Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a special treatment performed with a
topical
photosensitizing agent called Levulan® Kerastick® (5-aminolevulinic acid or ALA) activated with the correct wavelength of
light. This is also known as "ALA/PDT treatment". ALA/PDT treatments are used by dermatologists to treat sun-damaged skin,
destroy pre-cancerous lesions called actinic keratoses, and the fine lines and blotchy pigmentation associated with photoaging..
ALA/PDT treatment also has the unique ability to minimize pores and reduce oil glands, effectively treating stubborn acne
vulgaris, acne rosacea, and improve the appearance of some acne scars. Treatments are more intense than typical photofacials
but also produce more dramatic results over a shorter period of time.
Levulan® is applied to the skin and subsequently
“activated” by specific wavelengths of light, such as the special blue light BLU-U® or Intense Pulse Light (IPL).
Following treatment, the treated areas can appear red with some peeling for 2 - 7 days. Some patients have an exuberant response
to PDT™ and experience marked redness of their skin. 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 and then peel off leaving normal skin.
(This usually occurs over 7 - 10 days.) These side effects are rare and most patients experience little to no downtime. A
series of three treatments 2 - 4 weeks apart is typically the most effective. Some patients with only actinic keratoses are
happy with just one treatment. More treatments can be done at periodic intervals in the future to maintain the rejuvenated
appearance of the skin.
For further information regarding ALA/PDT, please call for a consultation.
