What does your face look like after blue light treatment?

Immediately following treatment, the area may be red, swollen, tender, and mildly bruised or blistered, especially when medication has been applied to the skin. The treated area may crust over or peel, but this is considered normal. Most people heal within 7 days, and the crusting resolves within 3 to 14 days.

What is blue light procedure?

Photodynamic therapy, or Blue Light, is a treatment that uses special drugs, called photosensitizing agents, along with light to kill targeted cells. Used to treat sun-damaged skin, this procedure involves applying a topical medication to the skin.

Is blue light skin treatment covered by insurance?

Blue light therapy is a treatment that’s covered by health insurance if your doctor decides you are a good candidate.

What should I put on my face after blue light treatment?

If the treated area is on your face, wear a wide-brimmed hat. After 48 hours (2 days), continue to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on the treated area. If a scab forms on the treated area, don’t remove or pick at it. Apply a moisturizer such as Aquaphor®, Vaseline®, or Cetaphil®.

How long does it take for blue light therapy to work?

The number of treatments required depends on the person’s skin type, the number of lesions they have, and how severe those lesions are. Anywhere between two and five sessions are necessary, at 2-4 week intervals, for optimal results. Some people may notice results after a single session.

What happens after blue light therapy?

After letting the drug soak into your skin for an hour or two, the dermatologist shines blue light onto the treated skin for about 15 minutes. The light kills the cells that absorbed the sensitizing medication. Following the treatment, the damaged skin flakes off, leaving healthier, younger-looking skin behind.

How do I prepare for blue light treatment?

Bring sun protective clothing to your appointment for the incubation period and to protect you on your way home. We suggest bringing sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat and a scarf if we are treating the face or scalp. If you’re having your hands or arms treated, you will need gloves and long sleeves.

How many blue light treatments are needed?

The light kills the cells that absorbed the sensitizing medication. Following the treatment, the damaged skin flakes off, leaving healthier, younger-looking skin behind. For the best results, Dr. Benedetto says you’ll probably need to repeat the treatment two or three times, about four to six weeks apart.

Should I wash my face after blue light therapy?

Shower and wash the area immediately and as often as needed. Gently wash the area with soap and water two to three times a day, and apply Aquaphor or Vaseline to the area. Avoidance of harsh or abrasive cleansers is advised. Picking or scrubbing the skin could cause severe irritation or scarring.

Can I shower after blue light treatment?

The medication, Levulan or Ameluz, will be applied and left on for the appropriate amount of time. You will be placed under the Blue Light or Red Light for approximately 16 minutes. Remain indoors as much as possible over the next 48 hours. You may shower and gently cleanse the treated area.

Can I wash my face after blue light therapy?