"I had a microdermabrasion treatment for the first time and what a pleasant experience it was. Besides making my skin feel very soft, smooth and refreshed, I felt as though I had a relaxing face massage. My skin was renewed after just one treatment; I definitely will be seeing Dr. Lotstein for more treatments."

Clarkston ,WA

Photo Dynamic Therapy (PDT) - Acne Therapy

What is PDT?

Although topical or oral antibiotics and other therapies are helpful in the treatment of cystic acne, they are not usually sufficient to provide adequate control. Left under treated or untreated, cystic acne will almost always leave permanent scars on the face or other affected areas such as the chest and back. An acne sufferer, therefore, endures twice once with the active acne and then with embarrassing and sometimes with disfiguring scars. Proper treatment brings great relief on both levels by minimizing the acne and thus preventing the scarring that would otherwise come from it. The positive emotional impact of controlling acne is immeasurable.

Also, this treatment is wonderful for the teenager that won’t take care of their skin for one reason or the other. Children don't realize how they are permanently damaging their skin.

PDT is using BLU-U Laser Light and Levulan for Acne Therapy.

This is a revolutionary, new treatment that can help clear inflammatory acne without side effects. It uses low wavelength laser along with Levulan to treat the affected areas eliminating the bacteria that causes acne and reducing the oil gland activity that started it. Levulan is a chemical that upon exposure to lower wavelength laser light is activated to help eliminate acne and its cause.

BLU-U + Levulan is one of those rare acne treatments delivering what it promises, often more. It offers life-altering improvements. Some acne, like cystic acne, the kind that creates painful inflamed lumps deep in the skin, is a harsh reality for thousands of teens. The psychosocial impact of this type of acne can be overwhelming leading to depression, low confidence and self esteem.

How do I prepare for my treatment?

We have provided a specific cleansing wash for acne prior to your treatment in which oil, debris and makeup will be removed. We can apply our UltimA Mineral Make-up immediately after the treatment or you may bring your own cosmetics to conveniently reapply within our facility.

How is PDT performed?

• We wash the affected area
• For best results a microderm is done prior to the treatment
• Levulan will be applied
• Special goggles will protect your eyes during the treatment
• The affected area is exposed to the Laser
• During the treatment you may feel stinging, tingling, prickling, or burning of the acne lesions, but this will reach a peak and will not increase (All clients treated felt the treatment was tolerable and would do it again if necessary)
• Treated skin may turn red and show mild swelling for the next 3-7 days. Some exfoliation and peeling may be noted
• There might be some discomfort, but no significant pain at least up to the next day.
• After 1 week, there might be some residual redness that will subside after a few days and can be covered with make up.

(Many of our patients bring a book to read or listen to their MP3 players during the treatment)

Does it hurt?

Patients don't mind the temporary discomfort and redness or the peeling because they see the improvement in their skin and in their lives very quickly. Most of the teenagers give up on a treatment if it doesn’t make significant changes in their acne within a week! So, when our treatments give them clearer skin in quickly, they become excited about their treatments.

How safe is it and what are the possible side effects?

The BLU-U laser treatments are very safe. The blue-violet light penetrates just deep enough into the tissue to reach the acne target. It does not emit any cancer-causing UVA, UVB or UVC light waves. Along with Levulan, it only affects the acne bacteria and oil glands.

Other Information

Is BLU-U + Levulan the cure? No. There is no "cure" for acne, but there is control. BLU-U + Levulan offer acne sufferers the improvement needed to improve quality of life!

Levulan acne therapy can even work on patients who have failed Accutane. Accutane also targets the sebaceous gland, but has fairly toxic side effects. BLU-U + Levulan are a very safe, effective and affordable alternative to Accutane treatment. Clearing of the skin using the PDT method has been documented from 18-36 months.

Other treatments that can assist with acne control

• Cool Breeze Laser
• Microdermabrasion
• Micropeels
• Daily at Home Skin Care Products
• IPL Photo-Acne Therapy