With age comes wisdom, but also the telltale signs of years spent in the sun including brown spots, broken capillaries, precancerous growths, fine lines and wrinkles.  Those annoying brown spots on the face and hands also known as “age spots” and “liver spots” can effectively be treated with Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). FDA approved for the treatment of precancerous spots called Actinic Keratoses, PDT offers another option to repeated painful liquid nitrogen treatments, which can heal with permanent white spots or months of topical bleaching creams that may not work.  In addition, with PDT you’ll get the added benefit of cosmetic improvements in facial redness, fine lines and surface roughness. PDT improves the entire treated area creating a more even color, texture and tone rather than just spot treating with traditional therapies.

PDT is a special treatment performed with a topical photosensitizing agent called Levulan (ALA) and a BLU-U visible light source.  PDT has the unique ability to reverse many if not all of the signs of sun damage on your skin. For severely sun damaged skin, PDT can be performed with our Omnilight or Vbeam laser to further intensify results compared to standard laser treatments. 

Although individual results may vary, patients with severely sun damaged skin often see excellent results.  In addition, patients with active acne and rosacea improve significantly resulting in the need for less medication.

Following PDT, the treated areas will be red, swollen, and tender like a sunburn. Brown spots will look darker and peeling may last for up to one week.  Patients with severely sun damaged skin may have an exuberant response to PDT; however, lack of peeling does not mean the treatment “did not work”.  Temporary swelling of the lips and around your eyes can occur for a few days.  In the end, it will be worth the wait as your brown spots fade away revealing healthy glowing clearer skin.

Depending on the degree of pigmentation and sun exposure you have had, 2-3 treatments per year may be needed for maximal response.  However, some patients are happy with just one treatment.  Of course, additional treatments can be done at periodic intervals to maintain results.

Because ALA remains in the skin for up to 48 hours, Dr. Roberts will recommend a special sunscreen and advise you to remain indoors and avoid sun exposure during this time period.

Please call our office to schedule a consultation and see if PDT is the right choice for you.