PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY FOR ACNE
Thanks to technological advancement, you don't need to walk around with acne on your face. Acne creates a horrifying cycle of low esteem, anxiety, self-isolation, and depression. Our goal at Albany last and cosmetic center is to clear your skin and prevent future breakouts. We will also help lessen existing scars and stop future scarring.
You can improve or eliminate acne by using new technologies and sophisticated procedures and tools. Therefore, Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is one of the ways.
Photodynamic Therapy for acne is the fastest and most efficient treatment in Edmonton to stop acne and clear your skin forever. The procedure doesn't require harmful oral drugs or continuous antibiotics doses. These drugs require rigid compliance and cause antibiotic resistance.
So what is Photodynamic Therapy for Acne?
Photodynamic Therapy includes a prodrug and a light system, which kills abnormal cells. Also, it targets overactive sebaceous glands, which are the leading cause of acne. Further, Photodynamic Therapy works via a 2-step process. First, your medical staff will apply Levulan (a topical solution) to the target acne area. As soon as the target cells (abnormal cells) absorbs this solution, a medical light will activate the Levulan action. We leave the solution in contact with your skin between 3-17 hours depending on the required efficacy, acceptable downtime and severity of the case.
The action kills the acne cells. It also shrinks and damages the sebaceous gland, which creates a lot of skin oils. The result is smooth skin with less oil production and smaller pores.
How do we perform PDT?
First, your doctor will apply a photosensitizing agent such as a solution of Levulan. You should protect your skin from light exposure until the blue light treatment. This period enables the skin to absorb the photosensitizing agent and into your sebaceous glands. Further, your doctor will apply blue light on the skin for about 15 to 20 minutes.
The light initiates the photosensitizing agent, which destroys the bacteria and helps reduce the size of oil glands. Currently, doctors have started using pulsed dye light and lasers as sources of light during PDT procedures too.
Blue light or red light - which is best?
This is an important subject when it comes to treating acne. It accounts for the unsuccessful and limited results some patients experience with PDT. Blue LED or red light is generally used for PDT. Research indicates that Blue light kills the bacteria Propionibacterium and helps reduce enlarged oil glands. It also helps to remove acne, sun spots, scars caused initially by acne. What's more, the treatment has relatively few side effects. A red light, on the other hand, penetrates the skin and helps treat thicker lesions.
Photosensitizing agent
A photosensitizing agent is a unique solution applied to your during PDT. It's activated by a precise light wavelength. Levulan has been used widely for treating different skin problems. Levulan is a solution that contains 20% of Aminolevulinic Acid. The acid is a “natural” product seen in every human.
Also, it is an antecedent for hemoglobin synthesis. What this means is, your body can't make red blood cells to transfer oxygen without Aminolevulinic Acid in your body.
Like we stated earlier after Levulan is applied to your skin, it's left for some minutes. In about 8-10 minutes, the blue LED light will then activate it. Other treatments may use Red Light which forces the Levulan deeper into the affected area.
Further, your sebaceous glands (active cells) will absorb the Levulan. This makes the targeted area more receptive to the light. That said, it is the joined interaction of the blue light and solution that results in the term “photodynamic therapy.”
What are the benefits of photodynamic therapy?
- Fast treatment of facial acne
- It doesn't require surgical excisions
- The skin will look younger and refreshed after the treatment
- No scarring
- It did not cause systemic side effects
How many treatments will I need?
We recommend 2 to 3 treatments at a two to three-week intervals for best results. But severe acne lesions may need five sessions.
Are there any side effects?
Photodynamic Therapy is a process that you'll see and feel. You can experience peeling and Redness after the treatment