Photodynamic Therapy-Acne Treatments
Photodynamic Therapy is a process by which the photosensitizing agent ALA, is applied to your skin. The solution is then left on to incubate into the skin. After a certain length of time the ALA is then activated by a specific wavelength of light, which "turns it on." The cells in the skin that have absorbed the ALA are then destroyed, leaving the normal, healthy cells untouched.
The Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA) can be used in 20% or 25%. ALA is a natural substance found throughout your body, as it is a precursor for hemoglobin synthesis. You would be unable to make a red blood cell to carry oxygen without ALA in your body. Consequently, it is a "natural" product found in all humans.
Acne results from the obstruction and inflammation of the sebaceous glands, and it affects 80% of the human population. Acne typically begins in adolescence with hormonal changes. However, there are many older individuals who suffer from "adult acne."
There are several different presentations of acne ranging from comedonal (blackheads ad whiteheads), popular, pustular, and cystic acne. In many cases, many of these presentations of acne can be present individually or simultaneously.
Prior to Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), the best available treatment option for cystic acne was Accutane. However, with Accutane there are many systemic side effects including birth defects, liver abnormalities, mood depression, and virtually all patients get dryness and night vision changes. PDT Acne treatment provides a viable alternative for all types of acne treatments.
Photodynamic Therapy Treatments are done as follows: The ALA is applied to your skin and then allowed to incubate. ALA is clear solution and painless, that targets the active acne sebaceous glands and cells. The ALA also targets sebaceous hyperplasia (which are those small 1-3 mm benign, bumps on your skin) and the papules of acne rosecea. . ALA is then activated with a specific wavelength of the KTP-YAG laser. Several passes are the done over the area to insure that a certain amount of energy is absorbed to activate the ALA. Skin oiliness is decreased, and the appearance of the pores is minimized. The entire skin texture improves following a PDT.
The "Downside" of PDT is that you will be red and have some skin peeling for several days after the treatment. Usually the first 2-3 days are the worst. Pressed mineral based makeup such as Jane Iredale will hide most of the redness. We advise patients to avoid sun exposure, as you are photosensitive for at least 24 hours after the treatment.
Results vary for person to person. Below are photos of a patient after one treatment. Although a series of 2-4 are recommended.
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