You are here: Home > Procedures & Treatments > Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic Therapy

A new procedure that treats a combination of changes in facial skin, as well as significant sun damage is now available. The treatment is called "Photodynamic skin rejuvenation", or PDT skin rejuvenation.

How does it work?

Photodynamic skin rejuvenation utilizes intense pulsed light or another light source in combination with Microdermabrasion and levulan, also known as aminolevulinic acid (ALA). Levulan is a photosensitizer, which along with the light treats and destroys actinic keratoses, pre-cancerous lesions, and potentially early skin cancer changes.

PDT for skin rejuvenation usually consists of four to six treatments at three week intervals. Following the treatment one can expect the skin to look mildly red or even sunburned. This effect can be expected to last for a few days.

The skin improves with a more even colored tone, smaller pore size, smoother texture, and a more youthful rejuvenated look. Reduction in overall sun damage, as well as pre-cancerous lesions and potential early skin cancer changes can also be expected. PDT therapy is very effective for the face, neck, arms, chest, hands, torso or legs.

Live closer to Burnaby? Check out Dr. Marcia Fleming's Lougheed Laser Centre