Photodynamic Therapy

What is Photodynamic Therapy

At The Rosenthal Clinic, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is often used to treat acne and actinic keratoses. This treatment involves the application of a photosensitizing agent such as aminolevulinic acid (Levulan Kerastick) to the surface of the affected skin, followed by exposure to light therapy using BLU-U light or IPL. This treatment offers an effective alternative approach to drug-based solutions for acne and actinic keratoses (also known as AKs).

PDT typically includes a series of treatments scheduled monthly. This treatment is best suited to be done during the fall and winter when exposure to daylight is reduced.

This treatment is effective for acne, sun damaged skin, and pre-cancerous skin changes (AKs). The treatment also produces an improvement in the appearance of the skin leaving it more even-colored with a reduction of pore size, resulting in a smoother texture.

 

Conditions

Acne

Acne is a condition that results from the combination of excessive sebum production, the plugging of pores, and the inflammatory action of skin bacteria. Features of acne include blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, pustules, and cysts which may result in permanent scarring and skin discoloration. Above all, it is important to get...

Actinic Keratosis

Long term exposure to the sun may cause the development of actinic keratoses (AK). They most often appear as small rough scaly spots or patches with underlying redness and occasionally, no scaling is apparent. Commonly, you can find them on the top of the head, on the face, the back...

Age-related facial changes

Deterioration of the skin becomes apparent when we age. This is due to the effects of the sun and results in the skin becoming thinner and losing strength, hydration and elasticity. Brown spots can appear as can the appearance of small veins and large pores. The skin loses its smoothness...

Sun damage

Sun damage is not part of the natural aging process associated with changes to the skin. Instead, it is the accumulated effect of exposure to the sun. This can result in brown pigmentation, melasma, broken blood vessels, dehydration, thinner skin, fine lines, enlarged pores, skin laxity, and even skin cancer.

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