Levulan PDT in Los Angeles, CA
Rough, scaly spots from many years of sun exposure may be more than a cosmetic concern. These patches, known as actinic keratoses, are precancerous skin growths that can sometimes progress to squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated. Levulan® Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a nonsurgical medical procedure that targets abnormal cells using a photosensitizing medication and controlled light exposure.
Skin and Beauty Center provides Levulan PDT as part of its comprehensive medical and laser dermatology services, with board-certified dermatologists and experienced skin specialists available throughout the Los Angeles area.
What is Levulan PDT?
Levulan PDT is a two-step photodynamic treatment designed to destroy abnormal skin cells. Levulan contains aminolevulinic acid, or ALA, which is applied directly to targeted areas before the skin is exposed to a specific light source.
The medication makes abnormal cells especially sensitive to light. When the treatment light is applied, it activates the medication and helps destroy the targeted cells. Levulan with blue light is FDA-approved for certain minimally to moderately thick actinic keratoses.
Conditions Treated With Levulan PDT
Levulan PDT is primarily used to treat actinic keratoses, which often develop after years of ultraviolet exposure. They commonly appear as rough, dry, crusty, or scaly areas on frequently sun-exposed skin.
Treatment may be appropriate for actinic keratoses affecting areas such as:
- Face
- Scalp
- Hands
- Arms and other upper extremities
Skin and Beauty Center also offers photodynamic therapy in other dermatologic settings, including selected acne treatments. The appropriate application depends on your diagnosis and treatment goals.
Benefits of Levulan Photodynamic Therapy
Levulan PDT allows dermatologists to treat precancerous changes without surgically removing each lesion. It may be particularly useful when several areas of sun-damaged skin need attention.
Potential benefits include:
- Treating actinic keratoses without incisions
- Addressing multiple lesions within a treatment area
- Targeting visible and developing sun-damaged cells
- Supporting smoother, healthier-looking skin
- Treating areas that have accumulated significant sun exposure
- Allowing treatment to be repeated when medically appropriate
By treating actinic keratoses early, PDT may help reduce the chance that certain precancerous cells progress further.
The Levulan PDT Treatment Process
Treatment begins with a skin examination to confirm that Levulan PDT is appropriate. The Levulan solution is then applied to the targeted lesions or treatment area and allowed time to activate within the abnormal cells.
The treated skin is later exposed to a controlled light source. Treatment protocols can vary according to the area being treated and the technique used, so your dermatologist will provide specific instructions for your appointment and any required waiting period.
Some patients experience stinging, warmth, or burning during light delivery. These sensations generally improve after treatment is completed.
Recovery After Levulan PDT
Redness, swelling, sensitivity, peeling, crusting, or temporary discomfort can occur after photodynamic therapy. The treated area may resemble a sunburn as the skin heals.
One of the most important parts of recovery is avoiding exposure to strong light. Skin treated with Levulan becomes temporarily photosensitive, and Skin and Beauty Center advises patients to protect treated lesions from sunlight and prolonged or intense light after treatment.
Your dermatologist will give you a detailed aftercare guide that may include gentle skincare and careful sun protection.
Results and Follow-Up Care
Healing time and results vary depending on the number, thickness, and location of the lesions being treated. As the skin recovers, actinic keratoses may become less noticeable or clear altogether.
Follow-up is important because some lesions may require additional treatment. Continued dermatologic skin examinations are also recommended for people with significant sun damage because new actinic keratoses can develop over time.
Why Choose Skin and Beauty Center for Levulan PDT
Treating actinic keratoses requires more than just improving the skin's appearance. Skin and Beauty Center provides medical, surgical, cosmetic, and laser dermatology services, allowing patients with sun-damaged skin to receive evaluation and treatment within a comprehensive dermatology practice. The team includes board-certified dermatologists, dermatopathologists, Mohs specialists, and other experienced providers.
This depth of expertise is especially valuable when evaluating potentially precancerous spots. Your provider can determine whether Levulan PDT is appropriate or whether another option, such as cryotherapy, topical medication, biopsy, or another skin cancer treatment, would better address a specific lesion.
Protect Healthier Skin With Levulan PDT in Los Angeles, CA
Levulan PDT offers a targeted, nonsurgical option for treating actinic keratoses caused by accumulated sun exposure. By addressing abnormal cells before they have a chance to progress, treatment can support both healthier skin and a clearer complexion.
Skin and Beauty Center provides personalized evaluation and photodynamic therapy for patients with sun-damaged and precancerous skin. Call 877-822-2223 to schedule a consultation and learn whether Levulan PDT in Los Angeles, CA, is appropriate for you.
