Services & Procedures

Photodynamic Therapy

The reaction of a photosensitizing agent applied to the skin and activated by a light source has been called Photodynamic therapy.

The photosensitizer used is ALA or 5-aminolevulenic acid. Its trade name is Levulan® Kerastick. After application of Levulan® to the involved area and an incubation period of from ½ hour to an hour or longer, the patient is put under a light source from 8-16 minutes. This helps activate a chemical reaction that helps destroy selective cells such as Acne areas, Actinic Keratoses (pre-cancerous lesions very common in sun-damaged skin) or pigmented lesions so often seen in ageing skin.

Treatment protocols may involve from 3-5 treatments depending on the extent of the lesions.

Photosensitivity usually lasts up to 24 hours, meaning that all sun exposure should be avoided for that period of time.

Conditions that are treated by Photodynamic therapy include the following:

• Acne
• Actinic Keratoses (pre cancerous skin lesions)
• Ageing or sun-damaged skin (often used with IPL to enhance photorejuvenation)