Photodynamic Therapy or PDT is the latest in a range of new and exciting refinements to facial rejuvenation procedures. PDT uses a photosensitizing agent (light sensitive) - amino levulinic acid (ALA) - to react with light to produce molecular oxygen which then destroys target cells.
ALA, when applied to the skin, through a metabolic pathway, concentrates in rapidly dividing cells such as sun spots and skin cancers, as well as in hair follicles, sebaceous (oil) glands and acne lesions.
When this area of skin is exposed to a light source of appropriate wavelength, the photosensitizer is activated to produce oxygen intermediates that destroy the target cells. The end result of this treatment is clinical clearance of the targeted lesion and a cosmetic outcome far superior to treatment without ALA.
This treatment is ideal for sunspots (sun cancers), certain types of skin cancers, Rosacea, Acne, sun damaged skin and facial rejuvenation.
The main advantage of this treatment is that it is safe, and results are obtained with fewer treatments than compared to the light treatments alone.
What is the treatment procedure?
The skin is first prepared by thoroughly cleansing to rid the surface of oils and dead skin cells. In some cases a light Microdermabrasion is performed before the area is treated by PDT.
The ALA solution is applied topically to the face. This is left on the skin for 60 mins or longer depending on the patient. During this time patients must remain in a darkened environment.
Immediately before the treatment the solution is removed.
The appropriate light therapy for the specific condition is then performed.
What is Photodynamic Therapy?
Photodynamic Photorejuvenation (PDPR) has emerged as new technique to treat sun damaged skin ncluding the pre-cancerous lesions known as solar keratoses. Photodynamic photorejuvenation involves the topical application of a naturally occurring photosensitiser (5-ALA) to the skin of your face for 1 hour followed by exposure to visible light through our IPL machine.
Light activates the photosensitiser to generate highly reactive oxygen intermediaries, which ultimately cause cellular changes to your sun-damaged skin cells, which is then followed by repair.
The treatment is suitable for most people with a moderate amount of sun damage and is especially useful for people with a lot of sunspots (solar keratoses). The treatment can be performed as a single treatment, or be part of a series of treatments with plain IPL for photorejuventation.
IPL and 5-ALA can achieve both a therapeutic and an aesthetic effect. As well as clinical sunspot lesions, the full-face treatment can also improve subclinical sunspots, solar lentigenes (freckles), wrinkles, sallow complexion, and telangiectasia (broken capillaries).
Who may not be suitable for Photodynamic photorejuvenation?
Most patients are suitable for Photodynamic photorejuvenation, however, 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; patients with unstable diabetes or epilepsy. Our clinic doctor will assess your suitability during the consultation process.
What are the possible side effects?
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, whereas others may undergo a more severe sunburn-like reaction that takes 1-2 weeks to settle. It is very rare to have any permanent side effects such as scarring or pigmentation changes.
What precautions do I need to take during treatment?
Because the ALA makes the treated areas more sensitive to light, it is important that you avoid bright light during the 1 hour application time. Sunscreens will not protect these treated areas. We advise patients to remain in our clinic in subdued lighting prior to the exposure to the IPL light and then to remain indoors in subdued lighting for the following 24hours. It is important to stay out of sunlight or bright indoor light, and wear light-protective clothing.
What precautions do I need to observe after treatment?
Patients should avoid exposure of the photosensitive treatment sites to sunlight or bright indoor light after photodynamic therapy for 48 hours. Patients are advised to strictly stay at home for 24 hours and indoors for 48hours after the procedure.Exposure to sunlight or strong lights may result in stinging, burning, redness or swelling of the skin. Sunscreens will not protect against photosensitivity reactions caused by visible light.