Beverly Hills Dermatology
Photodynamic Therapy in Beverly Hills
Levulan® (aminolevulinic acid) activated by blue light — an in-office treatment for moderate to severe acne and for field treatment of extensive actinic keratoses, featured in Glamour.
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- Years in Practice
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Overview
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) combines a topical photosensitizing medication with a specific wavelength of light. Dr. Zaks applies Levulan® — aminolevulinic acid, or ALA — which is preferentially taken up by sebaceous glands and by rapidly dividing precancerous cells and converted intracellularly into protoporphyrin IX. After an incubation period of 45–60 minutes, blue light activation triggers a photodynamic reaction that generates reactive oxygen species, selectively damaging the sebaceous glands driving acne, or the actinic keratosis cells in an extensive field, while sparing surrounding normal skin. Individual actinic keratoses are more commonly treated with liquid nitrogen cryospray.
Dr. Zaks uses PDT primarily for moderate to severe acne, particularly in patients who have not responded adequately to topical and oral therapy or who prefer to avoid extended courses of oral medication, and for field treatment of extensive actinic keratoses on sun-damaged skin. Individual actinic keratoses are more commonly treated with liquid nitrogen cryospray. Dr. Zaks — named a "Rock Star Dermatologist" by Glamour Magazine, which has featured this treatment — performs every session himself, controlling incubation time and light dose.
What Photodynamic Therapy Treats
Moderate to Severe Acne
The primary indication. Targets the sebaceous glands driving oil production and reduces inflammatory lesions, especially in patients who have plateaued on conventional therapy.
Treatment-Resistant Acne
For acne that persists despite well-executed topical and oral regimens, PDT offers a different mechanism of action rather than another prescription.
Actinic Keratoses
Precancerous rough, scaly lesions from cumulative sun exposure. Individual lesions are usually treated with liquid nitrogen cryospray; PDT is used for extensive field treatment or prevention.
Sebaceous Hyperplasia
Enlarged sebaceous glands appearing as small, yellowish, dome-shaped papules can improve with photodynamic treatment.
Oily Skin and Enlarged Pores
Reduced sebaceous activity often improves oiliness and the appearance of pores as a secondary benefit of acne treatment.
The Treatment Experience
Evaluation and consent
Dr. Zaks confirms PDT is appropriate, reviews photosensitizing medications you may be taking, and explains the expected reaction and downtime in detail.
Levulan® application and incubation
Cleansing and degreasing, then Levulan® is applied to the treatment area. It incubates for 45–60 minutes; afterward, you must avoid sunlight for 36 hours.
Blue light activation
The treated area is exposed to blue light for the prescribed time. Most patients feel warmth, stinging, or tingling, which is expected and managed with cool air.
Strict sun avoidance and healing
You must avoid all sun exposure for 36 hours. Expect redness, sensitivity, and peeling over several days. Dr. Zaks provides specific aftercare and schedules follow-up; a series of treatments is often recommended.
Important Information
- Incubation with Levulan® takes 45–60 minutes, so plan for a longer appointment or a return visit the same day.
- Strict sun avoidance for 36 hours after treatment is mandatory — the skin remains photosensitized, and sun exposure can cause a severe reaction.
- Expect a period of redness, sensitivity, and peeling similar to a strong sunburn. Do not schedule PDT within a week of an important event.
- Tell Dr. Zaks about all medications and supplements; several common drugs increase photosensitivity.
- A series of treatments is typically recommended for acne, spaced several weeks apart, with your topical regimen continued in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the appointment?
Plan on a longer visit. Levulan® incubates on the skin for 45–60 minutes before the blue light activation, which itself takes a defined number of minutes.
How much downtime should I expect?
Most patients have redness, sensitivity, and peeling for several days — comparable to a strong sunburn. Avoid scheduling PDT within a week of an important event.
Why is sun avoidance so important afterward?
Your skin remains photosensitized for 36 hours after treatment. Sun exposure during that window can cause an exaggerated, painful reaction, so strict avoidance is required.
How many treatments will I need?
For acne, a series spaced several weeks apart is typical. For actinic keratoses, PDT is used when the field is extensive; individual lesions are more commonly treated with liquid nitrogen cryospray. Dr. Zaks will give you a specific plan.
Is PDT painful?
During blue light activation most patients feel warmth, stinging, or tingling. It is generally tolerable and cool air is used for comfort. Discomfort ends when the light does.
Is PDT covered by insurance?
When performed for actinic keratoses, PDT is often covered by PPO plans and Medicare as a medically necessary treatment. Coverage for acne varies by plan. Our office will review your benefits before treatment.
Patient Reviews
“I have been going to Dr. Zaks for over 4 years. His outstanding skill, great bedside manner, warm personality, and artistry with Botox make me come back again and again!”
“I had Rosacea on my face for over 10 years. Dr. Zaks quickly reduced this embarrassing condition. Nobody else could help me. He's the best Dermatologist in LA hands down!”
“Dr. Zaks did not rush and he gave me 100% attention. He did not try to sell me product or convince me to try aggressive procedures which I appreciated.”
“Doctor took the time to explain the technical aspects of my condition, the treatment options and the expectations.”
About Dr. Boris Zaks, MD
Dr. Boris Zaks personally performs every procedure at Superior Beverly Hills Dermatology — never rotating assistants. He has practiced dermatology in Beverly Hills for more than twenty years.
- Board Certified — American Board of Dermatology (since 2002)
- Medical Degree — UCLA School of Medicine
- Chief Resident — Charles Drew University of Medicine & Science
- B.S. Biology — UCLA, Summa Cum Laude (age 19)
- Medical Board of California Expert Reviewer since 2009
- Super Doctors® 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 & 2027 (Southern California)
- "Rock Star Dermatologist" — Glamour Magazine
Schedule Your Consultation
435 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 408, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · Monday–Friday · (310) 552-3376
Paid parking on-site, or free 2-hour parking at 461 N. Bedford Drive Garage, 1 block away
Areas Served
Patients seek Photodynamic Therapy at Dr. Zaks’s Beverly Hills office from throughout greater Los Angeles: West Hollywood, Bel Air, Brentwood, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Westwood, Century City, Culver City, Marina del Rey, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, Encino, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Torrance, Long Beach, Newport Beach, and Irvine.