Acne & Rosacea
Acne & Rosacea Therapy in Southwest Virginia
Growing up with acne can cause significant self consciousness. Turning 30 and experiencing the red blotches and thickening skin of Rosacea can be equally uncomfortable. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) using Levulan topical skin treatment addresses both of these skin disorders with compelling results.
Skin Deep Medical Technologies is dedicated to helping the men, women and adolescents of Southwest Virginia achieve their clearest possible complexion with innovative technologies that have been proven to offer patients positive results. Schedule your free consultation and allow our doctors to evaluate your acne or your Rosacea skin care options by calling 540-440-0461 or contact us online.
What is Photodynamic Therapy?
Photodynamic Therapy is a process in which light or laser is used in combination with aminolevulinic acid (Levulan) in what is called a 'short contact photodynamic treatment.' Levulan causes the targeted skin cells to be more sensitive to light so the lasers and light treatments become even more effective than on untreated skin. Levulan is a topical solution that is applied to the treatment area for about 45 to 60 minutes before the laser or light treatment is administered. Photodynamic Therapy is non-invasive and most of our New River Valley patients have no discomfort or side effects from the treatment.
Levulan Treats Acne Southwest Virginia Style
Acne occurs when local inflammation and bacteria buildup irritates the skin causing a lesion called acne. Bacteria build up begins beneath a clogged pore around a hair follicle. Because this buildup is at the glandular level within the skin, only lasers or light can penetrate far enough beneath the surface to effectively kill the bacteria that cause acne. Creams, astringents, pads or any other acne treatment that is applied to the skin's surface will only reduce the symptoms of acne but cannot attack the cause. When acne and acne scars are pre-treated with Levulan, laser penetration is optimized to kill the bacteria. After the laser treatment, a blue light is used to activate Levulan's healing properties which allow the acne to heal over time.
Reducing Rosacea in Virginia
Rosacea, which was once called 'acne rosacea' because an outbreak would often look like acne, usually begins to occur in men and women in their 30's. Rosacea affects millions of Americans and thousands of people in Virginia and is thought to be more prevalent in people of Celtic and European descent. Rosecea can begin as excessive blushing or flushing which will become permanent over time. Ultraviolet rays from the sun are thought to contribute to rosacea occurrences, so avoiding direct sunlight and wearing sunscreen are highly recommended for people who are predisposed to having rosacea.
Knowing that rosacea was once associated with acne, may help you understand why photodynamic acne treatment and photodynamic rosacea treatments are similar and effective. Levulan is also used to treat rosacea by pre-treating targeted areas for 45 to 60 minutes with the topical solution and then administering intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. Because the Levulan prepares the skin, IPL treatments are able to target blood vessels and reduce inflammation more effectively.
Make an Appointment to Treat Your Acne or Rosacea in Southwest Virginia
Whether you have acne or rosacea, achieving your desired complexion might take from 3 to 6 treatment sessions. Your doctor will be able to discuss your specific treatment options, including duration, number of cycles and the interval between each cycle during your free, confidential consultation. Our offices are located off Virginia Interstate 81 and near the I-77, so scheduling your consultation and subsequent photodynamic therapy sessions can be quite convenient. Call Skin Deep Medical Technologies at 540-440-0461 or contact us online.