Welcome to our site
To enter, you must be 18 years or over.
Please verify your age below.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) uses a solution activated by light energy from the sun or LED light to destroy precancerous and cancerous lesions on the skin. It’s often used to treat sun damage, some early skin cancers and rosacea.
FAQs
PDT works by applying a solution 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) to the skin. The damaged and abnormal cells take up the 5-ALA, and when activated by sunlight, produce oxygen free radicals which destroy damaged cells.
The treatment area will be cleansed and buffed with any crusting on the skin removed. Sunscreen will be applied to block out UV rays, followed by application of the (ALA). You will then be directed to sit in indirect sunlight/daylight for two hours so that the treatment takes effect. During this time you may feel a mild hot/tingling sensation. After the timed exposure has taken place you will need to cleanse your face and apply a thin layer of Vaseline.
PDT can be used on any part of the face or body. It can easily treat large areas.
It’s convenient – in most situations a single application will be all that is necessary to treat the area. It’s also effective, achieving a clearance rate of more than 70% for actinic keratoses, and carries a low risk of side-effects compared to other treatments.
PDT has low downtime – generally, healing is complete within 10–14 days.
Two oral paracetamol may be taken every six hours as needed and/or ice packs for 20 minutes every hour as required, an antihistamine may assist with inflammation and itchy symptoms.
You will need to continue with regular application of a thin layer of Vaseline . Within the first 2–3 days the skin will become red, tight and there may be some crusting and small pustules. Once this peels away the skin will remain pink for up to 10 days or so depending on the severity of the sun damage and the skin’s response to the treatment. A week after the initial treatment, you will need to return to the clinic for treatment with a painless healing LED light.
Treatment intervals and frequency vary depending on the indication for PDT. Some patients may require 2 treatments 2 weeks apart, whilst others may only require 1 treatment every 2 years. Our Nurses, in conjunction with Dr Tonks and Dr Rome will discuss each patients’ particular needs based on the indication.
$500 per area. For example face.