LEVULAN®

Levulan®, or photodynamic therapy, is a topical treatment activated by sunlight or intense pulsed light (IPL) laser. We activate this product in our clinic with IPL as there is no way to effectively regulate sunlight. Going out in the sun after applying this product may cause a severe reaction. This non-invasive treatment can effectively treat rough or scaly skin.

Levulan® is primarily used to treat sun-damaged skin and actinic keratosis.

Treatment Details
Each treatment typically takes approximately 40-60 minutes, depending on the treatment area and the patient’s aesthetic goals. Treatment starts with a deep cleansing of the skin, followed by application of the Levulan® liquid. This is left on the skin anywhere from 10-20 minutes and then activated with an IPL laser. The residual product is washed from the face and sunblock is applied before the patient is released.

Recovery & Results
Results are usually apparent 2 weeks after treatment, with continued improvement up to 6 months. Patients are strongly advised to stay out of the sun for 24 hours after treatment as they risk further unwanted activation of the Levulan® with sunlight exposure (direct or indirect). At 24 hours, patients should expect to experience redness and possible swelling of the skin, which may take 1-7 days to resolve. Individual patient response to Levulan® treatments can vary greatly in respect to redness, swelling, and irritation of the skin. For continued optimal results, skin should be maintained with proper home care as directed by Dr. Ray.

Used to treat:
​Sun damage, rough or scaly skin, and actinic keratosis. Commonly used on the face, ears, neck, chest, décolleté/décolletage, arms, hands, and body.