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Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a treatment performed with
a photosensitizing agent called Levulan and a special
wavelength of light that selectively kills abnormal
cells found in conditions like acne, skin cancer,
pigmented lesions and rosacea. Levulan is a natural
substance found throughout the body. When it is applied
topically, it concentrates in abnormal cells. Light then
activates the Levulan, removing sun damaged
pre-cancerous skin cells while improving fine lines and
blotchy pigment. This treatment also has the unique
ability to minimize pores and reduce oil glands
effectively treating acne vulgaris, and acne rosacea
while improving the appearance of some acne scars.
Advantages of PDT:
For Precancerous Skin Conditions:
* There is reduced scarring and improved cosmetic
outcome compared with other treatment modalities
* It treats the whole area rather than just spot
treating lesions, resulting in clearance of subclinical
lesions and prolonged remission
* It has both medical and cosmetic benefits
For Acne:
* No oral medications such as antibiotics or
isotretinoin are necessary
* It kills the acne bacteria as well as reducing
sebaceous glands--the two things that cause acne
* It restores the skin integrity to a large degree,
resulting in improvement of not only acne but also acne
scarring
* It can cause long-lasting remissions
* The results are equivalent to those attained with
Accutane without the systemic side effects
For Photorejuvenation:
* It can reduce the number of PhotoFacial treatments
needed to achieve the same cosmetic result
* The addition of Levulan can treat precancerous cells,
which cannot be treated with traditional
photorejuvenation
* Levulan reduces the size and activity of the sebaceous
glands
* It can minimize pore size and improve texture
irregularities
* Many patients see a reduction in fine lines
Photodynamic therapy is an effective treatment for
actinic keratoses, which can eventually turn into skin
cancer. PDT allows effective treatment of actinic
keratoses over large areas in one or two treatments with
very few side effects. Photorejuvenation alone has
already been effective in the treatment of rosacea, but
by adding Levulan the treatments are more effective,
requiring fewer treatments. Most patients notice an
improvement in skin texture, reduced pigmentation from
sun damage, fewer fine lines, and an overall more
youthful appearance. Treatments using PDT for acne also
yield positive results. |
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