Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for treatment of Acne, Rosacea, Actinic/Solar keratosis, and Sun-damage.

What is photodynamic therapy (PDT)?

Photodynamic therapy is a leading non-surgical treatment for Acne, pre-cancerous skin lesions (actinic keratosis), early forms of non-melanoma skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma), rosacea, and sun-damaged skin. In addition to being both curative and preventative for most early skin cancers, patients achieve amazing cosmetic benefits from one to two treatments. Research shows that 94% of patients have significant reduction in fine lines, deep wrinkles, sun-spots, dilated facial veins, redness, pore size, skin texture, and rosacea.

How Does Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Work?

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) treatments rely on the use of a naturally occurring photosensitizing agent known as 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA). When applied topically to sun-damaged skin, concentrated ALA (Levulan) is selectively absorbed by rapidly growing cells such as cancers, pre-cancers, and sun spots. It is also rapidly absorbed by sebaceous glands and the acne-causing bacteria (P. acnes). Within these cells, ALA reacts with oxygen and becomes highly excitable when exposed to special wavelengths of light energy. In this excitable state, ALA destroys the unhealthy cells that make up certain skin cancers, pre-cancers (actinic keratoses), acne, and sebaceous hyperplasia. Sun damage, blotchy pigmentation, fine lines and acne scars are also dramatically improved by ALA/PDT treatments.

What does a Photodynamic Therapy Treatment involve?

Photodynamic therapy involves;

  • Pre-treating the skin with a light microdermabrasion to help remove the top layer of skin cells and allow the process to work more effectively.
  • The skin is then degreased with acetone.
  • 5-ALA, aka Levulan, a clear painless solution, is then applied to the treatment area and allowed to incubate for 15 – 60 minutes.
  • It is then activated by a specific wavelength of light called a
    BLU-U for 10-15 minutes.


Additional Light sources may be used to drive the solution deeper into the skin for even better cosmetic results.

PDT Treatments are virtually painless and you leave the office feeling like you have a mild to medium sunburn. Over the next several days, the unhealthy cells rapidly crust and peel off, leaving healthy new skin behind. These FDA- approved treatments are non-invasive, non-scarring, and less painful than surgery, freezing, or topical chemotherapy creams such as 5-FU and Imiquimod.

What are the Advantages of ALA/PDT Treatments over Traditional Therapies?

For Early Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers and Pre-cancers:

  • Easier for patients than repeated liquid nitrogen (freezing), Efudex, or Aldara because the side effects are minimal, rapid healing, and only 1-3 treatments.
  • ALA/PDT treatments are less painful than liquid nitrogen or surgical removal
  • Reduced scarring and improved cosmetic results than liquid nitrogen, surgery, and Efudex.
  • ALA/PDT improves the entire skin surface treated (i.e. face, or arms), creating even tone and texture, rather than spot treating with liquid nitrogen or surgery.

 

Although effective, traditional treatments rely on the lesions being visible on the skin’s surface. Every small cancer contains millions of abnormal cells and it is difficult to estimate exactly how much to cut or freeze off. If you freeze or cut deeply enough to remove the entire tumor, you risk leaving unsightly white scars. If you minimize the treatment diameter or freeze too shallow, you risk leaving cancer cells behind. Neither of these methods take into consideration that sun-damage is cumulative and widespread. Like weeds in a garden, if you remove them one at a time, there are hundreds to thousands more waiting under the surface to grow. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is an Innovative non-surgical technology that precisely destroys the abnormal cells even before they are visible on the skin’s surface

In addition to being both curative and preventative for most early skin cancers, patients achieve amazing cosmetic benefits from one to two treatments. Research shows that 94% of patients have significant reduction in fine lines, deep wrinkles, sun-spots, dilated facial veins, redness, pore size, skin texture, and rosacea.

5-ALA enhances the usual photo-rejuvenating effect of lasers on skin (ie. reducing pigmentation, capillaries and improving skin texture). It has also been found to improve the effect of lasers on rosacea.

For Acne and Sebaceous Hyperplasia:

PDT has become a leading treatment for moderate to severe acne and sebaceous hyperplasia. The advantages are, no scarring, no surgical excisions, and no systemic side effects that may be seen with long-term antibiotics or Accutane. Typically, one to four treatments reduce acne breakouts and scarring in more than 85% of patients.

How many PDT (Photodynamic therapy) sessions are needed?

For acne, Best results are achieved with two to four sessions, scheduled 14 – 30 days apart. Treatment of solar/actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinomas, and skin rejuvenation generally requires fewer treatments (one to two) at intervals of 4 to 6 weeks.

What are the side effects of photodynamic therapy?

Immediately post treatment, the skin appears red and sun-burnt. This can persist for one to two weeks. The skin may flake, crust or peel during this time. You may also experience approximately 2 days of mild swelling and itching in the face. The downtime is generally between 5 to 10 days. The side effects are more significant when treating skin cancers and sun damage compared with treating acne. Usually, the first 2-3 days are the worst.

You must remain indoors for 1-2 days after your PDT treatment because your skin remains photosensitive for 48 hours after application of the solution.

Summary of Conditions Treated with Photodynamic Therapy (PDT/ALA):


  • Removing pre-cancerous actinic keratoses
  • Preventing skin cancer
  • Improving wrinkles
  • Treating moderate to severe acne
  • Reducing pore size
  • Improving skin texture
  • Treating sebaceous hyperplasia

 

Why should I choose The Cosmetic Vein & Laser Center to perform photodynamic therapy for me?

For those people with resistant acne or sun-damaged skin, photodynamic therapy may be a suitable treatment for you. Dr. Moskowitz will first assess your suitability for the treatment, and then help you decide whether this treatment is suited to your skin and your lifestyle. Dr. Moskowitz and her staff have been performing this treatment since its FDA approval, and keep up-to-date with the latest international trends in photodynamic therapy.

The first step is simply contacting us for your initial consultation, where we will discuss with you what a realistic and achievable outcome is, and what to expect from your treatment. We look forward to meeting your medical and cosmetic needs. Please feel free to contact us (850)233-0264.

View More Before & After images of PDT