Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) in Orange County
Photodynamic Therapy is a 2 step treatment for the targeted destruction of abnormal cells from acne, actinic keratosis and superficial skin cancer.
Photodynamic Therapy for Acne is used by Dr. Sikorski in the Orange County area to treat mild to moderate cystic acne. A relatively new cosmetic dermatological procedure, Photodynamic Therapy (often referred to as PDT), combines light and a special light-activated solution that targets and destroys acne activity.
Photodynamic Acne Treatment (PDT) is a process in which Levulan (a photosensitizing agent) is applied to the skin where is absorbed by acne and actinic keratosis cells.
The Levulan solution gets activated by a specific wavelength of light. This solution has been used for the treatment of various skin conditions and is the chosen topical agent for PDT due to its effectiveness.
PDT Acne Treatment provides a viable alternative to all types of acne treatment without having negative systemic effects. PDT Pilot Study for effectiveness on acne.
Historically the available treatment option for resistant and cystic acne was Accutane. However, with Accutane there are many systemic* side effects including birth defects, liver abnormalities and other potential problems. The use of Accutane is highly regulated. Orange County patients who choose the treatment must follow rigorous monitoring under a government set of regulations called I Pledge.
Dr. Sikorski will prescribe Accutane or oral retinoic acid in generic RX in special cases with OC patients who understand and are willing to comply with the entire process of the program and required intermittent testing. *Systemic treatments are any medications that are taken orally, injected or infused that affect the entire body system.
Photodynamic Acne Treatment Procedure
Photodynamic Acne Treatment Procedure uses a painless solution called Levulan and applies it to your skin for 15-60 minutes. The solution is then activated by specific wavelength of light that is determined by Dr. Sikorski to be effective for you specific skin conditions. This takes about 8-10 minutes.
The Levulan solution is absorbed by active acne cells. The solution makes these cells more sensitive to the process. This combined interaction of the wavelength of light and the Levulan solution is what gives the name to the term “photodynamic therapy.”
When the light is on and interacts with the solution, the Levulan solution creates a reaction in which acne cells are destroyed or disabled. This causes gland activity to be reduced to a more normal level.
The Levulan solution also targets those small (1-3mm) benign bumps under your skin which are called sebaceous hyperplasia and the papules of acne rosacea.
It is important that prior to the Acne Photodynamic Therapy treatment program, all blackheads and acne pustules are medically extracted. These extractions will improve the condition of your skin because they will clean the pores of hardened sebum and infected debris. Often your treatment will be immediately preceded by microdermabrasion to enhance the uptake of the Levulan in the skin cells.
PDT reduces skin oiliness and minimizes the appearance of pore size. After a Photodynamic Acne Treatment the texture of your skin will improve.
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