Blue Light
For Acne and
with Levulan Actinic Keratoses

The science behind the treatment

Blue Light with Levulan is a type of photodynamic therapy (PDT) that consists of the topical application of Levulan (aminolevulinic acid) combined with BLU-U, a specialized blue light treatment. Levulan is a substance that occurs naturally in the body in small amounts. After it is applied and absorbed into the skin it is converted into a potent photosensitizer, protophorphyrin IX. Because Levulan absorbs into actinic keratoses and sebaceous glands it selectively targets them. The blue light then activates these protophorphyrins which leads to shrinkage of these tissues. By shrinking the sebaceous glands, acne is improved.

Information about the treatments

Some patients will improve after just 1 treatment. Several treatments (usually 2-4) are necessary to significantly clear moderate–to–severe acne and actinic keratoses. Treatments are spaced 4 weeks apart. Acne may stay clear (be in remission) for 6-12 months. Results will vary among individuals. Visits consist of application of the Levulan, waiting while the Levulan absorbs into the skin for 30-60 min. for faces, 5 hrs. or longer for other areas, then sitting under BLU-U for 8-16 min. or more per area. Except for mild stinging or burning, treatments are usually painless.

Instructions

1. Before your treatment the area must be completely clean without makeup, creams or lotions.
2. It is extremely important that you stay out of direct and indirect sun for 48 hours after your treatment! Your skin will be sensitized to the sun and you can get severely sunburned. Use a sunscreen with a SPF of 30-50 even when indoors.
3. You may be red following the treatment for several hours to several days. You may have a sun-burned look for 1-7 days. Light peeling can occasionally occur, which may last 7 – 10 days. Swelling may occasionally occur, especially around the eyes. Blisters and scabbing can occur if you do not follow directions. Call our office if you experience blisters or scabbing.
4. If your skin stings indoors, stay away from bright lights and windows.
5. If your skin feels uncomfortable or to reduce swelling, apply cold compresses or ice packs as needed. Take Tylenol or Advil if needed. Biafine, which is available in our office or hydrocortisone 1% cream (non-Rx) can be applied if skin is irritated.
6. Continue to wear sunscreens and a hat for 2 weeks after each treatment.
7. You should see the full effect of your treatment within 30 days.

Combining Intense Pulsed Light (IPL or Photo Facial) with Blue Light and Levulan for actinic damage.

You can dramatically increase your results by combining an IPL treatment with one of your Blue Light with Levulan treatments. Not only will it resolve more actinic keratoses, but your skin will also look and feel better. Many patients receive significant cosmetic improvement to their skin when IPL is added. This treatment also improves redness, brown spots and texture. * Note: we do not bill insurance or Medicare for IPL treatments..

Combining Microdermabrasion with Blue Light with Levulan

Having a microdermabrasion treatment before the Levulan is applied enhances the results and may reduce the total number of treatments needed. * Note: we do not bill insurance or Medicare for Microdermabrasions.

Treatment fees

Blue Light with Levulan (Includes 1 treatment area and 1 tube of Levulan) $300 per treatment

• Each additional Levulan tube needed (on same visit) $100 each
  (Additional tubes may be needed for large areas, such as arms, legs and back)
• Each additional treatment area (on same visit) $100 each
• Adding a Microdermabrasion to your Blue Light treatment $150 per area
• Adding an IPL treatment to your Blue Light treatment face: $400 chest, neck or forearms + hands: $250 per location

Insurance and Medicare reimbursement for actinic keratoses treatment

Medicare and some insurance companies may cover this treatment for actinic keratoses. In some instances we may be able to bill the Blue Light treatments to your insurance or Medicare. For non-Medicare patients, the cost of the Levulan must be paid on the day of your treatment. The fee for the 1st tube of Levulan is $160, each additional tube is $100 (our cost.) If we bill your insurance for the Blue Light treatment and it is not covered by your insurance, you will be responsible for payment in full.

Prices effective 3-07, prices subject to change without notice.

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