PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY (PDT)

BLU U

What is Photodynamic Therapy?

• Photodyanamic Therapy is effective in treating patients with:
• Moderate to Severe Sun Damaged skin manifested by actinic keratosis(AKs)
• Resistant hard-to-treat Acne
• Rosacea
• Sebaceous Hyperplasia
• Wrinkles
• Pore size, Skin texture, Pigmentation
• AKs are rough scaly patches on the skin caused by excessive exposure to the sun, which can sometimes progress into lethal skin cancers. more on AKs
• A photosensitizing agent called Levulan applied to the skin effectively destroys the damaged cells that cause the above mentioned conditions.
• Levulan destroys these cells when activated by our light source.
• This treatment will yield overall skin rejuvenation as it treats your condition.

What is treatment like?

• Patients will come in and have a Vibraderm treatment to remove dead skin on the surface of the face which will allow for deeper penetration of the Levulan. 
• Dr. Ali will apply the Levulan to the treatment area. 
• You will be asked to sit in our “Relaxation Room” to allow the Levulan to incubate in the skin. 
• You will be taken to the “Treatment Room” where the Levulan will be activated with our light source and destroy the AKs or other active lesions and sebaceous glands.

What I should know before treatment?

• You will be more sensitive to the sun and will have to try to stay out of direct sunlight for 48 hours after treatment. 
• If this is not possible it is important to protect yourself from the sun with a hat, sunglasses and our sunblock. 
• Following PDT, the treated areas can appear red with some peeling for 2-7 days. 
• Temporary swelling of the lips and around your eyes can occur for a few days. 
• Darker pigmented patches called liver spots can become temporarily darker and then peel off leaving normal skin.  (This usually occurs over seven to ten days.)

Home Care Instructions

Day of Treatment:

? BRING SUNGLASSES AND A BIG HAT TO YOUR APPOINTMENT.

• Come to your appointment with a clean face (no Make-up).
• Do not wash your face for 4-6 hours after treatment.
• Do not use any of the WellMedica products or any other products than the ones mentioned on this handout, for 3-7 days, depending on your skin’s sensitivity.

Day Two

• You may use the Creamy Cleanser both to wash the area and to hydrate the skin.
• Betamethasone should be applied to the affected area to alleviate any discomfort and Aquaphor ointment should be applied over to seal in the medication. This may only be done up to 3 times a day. You may apply the Aquaphor as needed to keep skin lubricated.
• You can apply make-up if you wish to do so, be careful not to pull on the skin when applying.
• Apply Sunblock if going out in the sun.
• Do not use any of the WellMedica products or any other products than the ones mentioned on this handout, for 3-7 days, depending on your skin’s sensitivity.
• If you experience any discomfort you may take ibuprofen.  Ice may also be applied to the areas of discomfort.  A cold compress may be applied as well.

·    You should avoid sunlight and try to remain indoors on Day 2.  The photosensitivity to sunlight can last up to 48 hours.  If you will be going out, make sure to use your sunblock and that you are protected from the sun by wearing a hat and sunglasses at all times when out in the sun.  Staying indoors will lower the possibility of discomfort.

Day Three and on:

• You may use the Creamy Cleanser both to wash the area and to hydrate the skin.

     The area should be patted dry and Vaseline or Aquaphor ointment should be applied 

     as needed to keep skin lubricated.

• Apply Sunblock if going out in the sun.
• You can apply make-up if you wish to do so, be careful not to pull on the skin when applying.
• Do not use any of the WellMedica products or any other products than the ones mentioned on this handout, for 3-7 days, depending on your skin’s sensitivity.
• If you experience any discomfort you may take ibuprofen.  Ice may also be applied to the areas of discomfort.  A cold compress may be applied as well.

You can schedule your Photodynamic Therapy sessions 2 weeks apart but no more than 8 weeks apart.

If you have any questions please call our office at 703 787-9866.

WellMedica
1801 Robert Fulton Drive
Suite 540
Reston, VA 20191