The Vein & Skin Clinic is one of New Zealand’s foremost Vein Treatment and Appearance Medicine Clinics.
​0800 639 968
Clinics
Contact

Drap & drop here
≡ Contact Us

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) (ALA with light activation)

The Vein and Skin Clinic can improve skin tone and texture, or acne, with Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) using ALA (Amino Levulinic Acid) and light activation.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for:

Sun Damaged Skin.
PDT is one of the newer procedures available to treat sun damaged skin.

Thick, crusty or scaly areas (solar/actinic keratoses) can be treated. These tend to occur in sun exposed areas of the face, scalp, neck, chest, arm, legs and the back of the hands.

Keratoses are an indicator of extensive sun damage. Treatment can prevent progression to skin cancers.  An alternative form of treatment for resistant lesions is Radio-Frequency Surgery.

Acne.
PDT can minimise pores and reduce oil glands. PDT effectively treats stubborn acne vulgaris, acne rosacea and can improve the appearance of acne scars.

Photodynamic Therapy FAQs

What will treatment be like?

PDT uses amino levulinic acid (ALA) plus light. This is applied as a liquid paste to the skin and left to sensitise the skin for 1-2 hours. ALA stimulates production of a light sensitive compound that is produced by rapidly dividing cells of the skin. 

This light sensitive compound is then activated with a light source such as IPL or iClear Blue Light.

How much improvement can I expect?

Excellent results can be seen in patients with severe sun damage. This includes patients with pigmentation, skin laxity and keratoses. Also patients with changes in skin texture and tone may see excellent results.  

Active acne can improve dramatically.  

How many treatments will it take to see the 'Best Results'?

Treatment will vary with the extent of sun damage. Mild sun damage may require one treatment. Pre-cancerous keratoses and severe sun damage may require a series of three treatments, three weeks apart. To improve skin tone and texture three treatments three weeks apart is also recommended. 

Further treatments at regular intervals can maintain the rejuvenated appearance of the skin and help to prevent further sun damage erupting.

What are the side effects?

Following ALA application and light activation, treated areas may appear red, with some peeling, for up to 2 - 7 days. Some patients may experience marked redness for longer. 

Temporary swelling of the lips and around the eyes may occur for a few days. 

Darker pigmented patches can become temporarily darker before peeling of to reveal normal skin (usually within 7 – 10 days). 

Repeat treatments may be necessary to keep the skin healthy and to prevent recurrence of sun spots. 

Drap & drop here

Book A Consultation

The cost of this procedure varies according to the areas that require treatment and whether the area is treated alone or in conjunction with other areas. (This is most common).

​To book a consultation with one of our cosmetic nurses please Contact Us through our enquiry form or by phoning Vein & Skin Clinic on 0800 639 968.