|
Photodynamic Acne Therapy is a new procedure that treats all types of acne from mild to severe and cystic acne. The procedure combines high-intensity blue light, ClearLight, and a special light-activated topical photosensitising agent called Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA). ALA is a substance that occurs naturally in the body. It is a precursor for haemoglobin synthesis meaning that your body wouldn't be able to make red blood cells to carry oxygen without ALA.
The ALA, a clear odourless solution, is applied to your skin and left on for 30 to 60 minutes. The ALA is selectively absorbed by the active acne cells and the sebaceous glands, it is not retained by normal tissue, making them photosensitive. The ALA is then activated with the ClearLight, within 405nm to 420nm wavelengths, that destroys the photosensitised cells and the acne bacteria. The procedure will also reduce the size of the sebaceous oil glands, inhibiting sebum production and minimising pore size. This combined interaction of the solution and the light is termed "photodynamic therapy."
Photodynamic Therapy has revolutionised the way that acne is treated with the acne starting to clear after the first treatment. Most patients generally need three treatments to have the optimal outcome and can expect a long-term clearance of active acne. Although the side effects are minimal and temporary you will have some redness and possibly some swelling and/or peeling that improves to normal within a week. The redness can be covered with Ultraceuticals Mineral Makeup available from Total Body Concept. After each treatment you must avoid sun exposure the following day as the treatment makes your skin photosensitive for 24 hours.
A Photodynamic Acne Therapy treatment costs $260.00 or a course of three treatments costs $720.00.
Prior to Photodynamic Acne Therapy the best available treatment option for resistant and cystic acne was Roacutane. However, with Roacutane there are many systemic* side effects including birth defects, liver abnormalities, mood depression and virtually all patients get dryness and night vision changes.
*Systemic treatments are any medications that are taken orally, injected or infused that affect the entire body system. PDT Acne Treatment provides a viable alternative to all types of acne treatment without having negative systemic effects.
Before Treatment After Treatment
<< Back to the top
|
