What to Expect

Results of your PDT treatments including smoother, healthier and more vibrant skin may be noticeable after just one treatment and will gradually improve over time. In a recent study of 30 people with mild to moderate acne, every PDT subject had successful outcomes with an optimum reduction in inflammatory lesions of 73% four to eight weeks post treatment.

How Does it Work?

The procedure consists of two steps. First, a photosensitizing agent, usually Levulan^® Kerastick^® topical solution (aminolevulinic acid HCl), is applied to the skin and allowed to soak in for up to an hour, which causes the skin to become sensitive and highly receptive to light. Then, the photosensitizing agent is removed and a light treatment is administered for up to 20 minutes to produce a photo dynamic reaction. PDT may be preceded by a light Vibraderm to prepare the treatment area for higher efficacy. Three treatments may be recommended every three weeks. We use various state of the art light sources to activate the chemical reaction, which leverages our broad and continuously updated technology offering.

Patient Experience

A PDT procedure usually takes around an hour and a half including the time for the photosensitizing agent to soak into the skin. The pulses of energy during the treatment are relatively painless, and any slight discomfort including a stinging sensation usually subsides quickly. An antihistamine may be recommended or a cool compress used for maximum comfort post-procedure.

Depending on your skin type and current degree of skin health, one to three treatments spaced three to five weeks apart may be recommended. Redness and swelling immediately after the procedure usually subsides in several days. You will be asked to avoid exposure to bright light and the sun for 40 hours.

What are the characteristics of a good candidate for PDT?

If you are concerned about moderate to severe acne, rosacea, enlarged pores, actinic keratosis and certain other skin conditions like sebaceous hyperplasia, uneven skin texture, and irregular pigmentation, you may be a good candidate for PDT. Dramatic results can be achieved on a wide variety of skin types. Due to a high affinity to melanin that exists in dark skin, laser treatments may not be advisable on darker skin types.

Is PDT safe?

All of the PDT procedures offered at Hotchandani Laser & Vein Center have demonstrated excellent safety profiles in clinical trials. The most common side effects involve redness and swelling, and in rare circumstances there have been pigmentation changes. Redness and swelling usually subside within several days, and makeup may be used after swelling and peeling are resolved. If pigmentation changes occur, they would gradually fade over several months.

Are PDT treatments painful?

Most patients feel minimal discomfort during the procedure itself. When lasers or BBL is used, pulses feel like a tingling sensation or pinch, and a topical anesthetic is made available for those with a low threshold for pain. Omnilux may cause some stinging or burning when the light source is being applied. Post-procedure discomfort may feel like sunburn, and may be remedied with over-the-counter pain medication as recommended.

What is the recovery time I should expect?

If you have an Omnilux™, Gemini®, Profile BBL™, Vbeam®, or Aurora® treatment, you will be able to go back to work after 40 hours. Immediately following treatment, the skin is normally red and could be swollen for up to two days, and makeup may be worn at that point. Peeling or scaling of the skin could last for up to a week.

How can I improve and maintain results?

Following your scheduled treatment regimen, it may be recommended to do maintenance treatments periodically.