Photodynamic Treatment
SKIN DAMAGE TREATMENT
For:
- Sun Damage
- Solar (Actinic) Keratoses
- Pre cancerous lessions
- Early superficial skin cancers
WHAT IS PHOTDYNAMIC TREATMENT?
Photodynamic Treatment (PDT) is a specialized treatment performed with a topical photsensitizing agent called aminolevulinic acid or ALA, activated with the correct wavelength of light. This is also know as "ALA/PDT treatment". These treatments remove sun damaged pre-cancerous zones and spots called solar or actinic keratoses. Sun damage, fine lines and blotchy pigmentation are also improved because of the positive effect of ALA and the light treatment. ALA/PDT treatment also has the unique ability to minimize pores and reduce oil glands, effectively treating stubborn acne vulgaris, acne rosaces, 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 mottled 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 MAY TREATMENTS WILL IT TAKE TO SEE THE "BEST RESULTS"?
To achieve maximum improvement of pre-cancerous (solar and actinic keratoses) sun damage, skin tone and texture, a series of three treatments (3 weeks apart is the most effective). Some patients with only actinic keratoses are happy with just one treatment. More treatments can be done at periodic intervals in the future to maintain the rejuvenated appearance of the skin.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?
Following ALA/PDT, the treated areas can appear red with some peeling for 2-7 days. Some patients have an exuberant response to ALA/PDT, and experience marked redness of their skin. Temporary swelling of the lips and around the eyes can occur for a few days. Darker pigmented patches can become temporarily darker and then peel off leaving normal skin. (This usually occurs over seven to ten days.) Repair treatments may be necessary.
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