Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a special treatment performed with a topical photosensitizing agent called Levulan (5-aminolevulinic acid or ALA) activated with the correct wavelength of light. This is also known as “ALA/PDT treatment”. This adjunctive therapy boosts the efficiency of IPL treatment alone. These treatments remove sun damaged pre-cancerous zones and spots called actinic keratoses. Sun damage, fine lines, and blotchy pigmentation are also improved because of the positive effect of Levulan 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 rosacea, and it may improve the appearance of some acne scars.
Question & Answers
1. What are the Advantages of PDT Photodynamic Therapy?
1. Easier for patients then repeated topical liquid nitrogen, Efudex (5-FU), or Aldara because the side effects are minimal with rapid healing, and only 1-3 treatments are required.
2. The ALA/PDT treatment at our clinic is painless versus liquid nitrogen, 5-FU and Aldara.
3. Reduced scarring and improved cosmetic outcome compares with cautery, surgery and Efudex. Liquid Nitrogen can leave white spots on your skin.
4. Levulan improves the whole facial area treated creating one color, texture, and tone rather than just spot treating with liquid nitrogen, cautery and surgery.
In summary, PDT matches the “Ideal treatment” for actinic damage:
•Well tolerated (essentially painless)
•Easily performed by a specialty clinic environment
•Non-invasive (no needles or surgery required)
•Excellent cosmetic outcome (particularly in cosmetic sensitive areas of the face)
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2. How much improvement can I expect?
Patients with severe sun damaged skin manifested by actinic keratoses, 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.
3. How many treatments will it take to see the "Best" results?
To achieve maximum improvement of pre-cancerous (actinic keratoses) sun damage, skin tone and texture a series of 3 treatments 3-5 weeks apart is most effective. (Some patients with just actinic karatoses are happy with one treatment.
4. What are the disadvantages?
Following PDT, the treated areas can appear red with some peeling for 2-7 days. Temporary swelling of the lips and around your eyes can occur for a few days. Darker pigmented patches called liver spots can become temporarily darker then fall off, leaving normal skin. (This usually occurs over 7-10 days.) Repeat treatments may be necessary as medicine peel is not an exact science.
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5. Can I do anything to prepare for my first visit?
Yes! Bring any medicine or creams you have been using to your first visit. Your initial consultation at the laser studio is free. If you have a tan on your face you must loose your tan before you can start the treatment. If you have Rosacea , you should already be applying sun screen to your face every morning. If you are not , please start now! Certain medications and vitamins such as ASA, antiinflamatories (Advil®, Motrin®), vitamin E and even red wine may increase the possibility of bruising. Please do not stop important medications on your own without consultation with a physician at Contours MD or your own personal physician.
6. How do I optimize the results of my IPL Photorejuvenation?
It is imperative that you protect yourself from the sun, both before and after your treatments. Ideally you should choose to wear sun protection of at least SPF 15 on a daily basis. We also offer a medical line of cosmecuticals to compliment our treatment strategies.
For more information please arrange a complimentary consultation with
our physician to determine the best recommendation for your particular needs.
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