Photodynamic Therapy, Broadway, Sydney
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a new and exciting laser skin rejuvenation treatment that treats both acne and sun damaged skin. All PDT treatments at Heber Davis are performed by qualified cosmetic doctors .
PDT therapy takes advantage of the light sensitizing properties of amino levulinic acid (ALA), a compound that occurs naturally in the body. When applied to the skin ALA metabolizes to concentrate in rapidly dividing cells such as sun spots and skin cancers, as well as in hair follicles, sebaceous (oil) glands, rosacea and acne spots. Exposure of this skin to a light source of appropriate wavelength activates ALA to produce oxygen free radicals that destroy these targeted lesions,resulting in a clinical clearance and a cosmetic outcome that is often far superior to conventional laser skin treatment alone.
For acne treatment PDT selectively targets the overactive sebaceous glands, which make the skin excessively oily, as well as the bacteria that cause infection, without adversely affecting the surrounding skin. Oil production slows down and acne causing bacteria are destroyed. Because excess oil production is one of the main drivers of the acne cycle, its reduction encourages long-term remission of active acne, often enabling reduction or cessation of acne medication and other acne treatments.
In treating sun damaged skin or rosacea, PDT selectively targets cells that cause uneven pigmentation, enlarged pores and/or unwanted blood vessels, resulting in reduced redness, improved skin clarity and texture, reduced pore size and increases collagen production that minimizes fine wrinkling.
After thorough cleansing to remove surface oils and dead skin cells, ALA solution is applied to the treatment area for a period of 30-60 minutes.
Immediately before PDT treatment the ALA is removed and the cleaned skin is exposed to IPL or laser therapy appropriate to the condition being treated.
While most patients are suitable for PDT photo rejuvenation,the treatment may not be appropriate for patients taking certain medications that sensitize the skin to light; patients with inherited photosensitivity conditions such as porphyria; patients with bleeding disorders such as haemophilia; patients who are pregnant or breast feeding or patients with unstable diabetes or epilepsy,auto-immune disease or immunodeficiency, connective tissue disease, abnormal healing or scarring, or vitiligo. Your practitioner will assess your suitability at your initial consultation.
Transient local symptoms of stinging, burning, itching, redness, and swelling may occur after treatment. The severity and time course of these symptoms vary from patient to patient with some feeling minimal side effects after 1 day, whilst others may undergo a more severe sunburn-like reaction that takes 1-2 weeks to settle. Permanent side effects are extremely rare.
Because ALA makes the treated areas more sensitive to light, it is important that you avoid bright light during the 1 hour application time and for several following treatment.We advise patients to remain in our clinic in subdued lighting whilst preparing for treatment and then to remain indoors in subdued lighting for the following 24-48 hours. It is important to stay out of sunlight or bright indoor light, and to wear light-protective clothing if you have to go outdoors. Sunscreens will not protect against photosensitivity reactions caused by visible light.
The skin will appear reddened post procedure. Skin Irregularities such as pigmentation/capillaries, may appear darker for the first few days, as would occur with treatment without ALA.
A mild stinging sensation and swelling is quite normal.
Keep the skin clean and use a bland moisturizer only. Suspend use of all active skin care products during your recovery period
No sun exposure for 2 days following treatment. A hat and SPF 30+ must be used at all times (2-3 times daily).
Limit exposure to bright/fluorescent lighting.
Premature exposure to sunlight or strong lights may result in reactivation of residual ALA and lead to stinging, burning, redness or swelling of the skin. If such symptoms occur, please contact your treating practitioner on 95526277
