PHOTO DYNAMIC Therapy (PDT) is a special treatment performed with a topical photosensitizing agent called Levulan (5-aminolevulinic acid or ALA) activated with the correct wavelength of light. This is also known as “ALA/PDT treatment”.

TREATS ACNE / ACNE ROSACEA - ALA / PDT treatment has the unique ability to reduce oil gland production and kill p-bacteria causing acne and Acne Vulgaris. It also can minimize pore size, improve skin texture and soften some acne scarring.

These treatments can also remove sun damaged pre-cancerous zones and spots called actinic keratosis. Sun damage, fine lines, skin texture and blotchy pigmentation are also improved because of the positive effect of Levulan and the light treatment.

HOW MUCH IMPROVEMENT CAN I EXPECT?

Clients with severe sun damaged skin manifested by Actinic Keratosis, texture and tone changes including mottled pigmentation and skin laxity may see excellent results. You may also see improvement of large pores and pitted acne scars. Active acne can improve dramatically.
Research show that actinic keratosis cleared 100% in about 2/3 of the clients. 80% of Acne and/or Acne Rosacea clients had an excellent response to the treatment.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY LIKE?

Following PDT, the treated areas can appear red with some peeling for 2-7 days. Temporary swelling may occur for a few days. This indicates a GREAT response. Darker pigmented patches called liver spots can become temporarily darker and then peel off leaving normal skin (this usually occurs over seven to ten days). Repeat treatments may be necessary as individual responses will vary.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?

• A great option for moderate to severe acne for clients who do not want to take daily antibiotics or Accutane. The benefits of one treatment can last for months.
• For actinic keratosis, it is easier for clients than repeated topical liquid nitrogen, Efudex, or Aldara because the side effects are minimal, rapid healing and only 1-3 treatments are required.
• The ALA/PDT treatment at our clinic is painless verses liquid nitrogen, 5-FU, cautery an/or surgery.
• Reduced scarring and improved cosmetic outcome compared with cautery, surgery and/or Efudex. Liquid nitrogen can leave white spots on your skin.
• Levulan improves the whole facial area treated creating one color, texture and tone rather than just spot treating with liquid nitrogen, cautery and/or surgery.

IMPORTANT
In Summary, PDT matches the “Ideal treatment”

Well tolerated (essentially painless)
Easily performed by a specialty clinic environment
Non-invasive (no needles or surgery required)
Excellent cosmetic outcome (particularly in cosmetic sensitive areas of the face)

NOTICE
***NO SUN EXPOSURE FOR 24 HOURS (ANYONE PLANNING TO SPEND ANY TIME OUTDOORS IN THE NEXT DAY SHOULD NOT UNDERGO THIS TREATMENT); SIGNIFICANT SUNBURN MAY OCCUR IF EXPOSED TO THE SUN***