Florida Plastic Surgeon - Dr Clevens

Levulan with Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for the treatment of moderate to severe cystic acne now available at the Center for Facial Cosmetic Surgery.

Are you an adult or teenager embarrassed by facial acne? Have you tried every gel, cream, and cleanser on the market? Have you changed your diet to get rid of pimples? Do you avoid social events afraid of what others might think of your acne? Have you become shy, depressed, or lost your self confidence?

Have you tried antibiotics, or even Accutane to treat your acne- only to find that nothing works for that stubborn acne that you have been struggling with for years?

Are you worried that if left under treated or untreated, your acne will leave permanent scarring? As an acne sufferer, many people suffer twice. First, with the active acne and then with embarrassing and sometimes disfiguring scars requiring additional treatment.

Dr. Ross A. Clevens believes that proper treatment of acne brings great relief on both levels by minimizing the acne and thus preventing the scarring that would otherwise come from it. The positive emotional impact of controlling acne is immeasurable.

Dr. Ross Clevens wants you to know that you don't have to live with acne any longer! You don't have to hide your face from the world. You don't have to change your diet or take pills anymore!

Take your life back with the help of Levulan! Used for resistant acne, Levulan with PDT (photodynamic therapy) offers life-altering improvements.

Dr. Ross A. Clevens now proudly offers those who suffer from moderate to severe cystic acne a new answer. Its the combination of Levulan topical solution with Photodynamic Therapy (PDT).

With photodynamic acne therapy, Dr. Ross A. Clevens applies a topical solution of Levulan (5-aminolevulinic acid) to the skin, a photosensitizing agent that penetrates offending acne cells, which is then activated with photodynamic therapy. The activated Levulan selectively destroys acne bacteria, exfoliates the skin to unclog pores and shuts down overactive oil glands which supply nutrition for acne bacteria. This results in significant improvement in moderate to severe cystic acne.

Dr. Ross A. Clevens suggests two Levulan treatments, two weeks apart for initial treatment. Subsequent maintenance treatments are usually required. The impact on acne is immediate and long-lasting. Levulan- PDT is will improve acne conditions faster and more completely (with the least side effects) than any other treatment available.

Levulan acne therapy can even work in patients who have failed Accutane. Accutane also targets the sebaceous gland but Accutane has fairly toxic side effects. Levulan is a very safe alternative to Accutane treatment.

What is the procedure?

Dr. Ross A. Clevens applies the Levulan topical solution to the skin and after 1 hour, Levulan will be activated with PDT (Photodynamic therapy). You will be given special goggles to wear to protect your eyes during the treatment. During the treatment you may feel stinging, tingling, prickling, or burning of the lesions, but this should go away after the treatment.
You should stay out of the sun and bright light as much as possible for the next 48 hours. The skin will turn red and swollen in the following 3-7 days . Some crusting may be noted. There should be some discomfort, but no significant pain. After 1 week, there might be some residual redness that will subside after a few days and can be covered with make up.

Does it hurt?

Patients don't mind the temporary discomfort and redness or the peeling because they see the improvement in their skin and in their lives very quickly.

Post-treatment instructions

It is extremely important that you stay out of the sun and bright light for 48 hours after your treatment! Your skin will be sensitized to the sun and you can get severely sunburned. Use a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30 even when indoors. If your skin stings indoors, stay away from bright lights and windows. If your skin feels uncomfortable or if swelling develops, apply cold compresses or ice packs as needed. There should be some discomfort, but no significant pain. Take Tylenol if needed. Continue to wear sunscreens and a hat while outdoors for 2 weeks after each treatment. The skin will turn red and swollen in the following 3-7 days. Light peeling can occasionally occur. Some crusting may be noted After 1 week, there might be some residual redness that will subside after a few days and can be covered with make up. Call our office at 321-951-3223 if you experience any extreme pain or unusual circumstances.

Is Levulan-PhotoDynamic Therapy a cure for acne?

No. There is no "cure" for acne, but there is control. With the help of Levulan-PhotoDynamic Therapy, Dr. Ross A. Clevens can offer acne sufferers the improvement needed to improve their quality of life!

TRUST YOUR FACE TO THE SPECIALIST Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS is board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He completed his undergraduate work at Yale University and earned his medical degree from Harvard Medical School. Dr. Clevens completed his residency and post-graduate Advanced Fellowship in Facial Plastic Surgery at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

A graduate of Yale, Harvard and Michigan, Dr. Clevens is Brevards only fellowship-trained and board-certified facial plastic surgery specialist. Dr. Clevens specializes in nasal, facial and eyelid plastic surgery rather than plastic surgery in general to provide his patients the best in specialized care. Your specific concerns are best addressed in detail during your personal consultation with Dr. Clevens who was judged "Best of Brevard" by the readers of Florida Today in 2001-2007.

Please contact our offices in Melbourne and Merritt Island, Florida at 321.727.3223 or 888.438.3223 today to arrange your consultation.

You may contact us via email at info@drclevens.com or visit us on the web at www.drclevens.com.