In essence, photo dynamic therapy (PDT) is a "turbo charged" version of our standard Medical Grade Intense Pulse Light (IPL). We find all our patients get much better results with PDT as compared to our standard IPL treatments, however with better results comes a longer down time. Most patients will experience redness and peeling for 3 days up to a week post treatment.

PDT can be use to treat the following

Red and Vascular Blemishes
Brown Blemishes and Sun/Age spots
Sun Damaged and Prematurely Aged Skin
A Preventative for further Sun-Damage.

How PDT differs from IPL

Photodynamic Therapy is characterised by the application of a product called Aminolevulic Acid (ALA), and its interaction with cells with the oxygen and light.

The ALA is applied to the skin surface, where it undergoes a reaction in the cells. This reaction produces a compound called a photosensitiser. This photosensitiser then works within the cells, when light of a specific wavelength is applied. ALA caused the skin cells to become more sensitive and when a certain type of light is applied it makes the cells slough off and die. After these damaged cells have been destroyed, new, healthy cells begin to form.

These damaged cells come from solar, or sun damage. Prolonged periods in the sunlight with no protection can lead to uneven, blotchy skin. If left untreated, these “sun spots” can have far more dangerous repercussions.

Not just a Cosmetic Procedure

Though there are obvious cosmetic benefits to the use of PhotoDynamic Therapy, this treatment also holds long term health benefits.

The treatment is predominantly used to deal with solar damage. Aside from the decidedly unappealing look of blotchy, white and dark areas that are found after long-term damage to the arms, legs, torso and the face, these "sun-spots" can manifest into more dangerous conditions.

There are currently many practitioners world-wide that encourage the use of PDT not only as a cosmetic procedure, but as an annual preventative measure to treat and inhibit further sun-damage.

PDT can be used to treat a range of conditions as outlined below:

Non-Hyperkeratotic keratoses
Seborrheic Keratoses
Cystic acne, acne vulgaris and generally oily skin
Rosascea
Psoriasis
Hypertrophic lesions
Sebaceous gland hyperplasia
Hidradenitis suppurtivia
Warts
Uneven skin tone
Large pores
Fine lines

What do I need to know?

Photosensitivity - After the treatment you will be sensitive to light for a period of 24-48 hours. If you go into the sun during this period, you will experience the feeling of an amplified PDT treatment. During this time, the sun should be avoided.

Downtime - You will have a period where the treated area will be quite red and then start to peel. This depends on the severity of the treatment. Everyone should be aware that there is a period of 1-3 days where you will appear very sunburnt – but don't worry: this means a good result.

Peeling and Scabbing - You will experience peeling and possibly slight scabbing in the treated area. This is not a side-effect, its an effect! This is a vital part of the treatment and necessary for the regeneration of new, health skin on the treated area. If you experience greater scabbing than normal, that means that you had more sun-damage and it is being corrected.

Side Effects - Tingling or burning senstaion at the site, mild swelling for 1-2 days, photosensitivity lasting up to 48 hours.

Is this treatment suitable for everyone?

PDT should not be used in conjunction with:

Thiazides (used to treat high blood-pressure)
Tetracyclines, Fluoroquinolones, Griseofulvin or Sulfonamides (used to treat infection)
Sulfonylureas (used to treat diabetes)
Phenothiazines (used to treat serious emotional problems)

Before undergoing any medical procedure you must tell us about any medications you are taking.

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