BLU-U® Photodynamic Therapy
There's a new option for San Diego facial rejuvenation patients who want to treat acne, rosacea, or certain types of pre-cancerous lesions: BLU-U® photodynamic therapy. Dr. Susan Stuart offers this simple and convenient treatment right in her La Jolla office. BLU-U treatments are highly effective, eradicating 75 to 100 percent of active acne and actinic keratoses (precancerous lesions caused by sun exposure) after all treatments are complete.
A board-certified dermatologist and skin care specialist serving San Diego, Dr. Stuart has helped thousands of women and men enjoy healthy, blemish-free skin. She can help you too – request a consultation online today or call (858) 623-6333 to schedule your appointment.
BLU-U - How It Works
To begin treatment, a light-activated chemical is applied to the skin. Then, the BLU-U system is placed near the treatment area to deliver light energy that activates the chemical, destroying acne bacteria and actinic keratoses. The treatment takes as little as 15 minutes and can be repeated for maximized results and maintenance of clearer skin. Safe for teens as well as adults, BLU-U treatments require no downtime. Most patients experience no discomfort, though some might feel a slight stinging sensation that quickly dissipates.
Treatment of Acne
BLU-U can treat mild to moderate acne, and is a more convenient alternative to topical creams, antibiotic pills, retinoids, peels and microdermabrasion. San Diego dermatologist Dr. Stuart uses this treatment to improve the appearance of acne via 3 mechanisms:
- The topical chemical applied during treatment inactivates bacteria in the pores
- The BLU-U light causes skin exfoliation, which unclogs pores
- The light also reduces the size of oil glands
Results are especially impressive when compared with conventional treatments of active acne. For teen and adult patients who want to correct evidence of past acne, Dr. Stuart can supplement BLU-U with San Diego acne scar treatment.
Treatment of Actinic Keratoses (AKs)
AKs are pre-cancerous growths on the skin that pose a risk of developing into skin cancers. National organizations such as the American Cancer Society advocate immediate treatment of AKs. Prior treatments included uncomfortable options like liquid nitrogen, scraping away the surface skin, or treatment with powerful chemicals. All of these techniques focus on surface skin, while the BLU-U system for skin care in San Diego reaches deeper skin layers for more thorough treatment. Following treatment of AKs, patients must avoid sun exposure for 2 days.
BLU-U Recovery and Results
Generally, no recovery time is needed following treatments, though avoiding sun exposure for the first few days afterward is essential. Some swelling, redness, stinging, or burning may occur temporarily. Patients will need a series of treatments to achieve maximum improvement. Clearer skin can be seen about 2 weeks after the first treatment, with additional reduction in active acne following each successive treatment session.
BLU-U is a safe alternative to acne medications and a more comfortable option for treating pre-cancerous lesions. Learn how it can help you enhance your complexion and skin health when you request a consultation online or call Dr. Stuart at (858) 623-6333 for your skin care needs.
