PDT Photo Dynamic Therapy

Nothing is quite as beautiful as smooth, soft, healthy-looking skin.

Over time, the effects of the sun, wind, time and hormones begin to appear. Our skin is our body’s largest organ and maintaining its youthful, vibrant appearance doesn’t have to be a difficult process any longer.

The aging process

The first signs of aging are when fine lines begin to form around the eyes and lips. Then the collagen and elastin begins to wear out and deeper lines and grooves form in our brow, next to the nose and down to the corners of our mouths. Surface irregularities such as pigment discolorations and acne scarring may also occur.

Many patients wish that there was a safe, easy and quick way to get rid of their red complexion, fine wrinkles, irregular pigmentation and large pores. Fortunately, our advanced technologies enable us to treat these skin imperfections safely, easily and effectively with very little, if any, downtime.

PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT)

PhotoDynamic Therapy is performed in conjunction with a topical application of ALA, or Levulan® (aminolevulinic acid) to treat skin damage in a softer, gentler way. PhotoDynamic Therapy delivers specific wavelengths of intense light through very specific filters to the skin. Once delivered, the targeted tissue absorbs the light’s energy. We use our advanced light systems and topical applications of ALA to restore a more youthful appearance to your skin by efficiently treating redness, flushing, pigmentary problems, scars and wrinkles; to provide you with smoother, healthier, younger-looking skin.

Can PhotoDynamic Therapy treate acne?

Yes, PhotoDynamic Therapy with blue light kills the P. acnes bacteria in your skin which causes acne. The blue light can be administered alone or in conjunction with a topical application of ALA for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Pretreatment with topical ALA may offer additional reduction of lesions, pustules and papules. Studies show that blue light provides treatment for both active lesions and other inactive sebaceous glands that are not creating active lesions.

Will PhotoDynamic Therapy improve rosacea?

Yes. Patients with rosacea will see a progressive reduction in redness with every treatment. The redness and flushing caused by rosacea can be reduced by 80 to 90 percent.

Are there any side effects?

Unlike other topical treatments, PDT with ALA has not shown any adverse side effects or patient discomfort.

• What are the benefits of PhotoDynamic Therapy?
• Fewer treatments
• Minimal downtime
• Healthier-looking skin
• Smoother skin
• Reduced pore size
• More even skin tone
• Reduced redness and flushing
• Reduced wrinkle size

What are the treatments and recovery like?

PhotoDynamic treatments are spaced at two to three week intervals. The number of your treatments, your treatment time and your treatment intervals may vary depending on the condition being treated. You will receive a topical application of ALA solution prior to your treatment. PhotoDynamic therapy can cause mild to severe pain during treatments and mild erythema to severe redness, blistering and scabbing after treatment depending on how long the Levulan Kerastick is left on, how much light is used, and which light source is used to activate the ALA. The worst cases heal like a severe sunburn.

After treatment, there may be some discomfort. The skin may appear flushed, brown spots may be darker and tiny veins may be more visible. This will decrease over the next several hours. You may resume normal activities immediately. It is important for patients to avoid all bright light sources for 48 hours after treatment to lessen these reactions.

What results can I expect?

After each session, you will experience some improvement in skin tone and texture. There will be a decrease in the overall redness and flushing. Sunspots will fade; pore sizes will shrink. Fine lines and wrinkles will gradually decrease in size as the new collagen forms beneath the skin. These improvements will continue to increase with each treatment.

To find out more about our PhotoDynamic Therapy or other cosmetic procedures, please arrange a private consultation with our office.

This information is intended to supplement, not replace, a consultation with a board certified physician. To find out if you could be a candidate for one of these procedures or to learn more information about these procedures, we invite you to contact one of our doctors for a private consultation.

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