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PDT WITH LEVULAN

PDT with Levulan is an advanced photodynamic therapy designed to treat severe skin conditions, precancerous lesions, and sun damage using targeted light technology combined with a photosensitizing solution. At Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology in Danville, our board-certified dermatologists use this proven treatment to destroy abnormal cells, prevent skin cancer, and improve overall skin appearance with precision and care.

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What Is PDT with Levulan?

Photodynamic therapy uses light treat more severe skin conditions and diseases that other treatments cannot address as effectively. The targeted area of your skin must first receive a coating with Levulan, which is a prescription solution that causes the targeted skin cells to become more sensitive to light. If you have precancerous lesions, severe sun damage, or certain skin conditions that require medical-grade treatment, PDT with Levulan may provide the comprehensive solution you need.

The combination of Levulan and light treats the diseased skin cells while also making your skin appear smoother and more even. In some cases, this treatment can prevent skin cancer by destroying tiny precancerous cells not visible to the naked eye.

The most common skin conditions that this treatment approach can effectively improve include:

  • Actinic keratoses (precancerous lesions)
  • Severe sun damage and photodamage
  • Sebaceous hyperplasia
  • Enlarged oil glands
  • Rough, scaly skin patches

PDT offers unique benefits that other aesthetic treatments cannot provide, specifically its ability to target microscopic abnormal cells.

How Does PDT with Levulan Work?

PDT with Levulan works through a two-step process that combines a photosensitizing medication with targeted light activation. First, we apply Levulan solution to the treatment area, which absorbs into abnormal cells and makes them highly sensitive to specific wavelengths of light. After an incubation period, we expose the treated area to carefully calibrated light that activates the Levulan, causing targeted destruction of abnormal cells while leaving healthy tissue intact. This process effectively eliminates precancerous cells and damaged tissue while stimulating skin renewal. While there are other treatments that may provide similar aesthetic results, PDT uniquely destroys tiny precancerous cells not visible to the naked eye, which no other skin treatments can accomplish besides topical creams, surgery, or liquid nitrogen. Our Danville patients appreciate the comprehensive approach that addresses both medical and cosmetic concerns simultaneously.

What Areas Can PDT with Levulan Treat?

PDT with Levulan effectively treats various areas affected by sun damage and precancerous changes:

  • Face (full facial treatment)
  • Scalp (especially in balding areas)
  • Hands and forearms
  • Chest and décolletage
  • Shoulders and back

Specific conditions that PDT addresses include:

  • Multiple actinic keratoses
  • Field cancerization (widespread sun damage)
  • Precancerous skin changes
  • Severe photoaging
  • Rough, scaly skin texture
  • Areas at high risk for skin cancer development

Our team will assess which areas require treatment based on your skin condition and cancer prevention needs.

Background texture

Who Is a Good Candidate for PDT with Levulan?

Ideal candidates for PDT with Levulan include individuals who:

  • Have multiple actinic keratoses or precancerous lesions
  • Want to prevent skin cancer development
  • Have extensive sun damage requiring medical treatment
  • Seek comprehensive treatment for field cancerization
  • Can tolerate temporary skin sensitivity and downtime
  • Want to address both medical and cosmetic skin concerns

If you’re in the Danville area and have concerning skin changes or extensive sun damage, our expert dermatologists can determine if PDT with Levulan suits your treatment needs during a thorough consultation.

PDT is not the right treatment for everyone. You will not be able to undergo this treatment if you have certain medical conditions, take specific medications, or cannot avoid sun exposure during the healing period.

Why Board-Certified Dermatologist Expertise Matters

PDT with Levulan requires specialized knowledge of photodynamic therapy, proper patient selection, and comprehensive understanding of skin cancer prevention. At Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology, our dermatology team has extensive experience with PDT treatments and understands how to customize protocols for optimal results while ensuring patient safety.

Personalized Consultation and Treatment Plan

During your consultation, our team will assess your unique skin condition thoroughly and discuss all patient history, goals, and questions you may have in full detail. We will present all risks, side effects, and treatment options to you. In many cases, we may recommend combining PDT with another skin treatment, such as a chemical peel or photo-rejuvenation treatment, for enhanced results.

Frequently Asked Questions About PDT with Levulan

Is PDT with Levulan painful?

PDT is not a painful treatment, but you may experience some discomfort. Most patients describe the feeling as tiny rubber bands snapping against their skin.

What should I expect during recovery?

After treatment, you can expect to be red and scaly for around 5-14 days, depending on your skin condition. PDT has never been known to cause scarring, so any temporary unsightly areas will resolve completely.

How many treatments will I need?

PDT with Levulan treatments are very effective, but many patients need more than one treatment. People who have actinic keratoses will likely need maintenance treatments and more frequent follow-up appointments.

What happens after the side effects fade?

Once the side effects fade away, healthy and smoother skin will appear, along with reduced risk of skin cancer development.

Can PDT be combined with other treatments?

Yes, we often recommend combining PDT with other skin treatments such as chemical peels or photo-rejuvenation for comprehensive results.

What Our Patients Have to Say

Doctors Ellis and Potozkin

Why Choose Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology

Patients from San Francisco, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Orinda, Moraga, Alamo, and Blackhawk choose Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology for our unparalleled expertise and results.

We combine the science of dermatology with the artistry of aesthetics to deliver natural-looking enhancements that build confidence. With board-certified dermatologists performing all injections and a comprehensive range of laser technologies delivered by skilled providers, we provide both safety and excellence in a sophisticated yet approachable environment.

Unlike other practices, we complement our advanced treatments with physician-selected medical-grade skincare products and begin every aesthetic journey with our signature DermDesigned consultation. Whether you're seeking cosmetic enhancement or medical dermatology care, our commitment to natural-looking results and excellence ensures you'll receive the highest standard of care in the East Bay.

Visit Us In Danville

Experience world-class dermatology care right here in the East Bay.

Our Location

600 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Suite 102 Danville, CA 94526

Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Contact Us

925.838.4900