Medical Spa & Cosmetic Dermatology Serving Beverly Hills, Lancaster, Cerritos, Santa Ana & Nearby Southern California
PhotoDynamic Rejuvenation, also referred to as Photorejuvenation, PhotoDynamic Therapy or PDT, is a process which obliterates abnormal cell tissue by use of a special topical solution called Levulan (or ALA) that is activated by a light such as the DUSA BLU Light, IPL Fotofacial or laser.
Skin Rejuvenation* through this 2 step procedure is a successful treatment for rough pigmented skin patches, pre-cancerous actinic keratoses (AKs), and wrinkling, as well as a well-known solution for resistant acne.
Source: DusaPharmaActinic Keratoses (Precancers)
Rough Sundamaged Skin
Pigmentation and Discoloration
Fine Wrinkles
Enlarged Pores
Resistant Acne
The solution used is Aminolevulinic acid (ALA), trade named Levulan. Levulan is an amino acid that is readily absorbed by rapidly growing, photodamaged skin, sebaceous glands, hair follicles and actinic keratoses. The Levulan profoundly affects the abnormal and damaged skin cells, but not surrounding healthy cells. This selective absorption is what makes PDT such a useful treatment in overall skin improvement.
Once the solution is absorbed, a light source activates its ability to destroy the abnormal cells. These treated cells will then lift and peel from the skin surface, allowing normal and healthy cell growth to replace them. Results: Finer-toned skin, a more even surface, less discoloration, less redness in the case of Rosacea and destruction of potentially dangerous actinic keratoses. Many patients experience a reduction in pore size as well. You will see improvement after each treatment.
Doctors estimate that 40% of squamous cell carcinomas, the second leading cause of skin cancer deaths in the United States, begin as AKs. And without performing a skin biopsy, it can be almost impossible for a doctor to distinguish an AK from a squamous cell carcinoma.
Skin Rejuvenation to a less intense degree is accomplished with IPL Photofacial alone when there is an absence of actinic keratoses or acne. The Rejuvelux IPL Photofacial process is very effective in the reduction of pigmentation, redness and skin roughness and wrinkles. Dr. Sedgh will examine your skin and determine if PDT is the proper therapeutic path to resolve your problems.
A series of three to five treatments at 2 to 4 week intervals are most effective. Some patients with actinic keratoses will achieve results in only one treatment. Following the treatment, you can expect your skin to look mildly red or even sunburned. This redness can be expected to last for a few days.
Research Results:
"In my own research, I treated patients three times using one-hour ALA incubation and 30 to 60 minutes exposure to intense pulsed light (IPL)," Dr. Gold says. "Patients showed 90 percent improvement in crow's feet appearance, 100 percent improvement in tactile skin roughness, 90 percent improvement in mottled hyperpigmentation, 70 percent improvement in facial erythema (redness), and clearance of 83 percent of targeted AKs."
- Clinical Research Physician Michael Gold.
Diagram: DUSAPharma
Treatment Process
Dr. Sedgh will likely include a microdermabrasion treatment prior to your PDT Rejuvenation. This will help the ALA solution to absorb more evenly and is an important step.
Your PDT begins with a thorough cleansing of your skin. Then the Levulan ALA will be "painted" on the affected skin areas and will be allowed to absorb into the damaged skin cells. This may be from 10 to 30 minutes depending on your skin condition and level of damage. A light source, either Blue Light or Laser, will then be used to activate the Levulan. During this time, the solution undergoes a chemical change that causes it to release a powerful oxygen molecule that will destroy the "bad" skin cells on the surface of the skin and in the hair follicle and pores.
Over the next several days your skin will be red, pigmentation will darken and then peel, exposing fresh healthy skin underneath.
Post-Treatment Requirements
You will be required to stay indoors and out of the sunlight (even by a window) for at least 24 hours. Immediately after your treatment your skin will be hypersensitive to UV rays and you must avoid being outside to prevent undesirable effects.
It is preferable that you make your appointment at the end of the day to avoid as much sun exposure as possible on your return home.
About Actinic Keratoses
Actinic keratoses (AKs) are skin lesions that can occur on the face, scalp, arms, or back of hands as a result of sun exposure. These lesions may appear as patches of rough, dry, or scaly skin and can be tan, red, or flesh colored. and are characterized by overgrowth and thickening of the outermost layer of the skin.
Actinic keratosis, also known as a solar keratosis, is a scaly or crusty bump that arises on the skin surface. The base may be light or dark, tan, pink, red, a combination of these, or the same color as the skin. The scale or crust is horny, dry, and rough, and is often recognized by touch rather than sight. Occasionally, it itches or produces a pricking or tender sensation.
Source:American Osteopathic Department of Dermatology
Courtesy: Jere Mammino, D.O.
Actinic keratosis can be the first step in the development of skin cancer, and, therefore, is considered a precancerous skin condition. The presence of actinic keratoses indicates that sun damage has occurred and that any kind of skin cancer can develop.
Any lesion which newly appears on your skin, or older mole or other marking which has changed in appearance, size, or color should be checked by your doctor.
AKs are especially common in people whose occupations or recreational interests result in repeated exposure to high-intensity sunlight. Examples are farmers, construction workers, lifeguards, sailors, frequent sunbathers, golfers, surfers and tennis players. Similarly, those living at latitudes closer to the equator and at higher altitudes are exposed to more lifetime solar radiation and display more AKs.
During your office consultation you will be provided with a detailed plan of the treatments that will benefit you most. Initial Cosmetic Consultations are Complimentary.
