Levulan
Levulan® is a prescription topical medication used as part of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of actinic keratoses rough, scaly areas of sun-damaged skin that can develop after years of ultraviolet exposure.
Levulan® contains aminolevulinic acid (ALA), a photosensitizing medication that is applied to the treatment area and subsequently activated with an appropriate light source.
At View Laser in Delta and Tsawwassen, Levulan® treatment is provided following an individual medical assessment with Dr. Martin Ray.
Levulan® photodynamic therapy is used to treat actinic keratoses (AKs) rough or scaly areas that develop as a result of cumulative sun exposure.
Actinic keratoses are considered precancerous skin lesions because some can progress to squamous cell carcinoma. Any new, changing, bleeding, painful or otherwise concerning skin lesion should be medically assessed rather than assumed to be sun damage.
Levulan® contains aminolevulinic acid, which is applied topically to targeted actinic keratoses. The medication is absorbed by the treatment area and converted within cells into a light-sensitive compound.
The area is then exposed to an appropriate light source, initiating a photodynamic reaction that targets the abnormal cells.
Treatment involves preparation and cleansing of the skin, application of Levulan®, an appropriate incubation period and subsequent light activation. The exact protocol and treatment time are determined by Dr. Ray based on the area and condition being treated.
Before treatment, Dr. Ray will review your medical history, medications, supplements and skin concerns.
Let the clinic know if you have a history of photosensitivity, porphyria, reactions to aminolevulinic acid or porphyrins, or are taking medications or supplements that may increase sensitivity to light.
Avoid significant sun exposure and tanning before treatment and follow any skincare instructions provided by View Laser.
Following Levulan® application, the treated skin becomes temporarily photosensitive. It is important to carefully follow the light-avoidance instructions provided by Dr. Ray and the View Laser team.
Avoid exposing the treated area to sunlight or intense indoor light during the specified photosensitivity period. Sunscreen alone does not provide adequate protection against this photosensitivity, so physical protection and light avoidance are important.
Redness, swelling, burning, stinging, scaling, crusting or sensitivity may occur as the treated skin responds and heals.
Do not pick or prematurely remove peeling or crusting skin. Use only the skincare products recommended by View Laser during the healing period and continue careful sun protection after recovery.
Contact the clinic if you experience an unexpected, severe or worsening reaction.
Levulan® is a prescription medication used as part of photodynamic therapy. Treatment suitability, protocol, risks and expected outcomes are determined following an individual medical assessment with Dr. Martin Ray, at View Laser Skin Rejuvenation, 1443 View Crescent, Delta, BC V4L 2K2. Individual results vary. 604-943-9399.
