PDT utilises a cream containing a chemical known as ALA which is applied to the skin to be treated.
The ALA is preferentially absorbed by abnormal (ie sun damaged or pre-cancerous /cancerous) skin cells. When subsequently exposed to light of a certain wavelength, a reaction is set up between the ALA and the light within the abnormal cells which results in the death of the abnormal cells. Normal surrounding cells are unaffected by this reaction.
PDT was first used in Perth by Dr Tim Elliott in 1995. The technology has improved significantly since this time. It is an incredibly safe procedure with no medically serious complications on record.
There are many indications for usage of PDT.
LSCA uses PDT primarily to treat sun damaged skin for the purposes of skin rejuvenation, particularly when there are associated solar keratoses (pre-cancerous skin lesions).
PDT can also be used for more serious conditions eg surface based pre-cancers and skin cancers (widespread Actinic Keratoses, superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma , Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Situ or Bowen’s disease, and Actinic Cheilitis = pre-cancerous change of the lower lip) and for miscellaneous conditions (warts, acne and rosacea).
This will typically be done in the specialist Dermatology “sister”clinic of Laser Skin Care Australia, South Perth Specialist Skin Cancer Centre by Specialist Dermatologist.
The light is typically administered by a specific artificial light source, but when large areas need to be treated natural sunlight itself, under very careful operating conditions, may utilised.
Depending upon what condition is actually being treated, how the treatment is specifically performed, and the size of the area being treated, post-treatment reactions may vary from mild through to severe.
Generally, the results range from extremely good to excellent, the risks are very low and the down-time within acceptable limits for busy modern people.
There is so much to talk about with this incredibly “smart” treatment (ie treats the “bad”skin but leaves the “good” alone), and too much to say here, so why not get in touch with us and we’ll give you a thorough run down on PDT and how it might work for you.
To read more on the treatment of PDT, visit the SPSSCC website here or call our friendly staff at Laser Skin Care for more information, (08) 9368 6888.
