BLU-U® Light Treatment
What is Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)?
PDT is the use of light-activated drugs which produce singlet oxygen to treat diseased tissues. The drug undergoes a chemical reaction when light of a particular wavelength and intensity is applied, resulting in a therapeutic effect..
Is the BLU-U® a laser?
The BLU-U® is not a laser. The BLU-U® delivers fluorescent light scattered over a larger area. It also does not emit UV light.
Is it recommended that the patient have appropriate eye protection?
Yes. Although exposure to the light from the BLU-U® during a patient treatment is below the recommended maximum skin and eye exposure for blue and UV light, it is recommended that both the patient and clinician(s) wear blue-blocking eye protection while the BLU-U® is in operation for comfort and to further minimize eye exposure.
What is Levulan Photodynamic Therapy?
Blue Light (Blu U®) is combined with a topical medication called Levulan in a
procedure known as Levulan Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). Photodynamic therapy for precancerous
sun spots and other uses, involves the application of Levulan ( 5-aminolevulinic
acid), a medication which is then activated with blue light.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) also has the unique ability to reduce oil glands, effectively treating stubborn acne and improve the appearance of some acne scars.
Can Levulan Photodynamic Therapy be used for skin rejuvenation, precancerous sun spots, improvement of sun damage and skin cancer prevention?
Yes. Levulan Photodynamic Therapy using Blue Light can be used for non-surgical skin rejuvenation. This procedure results in significant improvement in precancerous conditions such as actinic keratoses, sun damaged skin and potentially superficial skin cancers. Additionally it potentially prevents the development of skin cancer. Levulan is revolutionizing how we perform skin rejuvenation and how we treat sun-damaged skin.
Levulan is preferentially absorbed by precancerous cells. When combined with Blue light the Levulan kills the cancer cells, and leaves the normal skin unharmed. It is particularly effective for actinic keratoses on the scalp, face, arms and legs. It has the added benefit of skin cancer prevention—killing abnormal cells before they can become a dangerous skin cancer.
How safe is blue light? Are there any side-effects?
The BLU-U® treatment is very safe. The blue-violet light penetrates just deep
enough into the tissue to reach the acne target, and is used without the application
of Levulan. It only affects the P. acnes bacteria, not the normal tissue. It contains
NO radiation and does not damage the skin itself. It has NO risk of causing cancer.
Who can administer BOTOX® Cosmetic?
Any authorized healthcare professional can administer BOTOX® Cosmetic, but dermatologists, plastic surgeons, ophthalmologists, otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat doctors), or other physicians specializing in cosmetic procedures are generally more experienced. Dr. Lori Swan is a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in administering BOTOX® Cosmetic since 2000.
BOTOX® for Severe Underarm Sweating
How does BOTOX® work to reduce severe underarm sweating?
Simply stated, BOTOX® blocks the transmission of nerve impulses from the brain. Just like in the more common application of the face, where BOTOX® relaxes the muscles that cause frowns or lines, in the underarm area, it blocks stimulation of the sweat glands.
How long has BOTOX® been used for severe underarm sweating?
First approved by the FDA in 1989, BOTOX® has since been in use therapeutically with tremendous success. Subsequent FDA approvals for the treatment of specific medical disorders have followed, including that of severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis (underarm sweating) in 2004.
Today, BOTOX® remains one of the most widely researched medicines in the world and is approved for use in more than 75 countries.
What is a BOTOX® treatment like and how long does it take?
The procedure is relatively straightforward and only takes 20 to 30 minutes. The BOTOX® is administered by a series of small injections in the underarm through a very fine needle. The needle is placed just under the skin, so it is possible to have some injection-related discomfort.
When will I see results?
Patients should see a significant reduction in underarm sweating within four weeks of the first treatment—perhaps sooner. In fact, at Swan Dermatology Center, some patients have reported reduced sweating within two days.
Are the results permanent?
No, but one treatment will typically last as long as six months, and sometimes longer. Beyond that, keeping severe underarm sweating under control will require ongoing treatments.
Are there any side effects?
BOTOX® is very safe and has minimal side effects. In clinical trials, the most frequently reported side effects (in only 3% to 10% of the patients studied) were injection-site pain and bleeding, and sweating in areas other than the underarm.
What should I do before my appointment to get ready for my peel?
On the day of your peel, you may cleanse as usual. If you use topical agents such as Retin-A, Renova, Differin, Tazorac, Avita, or glycolic acid products, discontinue use to the area to be treated for 2-3 days prior to your appointment.
How should I care for the treated area after the procedure?
Your skin may appear slightly pink for one hour to two days following the peel. You may notice a tight feeling to your skin, along with mild to moderate flaking and peeling for up to ten days. Resist the temptation to manually peel off the dead skin during this process, as this may result in sores, scabbing or scarring. You may cleanse the skin gently with a mild, non-medicated topical cleanser. Do not scrub or use abrasive cleansers. For the following two to five days, avoid using topical retinoid agents such as Retin-A, Renova, Tazorac, Differin, or any product containing glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide. Makeup may be applied as soon as 3 hours after your peel. Oil-free moisturizer may be applied as needed for dryness. It is essential that a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher be applied daily for at least four weeks following the chemical peel. We strongly encourage our patients to incorporate the use of sunscreen into their daily skin care regimen year-round.
Dysport®
What is Dysport®?
Prescription Dysport® is an injection used to temporarily improve the look of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines) in adults less than 65 years of age.
How does Dysport® work?
With just 1 injection into each of 5 points between and over the eyebrows, Dysport® blocks the signal from the nerve to the muscles, ultimately resulting in a reduction of muscle activity and temporarily preventing contraction of the muscles that cause frown lines.
Are there any reasons I should not be treated with Dysport®?
Do not have Dysport® treatment if you: are allergic to Dysport® or any of its ingredients, are allergic to cow’s milk protein, had an allergic reaction to any other botulinum toxin product (such as Myobloc® or Botox®), or have a skin infection at the planned injection site. Dysport® should not be used in children or in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Dysport® may not be right for you if: you have surgical changes to your face, very weak muscles in the treatment area, your face looks very different from side to side, the injection site is inflamed, you have droopy eyelids or sagging eyelid folds, deep facial scars, thick oily skin, or if your wrinkles can't be smoothed by spreading them apart.
How often can I get injections of Dysport®?
You should wait at least 90 days between Dysport® treatments. The safety of Dysport® has been studied in up to 12 repeated treatments. Clinical studies demonstrated continued efficacy with up to four repeated treatments.
