Photodynamic therapy involves the application of a cream called Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA) which is activated by a light source. Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA) is a "natural" product found throughout the body. The activation of ALA by light leads to:
- The destruction of sebaceous glands. The blockage of these glands is responsible for causing acne.
- The destruction of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), the bacteria that triggers acne.
- Improved texture, tone and complexion of the skin. It reduces pigmentation, broken capillaries and fine lines.
This makes this therapy particularly useful for acne, Rosacea, pigmentation (freckles), large pores and photorejuvination of the skin. It can be used for all skin types over the whole body. The use of Retin A gel and fruit acids prior to the PDT helps with the effectiveness of the treatment.
After the procedure, it is important for the patient to avoid the sun where possible, wear sunscreen and a hat. Exposure to the sun will result in a burning sensation on the face (photosensitivity).
The face becomes red a few hours after the treatment. The photosensitivity and the redness will last anywhere from two days to two weeks depending on the intensity of the treatment selected by the patient. The greater the intensity, the better the result, but the longer the redness and photosensitivity.
What is ALA Photodynamic Treatment (PDT)?
Photodynamic Treatment (PDT) is a process by which a photosensitising cream called Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA) is applied to your skin and then activated by a light source. The Photosensitising cream is a special solution that is activated by a red or blue light, which "turns it on". ALA is a "natural" product found throughout the body. It is needed for haemoglobin synthesis. (It wouldn't be possible to make the red blood cells to carry oxygen without ALA in your body.)
What is it used for?
PDT is useful for the treatment of acne, Rosacea and pigmentation (freckles). It is also used for photorejuvination of sun damaged skin to improve the texture, tone and complexion while reducing the pigmentation, pores and fine lines of skin.
How does it work?
The activation of ALA by light leads to:
- The destruction of sebaceous glands. The blockage of these glands is responsible for causing acne.
- The destruction of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), the bacteria that triggers acne.
- Improved texture, tone and complexion of the skin.
- A reduction in pigmentation, pores and fine lines.
- A progressive reduction in redness with every treatment. The redness and flushing caused by Rosacea and broken capillaries can be reduced by 80 to 90 percent.
What does the procedure involve? |
The skin is cleaned with acetone. The ALA cream is applied for 15 minutes to one hour depending on the desired effect and the amount of downtime available to the patient. After the cream is removed the patient is required to lie under a light source for 20 minutes during which a mild tingling sensation may be experienced. |
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What can I expect after the treatment? |
After the procedure you should wear sunscreen and avoid the sun by staying indoors for the first 24-48 hours. Exposure to the sun will result in a burning sensation on the face known as photosensitivity.
Your face will become red a few hours after the treatment. The photosensitivity, redness and peeling will last anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks depending on the intensity of the treatment selected. The greater the intensity of the treatment the better the result but the longer the redness, peeling and photosensitivity
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HOw many treatments will I need?
At Cosmos Cosmetic Medicine we advise 2-4 treatments at 2 to 4 week intervals to obtain optimal results for acne and photorejuvination. Thirty percent of acne patients improve after one treatment, another thirty percent of acne patients will improve after two treatments and ninety percent of acne patients improve after three treatments.
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How soon will I see results? |
Active acne can improve dramatically within 2 weeks and will continue to improve 8 to 10 weeks after the treatment. After each session, you will experience improvement in your skin tone and texture. There will be a decrease in the overall redness and flushing. Sunspots will fade; pore sizes will shrink. Fine lines and wrinkles will gradually decrease in size as the new collagen forms beneath the skin. These improvements will continue to increase with each treatment.
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HOw long do results last?
The results will last for up to two years
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Is Pdt safe? |
There is no risk of scarring with PDT.
Some patients have a lively response to PDT and experience marked redness of their skin which will resolve. Temporary swelling may occur with the lips and around the eyes for a few days. Darker pigmented patches, called liver spots, can become temporarily darker and then peel off leaving normal skin. (This usually occurs after seven to ten days). Repeat treatments may be necessary. |
How much does it cost? |
The cost ranges from $330 to $1100 depending on the desired effect. If minimal downtime (1-2 days) is requested the cost is $550. If moderate downtime (1 week) is requested the cost is $895. If maximal downtime (2 weeks) is requested the cost is $1100.
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What is my next step? |
To obtain more information call 1300 138 797 or e-mail info@cosmosclinic.com.au
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