Resistant acne can be difficult for adults, creating a poor self-image, anxiety, and depression. PDT or photodynamic therapy is a quick and effective way to clear recurrent acne break outs. Unlike other treatments, PDT does not require long term doses of oral antibiotics or other potentially dangerous oral medications. At Dermatology & Cosmetic Laser Center in Huntington, NY, we’ve seen remarkable success with the use of PDT therapy for adult acne.
The goals of PDT therapy are to:
- Clear up the skin
- Prevent future breakouts
- Reduce the appearance of existing scars
- Prevent future scarring
How PDT therapy works
Photodynamic therapy combines light therapy with a special light-activated solution to destroy acne and minimize the appearance of scars. The solution, called Levulan, is essentially “turned on” by a specific wavelength of light. During a treatment, we apply the Levulan to the skin and leave there for a specific period, typically up to an hour to allow it time to soak in and be absorbed by active cells. The Levulan makes the acne cells more susceptible to the light treatment. We then use a specific wavelength of light to activate the Levulan.
Patients will typically need two to three PDT sessions spaced two to three weeks apart to achieve the best results from treatment. Patients with severe acne may require more.
After PDT therapy
After treatment, patients will notice redness and peeling of the skin for several days. The first one to two days are often the worst. It’s important to stay inside for 48 hours following your treatment, as your skin is still photosensitive and could become severely burned if exposed to the sun. Patients can opt to used pressed mineral powder to hide the redness during recovery.
Advantages of PDT therapy
- Quick, effective treatment
- No scarring
- Refreshed, smoother skin
If you are ready to make embarrassing acne breakouts a thing of the past, it’s time to call the Dermatology & Cosmetic Laser Center to learn more about PDT therapy.
