Stafford Skincare

providing specialist dermatology care

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for Skin Rejuvenation

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a well-established and highly successful method of treating certain skin cancers and red scaling patches (Actinic Keratosis) found in sun-damaged skin. Photodynamic Therapy is approved by NICE and has excellent cosmetic results and cure rates.

As we get older, our complexion becomes duller, sometimes with patchy pigmentation, broken blood vessels and red scaling patches. A variety of methods can be used to help rejuvenate skin appearance such as Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion, Laser Therapy and Photodynamic Therapy. Each technique has its own uses and benefits – superficial Chemical Peels and Microdermabrasion remove the top dead layers of skin making the skin look fresher. Laser therapy destroys the upper and middle layers of the skin which stimulates the skin to regenerate, producing new, less wrinkled skin. Laser is very effective, but “downtime” with marked discomfort and redness can last many weeks, and the skin often looks paler after treatment.

The main advantage of Photodynamic therapy is that it is “highly selective” which means that only abnormal skin cells are treated, while healthy skin cells are not damaged – giving a very quick healing time with excellent cosmetic results.

Photodynamic Therapy can help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, irregular brown blotching of the skin and early broken veins, in addition to treating the more obvious red scaling patches associated with sun-damaged skin. The treated skin looks fresher and brighter and skin texture is improved. Numerous studies have been undertaken, and Photodynamic Therapy is now an established skin rejuvenation treatment in the USA, carried out by dermatologists.

Treatment is simple: For Photodynamic Therapy Skin Rejuvenation, a light sensitive cream is applied for 1 – 2 hours to the skin and left uncovered. Shining a specific wavelength of red light (not laser) on to the treated area activates the cream which then selectively destroys abnormal skin cells. There is usually only slight redness of the skin after treatment, lasting about 2 days. The benefits of Photodynamic therapy for Skin Rejuvenation usually last for about 12 – 18 months.

PDT skin rejuvenation showing improved texture and appearance of the skin

PDT skin rejuvenation showing reduction in blood vessels

 

FAQs

Q. How long has the Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Skin Rejuvenation service been established?
A. Dr. Anne Ward set up the Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) service for the treatment of skin cancers and pre-cancerous skin growths in 2001. She quickly realised that people receiving Photodynamic Therapy had a noticeable improvement in the appearance and texture of their skin even after one treatment, and so she set up a Photodynamic Therapy Skin Rejuvenation service to help treat ageing skin. Photodynamic Therapy Skin Rejuvenation is also available in private clinics in London and in the USA.

Q. Does everyone benefit from this treatment?
A. Like Laser and Chemical Peels, Photodynamic Therapy Skin Rejuvenation will show its greatest benefit in people who have obvious sun-damaged skin, getting rid of red scaling patches and helping to reduce fine lines. For younger people or those with less sun-damage, the difference will be less obvious, but the skin will look fresher, more vibrant and have improved texture.

Q. What happens at my first visit?
A. You will have a thorough medical assessment during which we will have a discussion about your concerns. Photographs are taken to document what you look like prior to treatment. If I am able to help you, we will fully discuss the treatment, possible side-effects, how often you would have to return for more treatments and the costs involved before you decide if you wish to proceed.

Q. Can treatments be combined?
A. Photodynamic Therapy can be used alongside Botox® and Dermal Fillers without any problems.

Q. How long does Photodynamic Therapy Skin Rejuvenation last?
A. Usually for about 12 – 18 months initially, following which treatment would need to be repeated.

Q. What happens if I don’t repeat the treatment?
A. Your skin will gradually go back to the way it looked prior to you having any treatment.

Q. What can and can’t I do after treatment?
A. After treatment you will need to wear a total sunblock for 48 hours, to avoid further activation of the cream by sunlight. You will need to wear a daily sunscreen for 3 months after treatment to maximise the benefit. It is better to avoid sunny holidays during this time to allow the skin to fully settle down.

Q. What are the side-effects of Photodynamic Therapy Skin Rejuvenation?
A. Most people have mild redness and scaling for 1 – 2 days after treatment. If the skin is very sun-damaged the redness may last for up to a week. Rarely there is patchy hyper-pigmentation (brown patches) after treatment which usually settles within a few weeks. People who are prone to cold sores may need to take anti-viral tablets to prevent activation of cold sores.

 

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© K.A.Ward 2009