Light Therapy
Light therapy (also known as phototherapy) is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes concentrated wavelengths of light to address both medical and cosmetic dermatological issues. Certain forms of light therapy can be used to reduce the symptoms of chronic skin conditions like psoriasis or vitiligo, while others can repair and rejuvenate the skin.
There are several effective forms of light therapy including:
Blu-U (Blue Light Therapy)
This form of light therapy transfers blue light to the skin using specialized LED lamps. Blu-U light therapy can treat a host of chronic skin conditions. It is often used as treatment for acne as blue light has been shown to both reduce overproduction of oil (sebum) while simultaneously eliminating bacteria from within pores. Blue light is also effective at addressing actinic keratoses (AKs) as treatments can destroy precancerous lesions while leaving surrounding healthy tissue unaffected. Blu-U is available at our Downtown Austin, Georgetown, Lakeway, Lamar Central, Marble Falls, Olmos Park (San Antonio), River Oaks, Round Rock and Westlake locations.
Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy involves the use of UV-free LED therapy lamps to transfer low wavelengths of red light deep into the skin. This red light works to boost blood flow to the treated area while spurring the production of collagen and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), improving skin tone and texture. Red light therapy can reduce inflammation, skin discoloration (pigmentation), pore size, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Red light is also effective at addressing pre-cancerous areas called actinic keratoses (AKs). Red light therapy is available at our Alamo Heights, Domain Northside, Dripping Springs, Far West, Lakeway, South Austin, Southwest Parkway, University Park (Dallas), West University (Houston), and Westlake locations.
NB-UVB Phototherapy Booth
Phototherapy booths expose the skin to precise levels of narrow band ultraviolet B (referred to as NB-UVB) light in order to treat and prevent symptom flare-ups from a variety of chronic skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis. Controlled UV light exposure treatments like phototherapy booths harness the immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory benefits of UVB light while minimizing the harmful effects that can occur through broad UV exposure or tanning beds. Phototherapy booth treatments are simple: patients stand in a UVB booth to expose the skin to UVB rays for a targeted amount of time, ranging from only a few seconds to several minutes. Phototherapy booth treatments are available at our Westlake and Round Rock locations.
Aurora Laser
The Aurora Laser is a powerful form of phototherapy that delivers high dosages of Ultra-Violet (UV) light to affected skin using deep UV LEDs, while leaving healthy skin tissue unaffected. Aurora is able to manage the symptoms of several chronic skin conditions including psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, or atopic dermatitis. Treatments have been shown to help slow skin cell proliferation while minimizing redness, inflammation, and irritation. The Aurora laser is available at our Westlake location.
What Conditions Can Light Therapy Treat?
Light therapy has the ability to address a variety of medical and cosmetic skin issues including:
- Acne
- Actinic Keratoses (AK’s)
- Rosacea
- Psoriasis
- Vitiligo
- Eczema
- Atopic Dermatitis
- Scleroderma
- Hyperpigmentation
- Wrinkles
- Sun Damage
Your physician may recommend incorporating a topical medication in conjunction with the light therapy treatment in order to make the targeted area more sensitive to the light, resulting in a more effective treatment.
What areas of the body can be treated?
Light therapy is safe and effective for use on all areas of the body. Commonly treated areas include the face, chest, back, legs, arms, and hands.
How long are light therapy treatments?
Treatment time can vary from patient to patient, depending on their needs. The number of treatment sessions needed can also vary by patient need. While some patients realize their desired results after a single light therapy session, usually patients will need multiple treatment sessions of a specified period.
Is light therapy covered by medical insurance?
Light therapy may be covered by medical insurance if the insurance provider determines that treatment is medically necessary. Patients should contact their insurance provider to verify that their particular policy will cover light therapy prior to beginning treatment.