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Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is the newest, most comprehensive and effective
Rejuvenation procedure available today. It is different from standard laser and IPL (intense pulse light) therapies. It is performed by applying a light sensitising agent called ALA (Aminolevulinic Acid) directly to the damaged skin area to be treated and left on for a short period of time before activating it with the laser or special light. ALA is a selectively absorbed by abnormal or damaged cells, oils glands and acne bacteria in the skin making these ultra-sensitive to the laser light. When the laser light is then applied to the area there is a reaction that selectively destroys and removes these, leaving behind the normal tissue and an improved and significantly enhanced skin appearance.
It is the quickest and most comprehensive single treatment to improve sun damaged skin (often on only 1-2 treatments are needed) and acne (2-4 treatments usually) and other skin conditions. New uses and benefits discovered regularly.
Other area of the body, such as the neck, chest, arms, hands and the trunk that are normally difficult to treat safely with other treatments, can be safely and effectively treated with PDT.
PDT carries minimal risk and is well tolerated. There have been no reports of scarring or other permanent skin damage.
PDT can be used to remove or improve:
Anyone with irregular skin tone, unsightly blood vessels and capillaries, blotchiness of the skin, rosacea, acne, excessive oiliness and large pores, skin cancers and pre-cancerous ‘sunspots’.
PDT has rapidly become on of the most impressive skin treatments available to the skin physician today. It has shown excellent results in all grades of sun damage and acne, and in an increasing number of skin conditions and problems.
More even, glowing and smoother skin tones, improvement in blotchiness, unsightly red blood vessels, tighter pore pattern and texture,
Removal of skin cancers, precancerous skin lesions and sunspots (actinic keratoses) with reduction in the future development of these. There is no other treatment available today that will do this as quickly, as efficiently, as safely and with a good cosmetic result as PDT.
A dramatic improvement in acne, often with results equivalent to the use of Roaccutane medication, but without the side effect. PDT may give long periods of remission (clearance) of acne of up to a year or two.
A course of 1-4 treatments depending on the condition, one month apart, is usually needed to achieve maximum improvement.
The treatment is considered very safe, and permanent side effects are very rare.
The treatment is uncomfortable, like being snapped with elastics, but is usually easily managed with topical anaesthetic creams and ice if needed. Some patients will describe it as painful.
Following treatment, the areas may appear red, with some peeling for 2-7 days. Sometimes there may be temporary crusting or blistering as a normal part of the treatment. There may be some temporary discomfort for a few hours. Also, temporary swelling may occur around the eyes or lips but only for a couple of days. Darker pigmented spot may be temporarily darker and the peel off leaving a clearer skin.
Recovery usually take 1-7 days
IN SUMMARY, PDT IS:
Most concerns have more than one course of treatment. Feel free to contact us so one of our team can discuss options for your unique concern.
