With age comes wisdom, but also the telltale signs of years spent in the sun, smoking and hormonal changes.  This can take the form of fine lines, deeper wrinkles, precancerous spots, brown spots and broken capillaries. Now an FDA approved treatment for precancerous spots called Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), offers another option to address all these changes with one modality. With PDT the overall cosmetic improvements in the skin will delight you. PDT improves the entire facial area creating a more even color, texture and tone rather than just spot treating with traditional therapies. In addition fine lines and wrinkles are decreased.  Your face will glow and be more radiant as your new healthy skin emerges.

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 sun damage and stimulate the development of healthy new skin. For severely sun damaged or wrinkled skin, PDT can be performed with our Omnilight or Vbeam laser to intensify your results compared to standard laser treatments. 

Following PDT, the treated areas will be red, swollen, and tender like a sunburn. 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.  Brown spots will become temporarily darker and then peel off revealing healthy glowing clearer skin.

While healing from PDT, avoid anything that will irritate the skin. Dr. Roberts will give you a customized skin care regimen to follow after PDT for maximum results.

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

PDT skin rejuvenation does not stop the aging process; however, by following a good skin care program and taking care of your overall health, improvements can be maximized. Smoking, past sun exposure and wrinkle depth will determine the number of treatments needed.  A “touch-up” procedure once or twice a year may be needed to help maintain results. Each individual situation may vary and it is best to discuss yours with Dr. Roberts.

If you have a history of fever blisters, please inform Dr. Roberts so an antiviral medication can be prescribed.

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.

PDT wrinkle reduction is safe and effective for both men and women as well as patients with darker complexions.

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