PWTV - Photodynamic Therapy for Photo Aging

Informational video on this cosmetic procedure presented by Peter Helton, D.O. of the Helton Skin and Laser Institute. Photodynamic Therapy(PDT) is the newest most exciting trend in laser light applications for photo aging, acne and precancerous actinic keratoses. It involves placing a liquid photosensitizer on the site to be treated and then irradiating that area with specialized wavelengths of light to achieve a desired result. What this means is we paint the skin with an invisible colored solution called ALA (alpha levulonic acid) that soaks into the skin. This chemical has a special affinity for pre-skin cancers and oil glands. The skin will metabolize it into a special invisible color called a porphyrin. The laser light sees this porphyrin color as purple and super heats it. The result is shrinkage of oil glands and destruction of precancerous cells. What the patient experiences is a mild tingling during the treatment. The next few days feel like a sunburn as the old cells are shed off. Many patients compare it to a mild to moderate chemical peel. What is most important is that after having the ALA applied that the patient AVOIDS DIRECT SUNLIGHT FOR 36 HOURS, this includes car windows. This is because sunlight contains the spectrum of light that can unpredictably activate the chemical and result in a much deeper peel than was expected. Produced by Patiently Waiting TV in association with Spore Media

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YouTube | September 14, 2007

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