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BLU-U™ Levulan™
Frequent Asked Questions - Page 1
- Are you a candidate for a BLU-U™ Levulan™?
- 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.
- What is BLU-U™ Levulan™?
- 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, shrinks 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.
- What is a BLU-U™ Levulan™ treatment like?
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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.
- Is it painful?
- You will probably feel a warm sensation with the light treatment. Very minimal discomfort is experienced afterwards like mild sunburn.
- Is BLU-U™ Levulan™ safe?
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Levulan™ is an FDA approved medication. The BLU-U™ light is within the visible light spectrum, so it has no adverse effects.
- Do I need recovery time?
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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.
- Are there side effects?
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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. Also most patients will experience an acne flare one to two weeks afterwards. This is a good sign and will resolve by the 3rd week.
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