Acne Laser Los Angeles |Acne Los Angeles | Acne Scars Los Angeles |Rubinstein, M.D. (818) 505-9300

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Hollywood, West Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Malibu, etc...

Planning Your PhotoDynamic Acne Therapy (PDT)

Acne is a complicated skin condition which requires a personalized treatment protocol which may include topical and internal
medications, microdermabrasion, peels, extractions, acne injections and other modalities. Another treatment which has become a
popular choice for patients seeking to permanently reduce acne breakouts is PhotoDynamic Therapy. Acne breakouts are expected to
resolve for approximately one year and future breakouts are significantly reduced. Skin texture and tone are also dramatically improved
contributing to the success of PDT. This treatment is used for moderate to severe acne patients. The mechanism of action from PDT
treatment is similar to Acutane without the possible side effects often associated with Acutane.   Specifically, it selectively reduces the
acne producing cells in the skin. Active, inflammatory acne may need to be controlled by topical or systemic medications before
beginning PDT treatments.   Systemic medications and at-home treatment regimens prescribed to you will also need to be followed
throughout the treatment process and to help maintain your results.

How does PDT Work?
An agent called Levulan® Kerastick® (aminolevulinic acid HCI) for Topical Solution is used in combination with various lasers. ALA is
a substance that occurs naturally in your body. It is selectively absorbed into acne producing glands as well as other abnormal skin
tissue such as actinic keratoses (pre-cancerous skin lesions) and makes those cells more sensitive to light. The laser light activates
the active ingredients in Levulan. In the case of acne, the sebaceous glands which are responsible for producing acne are shrunk or
completely destroyed by the laser light.   Different lasers are used depending on the condition being treated: acne, red acne scars or
brown acne scars.

What happens during the treatment?
Your skin will first be cleansed using special solutions to remove oils. Levulan is then applied to your skin using a special applicator
in which it is packaged. The solution remains on your skin for approximately one hour for the face. If the back or chest is treated your
incubation time may vary from 5 hours to overnight depending on the recommendation for your individual situation. The skin is then
treated with Intense Pulsed Light, V-Beam PDL or Blue Light Laser (read below for explanation on different laser modalities).

What should I bring to my treatment?

A book or something to help occupy your time since you will be incubating for at least one hour.
A hat, scarf or other covering for your face, especially on warm sunny days or if you live far from the office. Any immediate
exposure to light will increase the reaction on your skin. Even though this is not particularly dangerous to the skin, it may
increase your recovery time significantly.
Payment for the procedure. All PDT treatment is prepaid prior to your starting the procedure.

The Next 40 Hours
You are restricted from exposure to sunlight for 40 hours following the treatment.   We recommend that you go home immediately after
treatment and remain indoors the remainder of the day and the entire next day until sundown.   Extended exposure to the computer
screen or other visible light is not recommended in the first 40 hours.

The Next Few Days
Peeling, redness and dryness may be experienced for up to one week after the treatment. The first three days are most affected. You
will receive instruction for caring for your skin at the time of your procedure.   You may apply make-up three days after the procedure in
most cases.

How Many Treatments do I need?
The treatment is repeated three to five times two weeks to one month apart, depending on the severity of the acne and the
recommendation for your individual situation.

The Complete Program
In addition to PDT, Dr. Rubinstein has designed a program to increase the effectiveness of PDT.
The Three Month Program to Acne Recovery

Three PDT Treatments 4 weeks apart (or as recommended for your individual situation)
Three Blue-U sessions two weeks after each PDT treatment
Two Aesthetician Visits about two weeks after the first two PDT treatments
At-home skin care regimen as recommended for you.
Injections for active acne may also be required throughout the treatment process

Will my medical insurance cover any of the costs?
Medical insurance may cover your visits, injections, chemical peels and medications, however PDT is not a covered service.

More about Lasers we use with PDT

PDT using V-Beam Pulsed Dye Laser - Combining Levulan PDT with V-Beam helps reduce acne and inflammation caused by acne.
Vascular malformalities such as red facial vessels are also treated. V-Beam is described in recent dermatological literature to be an
effective activator for Levulan and treat acne and red acne scars.
PDT using IPL - Combining Levulan PDT with IPL helps reduce acne as well as red and brown acne scars. This treatment also helps
to significantly improve skin tone. In recent dermatological literature reported study results showed that IPL was an effective laser or
light source to activate Levulan and treat acne and flat acne scars.
PDT using Blu-U Blue Light - Blue light has been combined with Levulan for several years, treating conditions such as acne and actinic
keratosis. PDT with Blue light is used for patients seeking to treat acne, but not acne scars. It is also used to treat acne on the back
and chest.
Blu-U Blue Light Alone – Blue light is used in between PDT treatments to help decrease breakouts through the treatment process and
improve the overall outcome of the treatment. Blue light is also used without ALA for patients who are pregnant or planning to become
pregnant.
Acne on the Back and Chest - PDT with Blu-U are used to treat acne on the back and chest.   Levulan is applied overnight and
treatment is performed monthly.
Acne Scars - Acne scars can be red, brown or textured. Treatment for the red and brown acne scars is described above. Textural
changes, ice pick scars, indented or raised scars and other textural imperfections are treated most effectively with the Fraxel Laser and
the RevLite Laser.

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Gene Rubinstein, M.D.
Board Certified Dermatologist
Studio City, CA
(818) 505-9300