Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), also known as ALA/PDT, is a treatment performed with a topical photosensitizing agent called Levulan (5-aminolevulinic acid or ALA) that is applied to your skin and then activated with the correct wavelength of light.
Photodynamic Therapy is effective in treating patients with:
-Moderate to Severe Sun Damaged skin manifested by actinic keratosis(AK's)
-Resistant hard-to-treat Acne
-Acne Scarring
-Rosacea
-Sebaceous Hyperplasia
-Wrinkles
-Pore size, Skin texture, Pigmentation
AK's are rough scaly patches on the skin caused by excessive exposure to the sun, which can sometimes progress into lethal skin cancers. The Levulan applied to the skin effectively destroys the damaged cells when activated by our light source. This treatment will yield overall skin rejuvenation as it treats your condition.
Q. What is treatment like?
A. Patients will come into the office 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 and you will be asked to sit in our relaxation room so that you can "incubate." Your incubation time varies depending on what condition is being treated. After incubation you will be placed in front of our light source to activate the Levulan and treat your condition.
Q. What should I know before treatment?
A. 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 sun block. 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, but will subside in a day or two. Darker pigmented patches can become temporarily darker and then peel off leaving skin smooth and even toned.
Q. How many treatments will I need?
A. The amount of treatments needed will depend on which condition is being treated. Another factor in determining how many treatments are needed is the severity of the condition. Dr. Ali will be able to assess how many sessions are necessary at the time of your consultation.
WellMedica
1801 Robert Fulton Drive
Suite 540
Reston, VA 20191
