Photodynamic therapy is a revolutionary new treatment for sunspots, providing patients with total skin rejuvenation, less downtime and faster recovery, something that not a lot of other treatment methods can offer.
Photodynamic therapy mainly focuses on treating excessive sunspots in an effort to reduce the risk of future skin cancer. Both visual and microscopic sunspots are treated to eliminate as much risk as possible and reduce the appearance of visible sunspots later on.
Even though this treatment is primarily used to treat sun damage, it has additional benefits too that include collagen stimulation.
Dr Lowe will determine whether you are an ideal candidate for this treatment during your consultation.
What to Expect
Photodynamic therapy treatments have two stages. The first stage involves applying a photosensitiser to the skin for 30 minutes to 3 hours, which will be absorbed by the damaged skin cells. The photosensitiser will then be activated by an LED light source that emits red light.
The combination of the photosensitiser and the light creates a change in the oxygen molecules of the damaged cells causing these cells to be destroyed. The average photodynamic therapy treatment will last two hours but this will vary between patients.
Patients can expect the skin to be red and swollen following their treatment and there may be some general discomfort for a day or two – this can be alleviated using over the counter pain medication. Some patient may take a couple of day off work to recover.
Most patients will require more than one treatment to achieve their desired result. The average patient will require 3 – 5 treatments spaced 2 – 4 weeks apart, which gives the skin enough time to heal. However, the number of treatments required can only be determined once your skin has been evaluated by our team of experienced clinicians.
What Can Be Treated with Photodynamic Therapy?
Here are the most common concerns that can be treated with Photodynamic Therapy:
- Sun damaged skin
- Superficial types of skin cancer
- Active acne as well as acne scarring
- General skin rejuvenation
- Sebaceous hyperplasia
Ideal Candidates for Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy is ideal for almost anyone, but we will need to determine whether you are a suitable candidate based on your medical history as well as your specific concerns. A combination of treatments may be required to achieve your desired result.
Photodynamic Therapy Results
We will provide you with specific care instructions that you will need to carefully follow after your procedure – this will ensure you achieve the best possible results and prevent further damage to your skin. Your skin will gradually improve after each treatment, with results lasting up to a year. Repeat treatments may be required later on.
