Photodynamic Therapy
What is Photodynamic Therapy?Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a special treatment performed with a topical photosensitizing agent called Levulan (5-aminolevulinic acid or ALA) activated with the correct wavelength of light. This is also known as “ALA/PDT treatment”. These treatments remove sundamaged pre-cancerous zones and spots called actinic keratoses. Sun damage, fine lines, and blotchy pigmentation are also improved because of the positive effect of Levulan and the light treatment. ALA/PDT treatment also has the unique ability to minimize pores and reduce oil glands, effectively treating acne vulgaris, acne rosacea, and improve the appearance of some acne scars.
How Much Improvement Can I Expect?
Patients with severe sun damaged skin manifested by actinic keratosis, texture, and tone changes including modeled pigmentation and skin laxity may see excellent results. You may also see improvement of large pores and pitted acne scars. Active acne can improve dramatically.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
To achieve maximum improvement of pre-cancerous (actinic keratosis) sun damage, skin tone and texture, a series of three treatments 3-5 weeks apart is the most effective. (Some patients are pleased with the results from just one treatment)
What Light or Laser Therapy is Best?
There are many light or laser options depending on the condition being treated. Aesthetic Solutions offers several options: BLU-U Blue Light, Intense Pulsed Light, Vbeam laser. In combination with ALA these therapy options can offer treatment for acne, acne scarring, actinic keratosis, sun damage, and photo rejuvenation.
What Are The Disadvantages?
Following PDT, the treated areas can appear red with some peeling for 2-7 days. Temporary swelling around the eyes can occur for a few days. Darker pigmented patches can become darker before peeling off, revealing normal skin. Some patients look as if they had a mild to severe sunburn. In some cases, bruising can occur.
What Are the Advantages of PDT?
- Easier for patients than repeated topical liquid nitrogen, Efudex (5-FU), or Aldara because the side effects are minimal, rapid healing and only 1-3 treatments required.
- Reduced scarring and improved cosmetic outcome compared with cautery, surgery or Efudex. Liquid nitrogin can leave white spots on your skin.
- Levulan improves the whole area treated creating one color, texture, and tone rather than just the spots alone. Resulting in total rejuvenation.
