About the procedure:
Photodynamic therapy is a procedure to treat actinic keratosis
(precancerous pink scaly areas caused by the sun), acne and aging skin.
Photodynamic therapy uses a topical photosensitiving agent called Levulan
(Aminolevulinic acid) that is absorbed into damaged or precancerous cells
in the skin. It is then activated by a blue or red light or a laser to shed
and peel sun damaged cells.

What to expect:
Plan to be in our office for 1.5-2 hours. Levulan solution will be applied
to your skin and will sit for about an hour. Bring a book and a hat.
After the incubation time, you will wash your face and sit under the light
for 4-10 minutes depending on the light source. This is the part that can
hurt. You will feel a burning or stinging sensation.
Post procedure you will be red and sometimes a little swollen. Your skin
stays red for 3-5 days and then starts to peel. Usually you are fully
recovered by day 7, however some people continue to peel for 2 weeks.
You are photosensitive for 48 hours post treatment. Any light exposure,
even ambient light, can significantly increase the reaction and peeling. We
recommend staying indoors and using zinc or titanium oxide sunscreen for 48
hours. After 48 hours we recommend limiting sun and using physical block
sunscreen until your skin has fully peeled.
Post treatment we recommend you wash the area twice daily with a gentle
cleanser and use either Vaseline or Aquaphor several times a day.