Photodynamic Therapy – For Dramatically More Beautiful Skin

What is photodynamic therapy?

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a medical treatment that uses a photosensitizing drug (a drug that becomes activated by light exposure) and a light source to activate the applied drug. The result is an activated oxygen singlet that can destroy healthy cells. Precancerous cells and certain types of cancer cells can be treated this way.

PDT has three steps. First, a light-sensitizing drug (photosensitizer) is applied and left in place for a specific amount of time. Then the target tissue is exposed to a specific wavelength of light that activates the photosensitizing medication.

How does PDT work?

PDT works by direct injury to the target cells and tissues. This involves an activated oxygen atom that can injure or destroy unhealthy cells. By preferentially attacking the active or abnormal cells, PDT combines a very high success rate with preserving normal skin without significant risks. Once the areas have healed following PDT, the areas are reexamined to see if additional treatments needed.

PDT is a targeted treatment aimed at more rapidly dividing cells and atypical skin growths. With regular or traditional cryosurgery (freezing with liquid nitrogen) or burning, only the visible pre-skin cancers can be treated, potentially leaving behind cancers that are hidden. PDT allows for treatment of an entire area of sun damage, thereby reducing the chance that undetected pre-skin cancer cells will be left untreated.

Does PDT make me permanently more sensitive to light?

No, PDT causes a temporary sensitivity to light, including natural sunlight and some indoor lights. That diminishes with time, depending on both the photosensitizer drug and dosage used.

Topically applied aminolevulinic acid may cause skin sensitivity only on the treatment areas for approximately 24-72 hours. These do not cause sensitivity on other body parts other than where the drug was directly applied. Your Sylvana professionals will provide post treatment guidance.

How is PDT used to treat the skin?

PDT using Levulan and a proprietary blue light is currently FDA approved for treating skin precancers called actinic keratosis (rough scaly spots generally on sun-exposed skin). PDT is also known as "ALA/PDT treatment" or "Super Blue Light." It has been referred to as a "super photo facial" when the photosensitizer is used with a machine called intense pulsed light or IPL. These treatments may help remove sun-damaged precancerous skin.

Sun damage, fine lines, and blotchy pigmentation may also be improved because of the positive effect of PDT. PDT also has been shown to help decrease the appearance of pores and reduce oil gland activity, effectively treating some stubborn acne, rosacea, and improving the appearance of some small acne scars.

What are the side effects?

After treatment the most common side effects are:

• Burning/stinging, which may last up to 24 hours after your PDT treatment
• Redness and swelling which may last up to 72 hours
• Scaling/crusting which may last up to one week after your PDT treatment

You may apply moisturizers as needed. Always remember to use sunscreen and wear sun protective clothing to shield your skin from the sun's damaging rays.