Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a procedure that uses a photosensitizing drug to apply light therapy selectively to target pre-skin cancer, acne and sun damage.

Levulan is one of the photo sensitizing medication which is applied for at least 30 minutes to a few hours and then laser and light based therapy is used on the treated area. Depending on the exposure time of the medication patient may have a pain and significant redness later on which results in to peeling of the skin.

Who are the best candidates for this treatment?
Patients with certain condition would benefit best from PDT:

· Acne (Severe cases)
· actinic keratosis (precancerous skin condition)
· superficial basal cell skin cancer
· Hiradenitis suppuratica (recurrent abscess in the armpit)
· severe cases of acne vulgaris
· uneven skin texture and significant sun damage

What areas can be treated?
Any area where above mentioned condition has been found PDT could be used.

How does the treatment work?
The aminolevulinic acid, a clear liquid, will be applied to the entire surface of the skin that is to be treated. This will incubate for 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on your condition and the source of light used different light source could be used which could be blue light, LED or pulsed dye laser. Most of the time, you will feel some burning discomfort during the treatment lessened by fans, cold air, Zimmer cooler or cold roller.

How long does the treatment take?
Treatment takes more time, depending on your incubation time with the medication. You apply the medication and may have to wait about one hour in the office and then get treated. Generally treatment needs to be done during evening hours to minimize sun exposure after the treatment.

What are the benefits of procedure?
This procedure has more downtime, but has its own benefit for treating with refractory cases of acne when the singlet oxygen is released and exposed to the light therapy. It kills the bacteria responsible for acne. It also effectively treats precancerous cells and superficial cancer. Other benefit is new skin gives the patient's significant improvement over the previous texture of the skin.

· Reduced Acne breakout
· Smooth, even skin and decreases fine wrinkles.
· Reduces sun damage and brown spots
· Healthy new skin

How many treatments will I need?
Depending on your condition being treated, the physician would discuss how many treatments you will need.

What kinds of results can I expect? And how fast do I see the results?
You will see significant improvement in one to two treatments depending on condition being treated.

Are the treatments safe and painless?
Treatments are safe and have been used for number of other disease besides skin disease. This treatment does cause pain and burning sensation during the treatment with IPL, LED or blue light exposure. Postoperatively, you will help more redness and must avoid the sun exposure.

Do I need any preparation before the procedure?
You need to avoid any photosensitive medication or antibiotics. You do not need any specific treatment or preparation prior to the procedure, but you need to arrive on time because this procedure does take longer time.

What kind of recovery period is needed after the procedure?
You would have redness and peeling of the skin for at least three days after the procedure. You must not be exposed to the Sun otherwise he would have a significant sunburn and downtime. You must apply the sunscreen as directed by your physician. You should not take any photosensitive medication, as suggested by your Physician.

To schedule a FREE Skin Analysis and Consultation, the first part of my Arrowhead Aeshetcs Skin Rejuvenation Program, just give my office a call or CLICK HERE.