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PHOTODYNAMIC SKIN REJUVENATION
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WHAT IS PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY? Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), is the interaction of ultraviolet light and a photo sensitizer. The topical photo sensitizing agent, amino levulinic acid (ALA) is first applied to the skin. When ALA is then exposed to the appropriate ultraviolet light source, it is activated. PDT treatments work by ultraviolet light activation of ALA and result in the reduction of all manifestations of sun damage, including blotchy pigmentation, rough spots (actinic keratosis), brown spots (lentigos), as well as reducing redness and eliminating blood vessels. PDT treatments are being used as an effective treatment for acne and rosacea, as well as for oily skin due to enlarged sebaceous glands. PDT using ALA and ultraviolet light in the blue range is an FDA approved treatment for precancerous growths commonly called actinic keratoses. Photodynamic Skin Rejuvenation is a cosmetic procedure that utilizes ALA and an intense pulse light ( IPL) source to reduce sun damage, rosacea, and superficial wrinkling. HOW MUCH IMPROVEMENT CAN I EXPECT? Patients can expect see approximately 40-60% improvement after 2-3 treatments. HOW ARE THE TREATMENTS DONE? ALA is applied to the skin in conjunction with a topical anesthetic to reduce mild discomfort accompanying the procedure. After washing off the anesthetic and ALA, the IPL photofacial treatment is administered over the entire area to be treated. Additional treatments are repeated at one month intervals.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF COMBINING PDT WITH IPL? For patients seeking photorejuvenation for sun damage and/or sun spots as well as rosacea-like redness and dilated blood vessels, adding ALA to the photofacial treatment enhanced the treatment and reduces the number of sessions, from five to three, while at the same time, increasing the reduction of sundamage. PDT is often easier for patients with multiple actinic keratoses then repeated treatment with liquid nitrogen or topically applied therapeutic agents such as Efudex or Aldara. In addition to a reduction in sun spots, blood vessels, redness, and pigment spots, there is an overall improvement in the skin’s quality and texture. The risks of scarring are reduced as compared with liquid nitrogen therapy, surgery, or Efudex. The treatment is usually well tolerated with minimal to no discomfort.
WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES? Following PDT, the treated areas can appear red with peeling and occasionally crusting; this rarely lasts longer than one week. In addition, a very small percentage of patients may also experience swelling of the skin, lasting for up to 2 weeks. Lastly, a small percentage of patients have experience significant redness following treatment that is prominent the first week, but fades over the next several weeks. All patients will notice their sun spots and keratoses darkening and eventually flaking off, leaving normal skin. Repeated treatments may be necessary for the more sun-damaged patient. PDT also requires avoidance of direct light sources for 40 hours after the application of ALA. This includes both sunlight and direct reading light. Patients are required to leave the office after treatment with a broad-brimmed hat and scarf or physical block; sunscreens alone are not sufficient. Exposure to additional sunlight immediately following the treatments can result in a more exaggerated severe reaction with the most severe cases resulting in blistering.
Patient results may vary. Each set of photos reflects the benefit realized by the person in that set of photos, and not necessarily the viewers final results. |
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| Procedures:
Home | Liposculpture
| Sculptra® | Restylane® | Hylaform® | Laser Skin Rejuvenation | Photodynamic Therapy |
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| copyright©2008 aesthetic dermatology and cosmetic surgery medical associates inc.
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