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procedures > photodynamic therapy
* This procedure is for aging
skin, scarring, sun damage and wrinkles.
Photodynamic therapy, also known as PDT is a procedure
that treats a combination of changes in facial skin, as well as
significant sun damage. It is especially helpful for removing pre-cancerous
spots (actinic keratosis), treating acne, eliminating irregular
pigmentation and improving skin texture, especially reducing pore
size.
Benefits:
- well tolerated
- performed in a clinic environment
- no needles or surgery required
- favourable cosmetic results
- scarring has never been reported
How it works:
Photodynamic skin rejuvenation utilizes intense pulsed light or
another light source in combination with microdermabrasion and Levulan,
also known as aminolevulinic acid (ALA). Levulan is applied topically
to the whole area to be treated. The Levulan is left on the skin
to “incubate” and
then activated with the appropriate light source. It is a photosensitizer
that is taken up by rapidly dividing cells.
What to expect:
PDT for skin rejuvenation usually consists of 2 to 4 treatments
at three week intervals. Following the treatment, one can expect
the skin to look mildly red or even sunburned. This redness can
be expected to last for a few days.
The skin improves with a more even coloured tone, smaller pore
size, smoother texture, and a more youthful rejuvenated look. Reduction
in overall sun damage, as well as pre cancerous lesions and potential
early skin cancer changes can also be expected. PDT therapy is very
effective for the face, neck, arms, chest, hands, torso or legs.
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