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ACTINIC KERATOSIS
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) With Levulan (ALA)
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) With Levulan is a treatment that combines light and a special light-activated topical photosensitizing agent called Levulan. Levulan is a 20% solution of Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA). ALA occurs in our body as a precursor for hemoglobin synthesis and is required to make our red blood cells. As such it is a natural compound.
Upon application to skin, Levulan is absorbed by actinic keratosis cells and converted into a substance making these cells highly sensitive to specific light. The skin is then exposed to Intense Pulse light which destroys damaged skin cells.
Photodynamic treatment removes sun damaged pre-cancerous zones and actinic keratoses. Skin texture, fine lines, pores, Acne, sebaceous cyst size and blotchy pigmentation are also improved with the treatment.
What conditions can be treated with ALA/PDT Therapy?
- Actinic keratosis
- Prevention of recurrent Actinic keratosis in susceptible patients
- improvement of superficial wrinkles
- Reduction of pore size
- Rough skin texture
- Superficial brown solar spots
- Moderate to severe cystic acne
How many treatments will it I need?
· For Actinic Keratosis, most patients have complete clearance of skin lesions with 2 to 4 treatments, 4 weeks apart. Because AK is considered an early squamous cell cancer, we like to be deiligent with close follow up and complete eradication of all lesions..
· For Cystic Acne, a series of 3 to 6 treatments may be needed to control formation of new cysts.
· Follow up or maintenance treatments are done depending on individual skin type and rate of recurrance of any skin conditions.
What are treatments like?
· Upon arrival to the office, your skin is washed with Cetaphil followed by application of Levulan The solution is left on your skin for 15-60 minutes.
You may be required to take prescribed pain medication to reduce discomfort at this time.
· If you have history of recurrent cold sores, you may be required to take an antiviral mediation.
· The skin is washed thoroughly with Cetaphil to wash off all Levulan solution.
· Your skin is exposed to Intense Pulse light which takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Following ALA/PDT, the treated areas can appear red with some peeling for 2-7 days. Some patients have an exuberant response to PDT, and experience marked redness of their skin. 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 over 7 to 10 days leaving normal skin.
How much improvement can I expect?
Patients with severe sun damaged skin manifested by actinic keratosis, texture, and tone changes including mottled pigmentation and skin laxity may see excellent results. You may also see improvements of large pores and pitted acne scars. Active acne can improve dramatically.
What do I need to do after the treatment?
· It is absolutely essential to avoid direct exposure to sun for at least 48 hours (stay indoors) after the treatment. Severe sun burns have been reported with sun exposure following treatment.
· Wear at least SPF 30 at all times even if you are indoors.
· Use gentle cleanser (Cetaphil) to wash treated area twice a day and apply a bland moisturizer (our Intense Moisture or Aquaphor) liberally until skin is completely healed.
If you have Actinic keratosis, extensive sun damage or severe cystic Acne, you might be a candidate for PDT. Call our office for a complementary consultation with Dr. Malik to dtermine if this will be the right treatment for you.
Before and after photographs on this page are actual patients of Dr. Malik and we truly appreciate their contribution to our photo gallery! Although these are the typical results with this treatment, individual results may vary.
BEFORE PDT
AFTER PDT 2 TREATMENTS
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