Treatment Time: 30 minutes
Recommended Frequency: Monthly
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a noninvasive treatment effectively used to control acne either as a stand-alone treatment or as an additional treatment especially in patients who have not responded to topical therapy and oral antibiotics or patients that aren’t an appropriate candidate for Accutane. While studies show that this treatment can improve all aspects of acne it works best for inflammatory acne (pimples, pustules, cysts) rather than non-inflammatory (blackheads, whiteheads). It can reduce severe acne by up to 70%.
How Does it Work?
Photodynamic Therapy is a form of photo or light therapy, an emerging treatment for acne that involves the use of a light source and oxygen.
The combination of light and oxygen in the presence of light source destroys acne cells and the bacteria causing inflammation. PDT also reduces the size and activity of sebaceous glands, leading to diminished oil production and subsequent acne.
What are the Benefits?
PDT is a great option for patients with inflammatory acne, inflammatory rosacea, acne recalcitrant to traditional therapies or those who want to avoid oral treatments. However, it's not recommended in patients who have taken Accutane within 6 months or are pregnant.
- Kills bacteria on the skin that causes acne
- Reduces size of sebaceous glands.
- Affects only targeted acne producing cells.
- An alternative treatment option for those unable to take oral antibiotics/Accutane
- Help reduce acne scar.
- Can be used as an adjunct therapy to topical or oral medications except Accutane.
- No scarring
When to expect results?
It may take 4-6 sessions to see the benefits from the treatment, however the results tend to last for several months or in some cases even longer.
What to expect day of treatment?
Upon arrival, your skin will be cleansed and you will be placed under our light machine for up to 20 minutes.
What to Expect after Treatment?
After the session your skin may feel extremely sensitive, like a sunburn. This typically lasts for a week or so.