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Photodynamic therapy (PDT) Cost & Profile
- Avg. Cost: $3500
- Candidate: have sun damage, fine lines, and blotchy pigmentation on the face
- Length: 45 minutes - 1 1/2 hours
- Treatments: 1-6
- Results: long lasting
- Back to work: 2-5 days
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) Doctors Near You
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Robert Rho, M.D., F.A.A.C.S. New York City / Flushing |
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Ran Rubinstein, M.D. Newburgh |
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Benefits of Photodynamic Therapy for Aging Skin
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Wrinkles, persistent acne and an uneven skin tone are all side effects of the aging process. There are now several cosmetic treatments that can address these skin problems and create a more rejuvenated appearance, but individuals with extreme cases of these skin conditions may benefit from photodynamic therapy (PDT).
PDT is currently used to treat precancerous cells, lung cancer, and macular degeneration, but is also showing promise in the cosmetic surgery sphere.
If you’re troubled by persistent acne and other skin problems associated with aging skin, consider the following benefits and drawbacks of photodynamic therapy:
About Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy involves administering a photosensitizing drug to the skin, and then directing a powerful red laser light to the area in order to kill the cells. The drug is administered intravaneously, and is absorbed readily by young cells. The red light is a form of radiation therapy that then heats up the dead cells and destroys them completely. This process is already used in chemotherapy and to treat esophageal cancer and other cancer-related conditions. However, a milder form of the treatment can also help to treat aging and damaged skin.
Photodynamic Therapy Benefits for Aging Skin
Individuals suffering from acne and other skin conditions that are not responding to standard treatments may be able to achieve healthier skin with PDT. Hard-to-treat acne can be treated by using a photosensitizing solution on top of the skin and then activating it with the photodynamic laser light. The photosensitizing agent used in this case is called Levulan, made with 20% Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA). This is a natural compound found in the human body, and helps to red blood cells repair and heal damaged skin tissues.
Levulan is absorbed by active cells and then the cells are destroyed with the laser treatment.
Individuals with aging skin may also benefit form the skin-clearing effects of PDT. While there will be some redness and peeling immediately after treatment, the skin’s tissues will be stimulated enough to increase cell turnover. This helps create a fresh, rejuvenated appearance within a few weeks.
What to Expect with Photodynamic Therapy
It can take several days and weeks for PDT patients to see noticeable results from the treatment, but the difference can be significant. Still, there are some things to consider when undergoing PDT therapy. First, swelling and inflammation of the tissues is expected. This is a result of the powerful light entering the skin tissues, and there may be some pain and tenderness in the treated area for at least a few days. Second, the treated area will become especially sensitive to bright lights.
This is because the photosensitizing drugs administered on the skin will stay active for several days after the treatment. The only way to protect the skin during this time is to stay out of the sun and steer clear of tanning beds; neglecting to do so may result in severe sun burns, inflammation and excessive redness and swelling of the skin.
Learn more about anti-aging treatment options in our information guide, or consult with a cosmetic surgeon in your area to find out if PDT is the right treatment for you.
Published: 02/13/2009, Last Updated: 02/13/2009
By LocateADoc.com Medical Staff Writers
Our writers strive to present an objective, upfront and open view of the medical procedures you're interested in. We present you with both the good and bad, and work to represent both doctors' and patients' points of view. Our articles contain facts and statistics from medical associations, medical and surgical journals, and through doctor and patient interviews.
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