Photo Dynamic Therapy (PDT) for facial rejuvenation and treatment of pre-cancerous skin lesions

What is PDT? How does it work? What can it do for you?

PDT is a new skin therapy that allows topically applied medications such as delta aminolevulinic acid ( Levulan Kerastick)) or methyl aminolevulinic acid (Metvixia) to target diseased and damaged areas when activated by a blue, red, or IPL light of a special wavelengths. This mode of treatment provides an excellent therapeutic result and has the advantage of only acting on areas that require treatment.

The photodynamic natural chemical is applied to the skin. It is absorbed and retained preferentially by bacteria living in the follicles and by fast growing cells such as those living in the oil glands. It also targets cancerous and pre-cancerous cells. Normal cells tend not to retain the ALA as well. Once the skin is exposed to light, the ALA is activated leading to a chain reaction with formation of singlet oxygen that damages the abnormal cells where the ALA is retained. This causes destruction of abnormal skin cells and bacteria but leaves the healthy cells alone. It has also been shown that there is a rejuvenative effect from this on the adjacent healthy cells as well as the abnormal ones. Sun damage, abnormal pigmentation, even small skin cancers are eliminated with minimal side effects.

Who can benefit from PDT?

PDT is effective for acne, sun damage, skin cancers, sunspots, wrinkles, and aging and results in mild to marked facial rejuvenation.

If you have photosensitivity issues or are using medications that have this effect PDT may not be suitable for you. This will be covered when we look at your medical history.

What happens in a typical treatment?

We use state of the art microdermabrasion (the Diamondtome™) before undertaking PDT as this removes dead skin cells and makes it easier for the ALA to penetrate the skin. This eliminates the need for harsh solvents to remove the oils from the skin.

You will be given special eye protection and be treated with two passes over your entire face with the IPL treatment head. Afterwards, a moisturizer and hi-potency sunscreen will be applied and you will be instructed to avoid sun and bright light exposure for a few days.

How will you feel during and after treatment? What are the potential side effects?

Apart from the slight stinging during treatment, redness, swelling and tingling may occur for up to 3 days. Crusting, darkening and lightening may also occur but usually pass within a few days. Normally these changes reach a maximum the day after treatment, improve markedly after the first week and resolve completely 4 weeks after treatment.

When will you see results? What do you need to do after the treatment to ensure the best result?

You will normally see results as soon as significant recovery has taken place. These changes will include a smoother appearance to your skin, with a reduction in facial redness, pore size and often pigmentation. You will need to totally avoid sun exposure for 48-72 hours after treatment. A sunscreen must be worn during the day and you should wear a hat or garments to protect the treated area from sun for 14 days after the treatment. If you don't do this you can get sunburn and blisters. If you feel any burning or stinging of the treated areas when exposed to sun or bright light you need to increase your protection of these areas or reduce the intensity of the light.

There is no down time with this procedure. From a clinical perspective you can return to work the next day but most people opt to take some time off till initial healing has taken place.

We would like to see your recovery process at two days, one week, and four weeks after the procedure.

How many sessions are necessary?

This depends on the doctor's diagnosis but we usually recommend 1-2 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart for the best results. Milder treatments may require more sessions but heal more quickly.

While this information is intended to give you a good overall picture of PDT, your situation is unique. The best way to find out if this is the right answer for you is to have a skin evaluation. We will explain all the options and help you to make the right decision.