BLU-U LEVULAN FAQ

Acne affects people of all ages. Our teen years usually produce the first onset, but many people experience the condition much later in life. BLU-U™ Levulan™ has been proven effective for most people, though there are some contraindications. Dr. Raju will help determine if you are a good candidate.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a special treatment performed with a topical photosensitizing drug called Levulan™ (5-aminolevulinic acid or ALA) activated with high intensity blue light. This treatment targets oil glands by shrinking them – minimizing pores and effectively treating stubborn acne and Rosacea. It reduces redness and inflammatory acne. It does not treat comedones, white and black heads, which we recommend facials with extractions to address this precursor condition to acne. It also removes pre-cancerous lesions called actinic keratoses.

Levulan™ is applied topically to the whole area to be treated and is left on for about 30 to 60 minutes. Then you’re seated in front of a BLU-U™ light box for 8 to 12 minutes. BLU-U™ Levulan™ acne treatments also can be performed on chests, and backs.

You will probably feel a warm sensation with the light treatment. Very minimal discomfort is experienced afterwards like mild sunburn.

Levulan™ is an FDA approved medication. The BLU-U™ light is within the visible light spectrum, so it has no adverse effects.

There is short down time with BLU-U™ Levulan™ acne treatments, but the results are worth it. You will need to remain indoors out of sunlight for 36 hours. You will be red and have some flaking. The majority will clear over one week. We offer a camouflage make-up that you can wear the 3rd day after the treatment.

It’s unlikely that you’ll develop any serious side effects. Red skin is expected. Flaking and some peeling will resolve by end of 1st week. Rarely blistering, or pigmentation changes occur; these are usually temporary. Alsom most patients will experience an acne flare one to two weeks afterward. This is a good sign and will resolve by the 3rd week.

Some patients begin to notice clearing of undesired blemishes approximately 3 weeks after a single treatment. Most people will need a series of treatments to achieve optimal results.

You may initially return every 3 to 6 weeks until desired level of improvement is achieved. At this point many people have enjoyed up to 20 weeks of relatively clear skin. It is important to use Bioactive Cosmocuticials to maintain this investment you made in your skin, decreasing the need maintenance treatments. Because acne has a propensity to recur, you may repeat treatments with or without Levulan™ as needed in the future.

Costs are determined by the number of treatments. Treatments are individualized for you by Dr. Raju.

Patients taking Accutane™. Patients who have Lupus or other light sensitive conditions; patients who are pregnant or breast feeding.

BLU-U™ Levulan™ is simply better and faster? Instead of 16 to 20 light treatments, scheduled twice a week, you’ll only need 3 to 6 BLU-U™ Levulan™ enhanced treatments every 3 to 6 weeks. The number of treatments is usually proportional to the acne severity and your skin care program. As a result of these BLU-U™ Levulan™ treatments many people can discontinue prescription acne drugs. Please contact your doctor before doing so.

The best way to make an informed decision is to schedule your complimentary consultation. You’ll receive a complete skin care evaluation, and most importantly answers to your questions. Call us today.