Acne, oily skin, pre-cancerous skin lesions (keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, etc), and sun damage.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) at Skinovate in Melbourne utilises a chemical reaction activated by light energy to selectively destroy specific unwanted tissues and help with particular skin conditions.
PDT utilises a substance called MLA (methyl aminolevulinate), which is applied topically to the skin. It penetrates into the skin and is preferentially absorbed by inflamed or infected or sun-damaged cells. When treated with intense light, the MLA undergoes a chemical reaction that selectively destroys the problem cells. Therefore, PDT will help remove acne, sun damage, solar keratosis and some superficial basal cell carcinomas.
WHAT DOES PDT INVOLVE?
The skin is degreased with a medical swab.
The MLA cream is applied to the problem area for at least 3 hours before the intense light treatment.
Treatments for acne are repeated at 3 weeks and 3 months after the initial treatment.
WHAT CAN BE ACHIEVED WITH PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY?
PDT is very effective in reducing acne with long term results. Acne patients who have PDT are much less likely to need future antibiotics and have better skin all round. Dramatic improvements in the number of active acne lesions are seen. Particular improvements are seen in those people who have cystic or inflammatory (red) type acne.
WHO CANNOT BE TREATED?
It is not suitable for people who are breast feeding, pregnant, those with a history of keloid scarring and patients who have had Roaccutane in the past 6 months.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF PDT?
Immediately after the treatment, the skin may appear pink. This will generally last only a few hours. Mild stinging and mild puffiness may occur, also for a few hours. More intense reactions are rare.
A detailed aftercare sheet is available at reception, be sure to read it and take one home so you know what to do and things to avoid (like sun exposure). |
