Get Photo Ready with Photodynamic Therapy

Thursday, June 15th, 2017

Even though the paparazzi may not be chasing you around like a Kardashian, we live in a day and age where it seems like you always have to be photo ready. Whether you’re out with friends snapping pictures for Instagram or spending the afternoon creating your new Facebook profile pic, it seems like you always have to be ready to have your picture taken. As one of the best ways to get picture ready, while also getting rid of hyperpigmentation, scarring, and acne, consider getting photodynamic therapy. Read on to learn more about this unique treatment.

What is Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)?

Photodynamic therapy or PDT is a state-of-the-art treatment that is ideal for getting rid of the skin conditions listed above. By placing aminolevulinic acid (ALA), a liquid photosensitizer, onto the targeted skin and then exposing it to intense pulse light (IPL), the ALA will be absorbed into the skin. Once soaked into the skin, ALA will work to target sun damaged skin, pre-cancerous skin cells, and over-productive oil glands. The results of the ALA with IPL is that the oil glands will shrink, and skin damaged, and precancerous cells will be destroyed.

What Does It Feel Like?

As a non-invasive treatment, photodynamic therapy shouldn’t be painful. Patients who get this treatment do say that they experience a mild to moderate amount of tingling, burning, or popping— which is similar to a chemical peel. However, that should only last a few minutes.

What Is Recovery Like?

Recovery from this therapy is similar to that of a chemical peel. You will be encouraged to refrain from spending any time in the sun because your skin will be vulnerable to burning. After a few days, your skin will start to peel and flake off— resembling a moderately severe sunburn. After the skin has flaked off, you will notice visibly smoother, less blemished skin.

Photodynamic therapy is an excellent way to get rid of mild skin imperfections. If you suffer from acne, sun damage, or scarring, you may want to consider this as a treatment option. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact our Center For Plastic Surgery office today!