Wisconsin Acne & Actinic Keratosis Treatments

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), Photodynamic Photorejuvenation (PDPR), and BLU-U®

PDT is used to treat Actinic Keratoses and severe Acne (inflammatory, cystic). Actinic Keratoses (AKs) are caused by cumulative sun damage. They may be pea-sized or up to the size of a quarter. They vary in color from light to a dark reddish-brown. Actinic Keratoses range from flat and smooth to rough and raised, and the skin may be dry and scaly. Actinic Keratoses are considered to be the first step in the development of skin cancer and can progress to Squamous Cell Carcinomas. All Actinic Keratoses should be treated.
Severe acne, if left untreated, can progress to permanent pitting and scar formation.
PDT can also improve Rosacea and Psoriasis.

PDPR treats clinical symptoms of chronic actinic damage ( appearance of small blood vessels in the skin, sunspots, and skin discolorations) and dermal skin changes (leathery skin and rhytides, or lines) improving the skin smoothness and appearance.

BLU-U® is a component of PDT and PDPR, however, BLU-U® alone is also very effective in the treatment of mild to moderate Acne.

Blue Light Acne Treatments

At EMBODY Medical Spa, with the BLU-U® you can take control of your acne. This treatment is for mild to moderate acne and it doesn’t require medications. The wavelength of light emitted by the BLU-U® can kill the major causative factor in acne vulgaris which is the p. acnes bacteria. The BLU-U® does not emit UV light so it is not harmful to the skin. BLU-U® therapy can be used anywhere that acne breakouts occur on the body. You simply sit close to the blue light for 15 minutes 1-2 times per week for 8 weeks. It is not hot and it is not painful. It is safe and effective. Most clients experience a dramatic lessening in the severity of their acne within two to four treatments. Your acne may be cleared up for a very long time, however, an occasional follow-up treatment may be necessary to maintain the desired effects. Unlike many other topical treatments that are harsh and cause damage to the skin, the BLU-U® therapy is even gentle on sensitive skin.

What is Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)?

PDT treatments begin with microdermabrasion. Then, Dr. Mayo will apply a medication (Levulan®) to the areas to be treated. You will then relax for 30-60 minutes while the medication is absorbed into the target cells. Following that, you will sit in front of a blue light (BLU-U®) for ~15 minutes. That completes the session.

How does it treat Acne & Actinic Keratosis?

The microdermabrasion increases the penetration of the Levulan® (aminolevulinic acid or ALA) into the skin. Levulan® is preferentially taken-up by the very cells we want to target with these treatments. Once in the cells, the Levulan® is converted to photosensitive PpIX. When exposed to light the PpIX is activated and the abnormal cells are destroyed. The wavelength of blue light from the BLU-U® is optimal for activating the PpIX and thus gives optimal results.
Normally 1-2 treatments ~3 weeks apart are sufficient for the treatment of Actinic Keratoses. Severe acne treatment usually requires 3 treatments at 2-3 week intervals.

What is Photodynamic PhotoRejuvenation (PDPR)?

PDPR also starts with a microdermabrasion. The Levulan® is then painted on over the entire face. After relaxing for 30-60 minutes the next step in PDPR is photorejuvenation with an IPL Laser which activates the Levulan®. The combination of these two treatments results in a greater degree of correction of actinic damage than with either treatment alone. This technique also rejuvenates the dermal skin and has been shown to markedly improve fine lines and wrinkles. Following the IPL treatment is a 5-10 minute BLU-U® session to maximize the response.

PDPR is performed in a series of 5 treatments spaced 2-3 weeks apart.

What is the post-procedure course?

PDT and PDPR give very impressive results. However, there is usually some downtime associated with these treatments. Therapy with Levulan® requires strict avoidance of bright light on the treated areas for 48-72 hours after treatment. An excellent sunblock (e.g. UV Natural ) should also be worn during that time. It is expected that the skin will redden and peel (like a sunburn) at ~ 48-72 hours. This is a desired clinical endpoint as studies have demonstrated that results are achieved more quickly when this occurs. Improvement can be seen without downtime, however, improvement is much more consistent if the skin reacts.

For further information on Acne & Actinic Keratosis treatments or any of the other services at EMBODY Medical Spa, please call us or request a consultation online by clicking here.

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