar and acne lesion treatment in Los Angeles.

There are no systemic side effects. Pregnant women should not undergo this procedure.

You can use your topical acne lotions in between Levulan treatments once redness has subsided.

For expert Photodynamic Acne Therapy treatment in Los Angeles, schedule your consultation today. Book now or contact us for personalized acne treatment plans.

FAQs

1. What is Photodynamic Acne Therapy treatment in Los Angeles?

 Photodynamic Acne Therapy (PDT) is a medical skin treatment that uses a photosensitizing agent called Levulan combined with light activation to treat active acne, acne scars, and other skin conditions by targeting overactive skin cells and sebaceous glands.

2. How does Photodynamic Acne Therapy work?

The treatment works by applying Levulan (Aminolevulinic Acid) to the skin, allowing it to absorb into active skin cells. The area is then exposed to a specific wavelength of light that activates the solution and helps destroy acne-causing bacteria and overactive oil glands.

3. Is Photodynamic Acne Therapy safe for acne treatment in Los Angeles?

 Yes, Photodynamic Acne Therapy is considered a safe, FDA-approved procedure when performed by qualified dermatologists, although its use for acne treatment is considered off-label compared to its approved use for precancerous lesions.

4. What is Levulan and is it natural?

Levulan is a 20% solution of Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA), which is a natural substance found in the body and plays a role in hemoglobin synthesis. It is considered a naturally occurring compound in human biology.

5. What types of acne can be treated with PDT?

Photodynamic therapy can treat comedonal acne, papular acne, pustular acne, cystic acne, and acne rosacea. It is also effective for reducing sebaceous hyperplasia and improving overall skin texture.

6. How long does a PDT acne treatment session take?

The procedure usually takes about 30–60 minutes for Levulan application followed by about 10 minutes of light activation treatment, making it a convenient acne therapy option in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica.

7. How many treatment sessions are required?

Most patients require 2–3 treatments spaced 2–3 weeks apart to achieve optimal results for acne and acne scar treatment.

8. What are the side effects of Photodynamic Acne Therapy?

Common side effects include redness, peeling, crusting, and temporary skin sensitivity to sunlight for about 24 hours after treatment. These effects usually subside within a few days.

9. Is there any downtime after PDT acne treatment?

Yes, patients may experience redness and mild peeling for 1–2 days. Patients are usually advised to stay indoors the day after treatment and avoid direct sun exposure.

10. Can Photodynamic Therapy help with acne scars?

Yes, PDT can help improve acne scars by reducing inflammation, shrinking oil glands, and promoting smoother skin texture over time through professional skin rejuvenation treatment.

11. How does PDT compare to Accutane for acne treatment?

Unlike Accutane, PDT does not cause systemic side effects such as liver abnormalities, mood changes, or birth defects. It provides a non-systemic alternative for severe acne therapy.

12. Who should avoid Photodynamic Acne Therapy?

Pregnant women should not undergo this treatment. Patients should also inform their dermatologist about medications or skin conditions before treatment.

13. Can I use my acne skincare products between PDT sessions?

Yes, patients can continue using topical acne medications once redness and skin sensitivity have reduced after treatment.

14. Does PDT reduce oiliness and pore size?

Yes, PDT reduces skin oil production and can minimize the appearance of enlarged pores, improving overall skin appearance and tone.

15. Where can I get expert Photodynamic Acne Therapy treatment in Los Angeles?

You can receive professional PDT acne treatment at specialized dermatology clinics providing advanced acne and scar care in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica. Book now or contact us to schedule your consultation.