PhotoDynamic Therapy
PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT) is a non-surgical treatment that is used to improve the appearance of mild to moderate sun damage and for certain pre-cancerous lesions on all areas of the body.
How does the treatment work?
A naturally occurring substance called ALA is applied to the affected area. When applied to the skin, the ALA is absorbed into the abnormal or damaged skin cells. The length of incubation time will vary, depending on the area being treated e.g. arms & legs may require overnight incubation. Once the ALA has been absorbed after the appropriate incubation period, an LED light source is focused on the treated area for a period of time. When exposed to the light, the abnormal skin cells containing the ALA are selectively destroyed to ultimately reveal fresh and healthy skin cells, less sun damage and improved skin texture. PDT is highly effective in bringing to life aged skin, providing significant cosmetic benefits for sun damaged and aged skin, rosacea, acne, large pores and skin discolouration due to sun damage.
There is some discomfort associated with the treatment, and patients can expect to experience some redness, swelling and crusting post treatment. The extent of the downtime required post treatment varies, depending on the amount of damage being treated. Prior to treatment, a consultation with one of our Skin Therapists is required, as well as a skin check with a doctor.
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PDT benefits include:
- Minimal side effects & downtime
- Rapid healing
- Excellent cosmetic results
- No systemic reaction
- The treatment is able to be customised to your individual requirements
- Can be repeated if necessary
- Does not prevent patients from undergoing any other cosmetic, medical or surgical procedures in the future
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Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a unique way to treat sun damaged, blemished and aged skin on all areas of the body. By using PDT’s non-invasive light technology, a wide range of skin conditions can be treated in a way which is quick and effective, with minimal side effects and downtime.
PhotoDynamic Therapy FAQs
What does PhotoDynamic therapy treat?
PDT provides significant cosmetic benefits for sun damaged/aged skin, and skin discoloration due to sun damage. PDT is also very effective in bringing new life to aged skin in areas that in the past have been hard to treat such as the chest, arms, hands and legs.
What is involved in a treatment?
A naturally occurring substance called ALA is applied to the affected area (e.g. face, arms, scalp, etc.). When applied to the skin, the ALA is absorbed into abnormal or damaged cells. Once absorbed, an LED light source is focused on the treated area for a period of time. When exposed to light, the abnormal skin cells, containing the ALA, are selectively destroyed to ultimately reveal fresh, healthy skin cells, less sun damage and improved skin texture.
What is the post care involved?
The post care for PDT is quite involved, and clients need to be very diligent with the post care instructions to avoid any adverse reactions. Direct sun exposure (even lights) must be avoided for the first 2 days post treatment, and a strict skincare regime must also be followed for a minimum of 2 weeks prior to treatment, and 4 weeks post treatment.
What happens post treatment?
- Days 1 & 2 post treatment – keep indoors as much as possible and keep the treated area covered and out of sunlight as your skin will be extremely sensitive.
- Days 3-5 – the treated skin will be red and tender, and the skin will start to peel, scab and flake off.
- Days 6-9 – redness will start to dissipate; however, the skin may still start to feel itchy, tight and uncomfortable as it continues to heal.
- Days 10-14 – Smooth, healthy and clear skin will be revealed.
- As part of the treatment protocol, clients must also return to the clinic at days 3, 7, 10 and 14 post treatment to allow your Skin Therapist to ensure that the skin is healing appropriately and to document your progress.