Have you been jumping from one acne cream to another, and have yet to find the “perfect” solution?
We are happy to announce that your skin care physician Dr. Shehla Ebrahim provides photodynamic therapy acne treatment, that gives promising results in limited sessions.
Want to know what photodynamic therapy for acne treatment is, and how it works? Read below to find out more.
What is Photodynamic Therapy?
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment that uses light energy with photosensitizing medication ( agents that increase sensitivity to light) to treat skin conditions like acne, scars, lesions, and pre-cancerous skin conditions.
The treatment may take 90 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the individual’s case. PDT is highly recommended for patients with moderate to severe acne who do not wish to invest more time in topical treatment.
How does Photodynamic therapy work for acne treatment?
Every year, more patients seek photodynamic therapy from skin care physician Dr. Shehla Ebrahim because the treatment is safe and offers less downtime than other treatments.
The treatment is done with Blue-light —a light therapy to treat skin conditions. At first, Dr. Shehla applies a photosensitizing medication, Levulan or Metvix, to the targeted region —which activates when blue light pulses on it. The abnormal cells sensitive to light react and destroy it without leaving scars.
What conditions are treated with PDT?
Dr. Shehla Ebrahim uses PDT to treat acne, sunburns, dark spots, pigmentation, and varying types of lesions. PDT is also known to aid in treating skin cancer.
Photodynamic therapy for treating non-cancerous skin conditions includes:
- Actinic keratosis
- Vitiligo
Photodynamic therapy for cancer
PDT is also used to treat skin cancer, pre-cancerous lesions (as a preventive measure), and some internal cancers.
Benefits of photodynamic therapy
PDT offers many benefits, such as:
- It’s non-invasive and more precise approach to acne treatment compared to surgery (punch excision) or other time taking skin treatments
- Its minimal long-term side effects when administered properly
- It’s an outpatient procedure that takes a short time
- It can be repeated when necessary with no significant harmful impact of repetition
- It offers minimal scarring
Here are some FAQs for Photodynamic Therapy
Are there any complications, pain, or risks involved in photodynamic therapy?
The PDT procedure is personally handled and supervised by our expert skin care physician Dr. Shehla Ebrahim; hence you can be sure that your skin and comfort will not be compromised.
Some may experience a mild burning or stinging sensation on the skin during the session, which typically wears off soon after. Also, post-treatment, your skin may be moderately red and flaky, which will subside on its own.
For any other discomfort, Dr. Shehla Ebrahim will provide you with essential care tips and medications to ease symptoms.
How long does photodynamic therapy take to show results?
It depends on your skin’s response to treatment. The targeted abnormal cells absorb the photosensitizing agent. Some die easily, whereas some absorb and stay longer.
Dr. Shehla Ebrahim will take a skin screening test and give you an approximate timeline for sessions required for your treatment. Your treatment timeline will also depend on the photosensitizing agent prescribed by your healthcare provider according to your skin’s sensitivity.
Is photodynamic therapy permanent?
PDT results are semi-permanent and last for several months. The treatment is gentle, so it can be repeated when necessary. Whether you need repeated sessions will depend on your skin type, the extent of your pigmentation, and your skin’s response to the treatment.
If you are seeking a safe, effective acne treatment, our skin care physician would highly recommend PDT treatment.
Click HERE to book a consultation with Dr. Shehla Ebrahim and discuss more about PDT Treatment.