|
|
 |
|
|
|
Photo Dynamic Therapy (PDT) for acne
What is PDT? How does it work? What can it do for you?
PDT is a new skin therapy that allows topically applied medications to target diseased and damaged areas when activated by a blue or red light of a special wavelength. This mode of treatment provides an excellent therapeutic result and has the advantage of only acting on areas that require treatment.
First a medication called ALA (alfa levulinic acid) is applied to the skin. It is absorbed and retained preferentially by bacteria living in the follicles and by fast growing cells such as those living in the oil glands. It also targets cancerous and pre-cancerous cells. Normal cells tend not to retain the ALA as well. Once the skin is exposed to blue or red light, the ALA is activated leading to a chain reaction with formation of single oxygen which damages the abnormal cells where the ALA is retained. This causes destruction of these cells and bacteria but leaves the healthy cells to thrive and grow.
Who can benefit from PDT?
PDT is effective for mild to severe acne and other forms of skin damage including sun damage, skin cancers, sun spots, and ageing.
If you have photosensitivity issues or are using medications that have this effect PDT may not be suitable for you. This will be covered when we look at your medical history.
What happens in a typical treatment?
First the ALA is applied to your skin and left to be absorbed for 60 minutes. Sometimes we recommend microdermabrasion before undertaking PDT as this removes dead skin cells and makes it easier for the ALA to penetrate the skin. We also sometimes use acetone to remove surface greasiness on the skin. Local anaesthetic cream may also be applied depending on the intensity of the treatment required.
Although the blue and red lights are safe, you will be given special eye protection to block the light out as an additional precaution. This is not UV light and cannot damage your skin. Next you are positioned under the light source. As the ALA is activated you will feel a slight stinging or burning sensation although this is alleviated by a cooling fan. One of our nursing staff will monitor you throughout the treatment. The blue light segment of the treatment lasts for just under 17 minutes. The red light may then be used depending on the depth of treatment required.
How will you feel during and after treatment? What are the potential side-effects?
Apart from the slight stinging during treatment, redness, swelling and tingling may occur for up to 3 days. Crusting, darkening and lightening may also occur but usually pass within a few days. Normally these changes reach a maximum the day after treatment, improve markedly after the first week and resolve completely 4 weeks after treatment. Normally there is no scarring whatsoever.
When will you see results? What do you need to do after the treatment to ensure the best result?
You will normally see results as soon as significant recovery has taken place. These changes will include a smoother appearance to your skin, with reduction in acne, pore size and often pigmentation. You will need to totally avoid sun exposure for 48 hours after treatment. A sunscreen must be worn during the day and you should wear a hat or garments to protect the treated area from sun for 14 days after the treatment. If you don't do this you can get sunburn and blisters. If you feel any burning or stinging of the treated areas when exposed to sun or bright light you need to increase your protection of these areas or reduce the intensity of the light somehow.
This is a walk-in walk-out procedure and no dressings are required. From a clinical perspective you can return to work the next day but most people opt to take some time off till initial healing has taken place.
We would normally see you to monitor your recovery at two days, one week three weeks and four weeks after the procedure.
How many sessions are necessary?
This depends on the doctor's diagnosis but we usually recommend 1-5 treatments spaced 2-4 weeks apart for the best results. Milder treatments may require more sessions but heal more quickly.
While this information is intended to give you a good overall picture of what PDT involves your situation is unique. The best way to find out if this is the right answer for you is to come and see us. There are no sales pitches and we will explain all the options and help you to make the right decision.
|
| |
How much does it cost?
We understand you are curious to know how much the procedure you are thinking of having might cost.
The truth is that with many procedures your cost can fall within a fairly wide range. While we do offer online consultations for liposuction we believe it is unethical to give a cost estimate without gaining a proper understanding of your needs.
Your body, your skin and your expectations are different to anybody else's. Some patients have been attracted by an initial quote only to find the final price was a lot higher. Sometimes these initial estimates do not cover such elements as theatre fees or the cost of an anaesthetist for example.
Our philosophy is simple. We want you to be fully informed, we want you to understand all your options and have one accurate price quoted once. Over more than 20 years of cosmetic practice we have found that this is what most of our clients want too.
To have the convenience of an online liposuction consultation click here or call us on 03 9569 3511 to arrange a no obligation consultation in person.
|
| |
|
| |
» We're here to help. Click here to come in have a no obligation assessment done and talk about what you would like to achieve.
» Or call 9569 3511. Our hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 8.30am to 7.30pm and Wednesday, Friday Saturday 8.30am to 5.00pm. |
| |
» If you have had a face to face appointment with Ashley, are happy with your written treatment plan and wish to proceed our book my surgery section will help us to fit the date of your procedure in with your busy life.
» Click here to get a response on a possible date for your procedure
|
|
|
|
