Photo Dynamic Therapy (PDT)
What is PhotoDynamic Therapy?
Photodynamic 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 or PDT treatment”.
PDT for Pre-cancerous Growths:
These treatments remove sun damaged pre-cancerous zones and spots called actinic keratoses.
How many treatments will it take to see the "best" results?
Some patients with just actinic keratoses are happy with one treatment. To achieve maximum improvement of pre-cancerous (actinic keratoses) sun damage a series of 2-3 treatments 4 weeks apart may be necessary. More treatments can be done at periodic intervals in the future to maintain the rejuvenated appearance of your skin.
What are the disadvantages?
Following PDT, the treated areas can appear red and swollen 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 tissue around your eyes can occur for a few days. Sun spots or brown 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.
ALA Levulan is active for 24 hours so you must stay inside for a full day following treatment. This is an important consideration in scheduling your treatment.
What are the advantages?
Easier for patients than repeated topical liquid nitrogen, Efudex (5-Fu), or Aldara because the side effects are minimal and there is rapid healing.
The ALA/PDT treatment can be less painful versus liquid nitrogen, 5-FU and Aldara.
Reduced scarring and improved cosmetic outcome compared with cautery, surgery and Efudex.
Liquid nitrogen can leave white spots on skin.
Levulan improves your whole facial area treated creating one color, texture and tone rather than just spot treating with liquid nitrogen, cautery and surgery.
Well tolerated.
Non-Invasive (no needles or surgery required).
Excellent cosmetic outcome (particularly in sensitive areas of your face).
Photodynamic 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 or PDT treatment”.
PDT for Pre-cancerous Growths:
These treatments remove sun damaged pre-cancerous zones and spots called actinic keratoses.
How many treatments will it take to see the "best" results?
Some patients with just actinic keratoses are happy with one treatment. To achieve maximum improvement of pre-cancerous (actinic keratoses) sun damage a series of 2-3 treatments 4 weeks apart may be necessary. More treatments can be done at periodic intervals in the future to maintain the rejuvenated appearance of your skin.
What are the disadvantages?
Following PDT, the treated areas can appear red and swollen 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 tissue around your eyes can occur for a few days. Sun spots or brown 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.
ALA Levulan is active for 24 hours so you must stay inside for a full day following treatment. This is an important consideration in scheduling your treatment.
What are the advantages?
Easier for patients than repeated topical liquid nitrogen, Efudex (5-Fu), or Aldara because the side effects are minimal and there is rapid healing.
The ALA/PDT treatment can be less painful versus liquid nitrogen, 5-FU and Aldara.
Reduced scarring and improved cosmetic outcome compared with cautery, surgery and Efudex.
Liquid nitrogen can leave white spots on skin.
Levulan improves your whole facial area treated creating one color, texture and tone rather than just spot treating with liquid nitrogen, cautery and surgery.
Well tolerated.
Non-Invasive (no needles or surgery required).
Excellent cosmetic outcome (particularly in sensitive areas of your face).
