Acne is a stubborn skin condition that forms when sebum (oil produced by the skin) gets trapped within the pores, creating bacteria. Acne can be treated effectively using the breakthrough treatment, Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), which causes the destruction of oil glands that cause acne spots.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been proven to be the only treatment with long term improvements in cases of mild acne and severe acne. PDT replicates the natural process that occurs with exposure to sunlight. Sunlight kills acne bacteria by the activation of Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA).
This natural process is replicated by applying Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA) to the skin which is then activated by the Omnilux light. Two to three treatments are required for optimal results, 2 – 4 weeks apart. Longer ALA application results in increased downtime, however leads to better results.
What is Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) with ALA?
How many PDT Acne Treatments will I need?
Am I a suitable candidate for PDT?
At which clinic can I undertake PDT?
Acne Treatment with PDT treatment prices vary depending on your overall situation and expectations.
You have probably noticed that when you go to the beach in Summer, your acne improves. The sun is responsible for this improvement as it activates a substance called Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA) in your oil glands. The activation of the ALA leads to the destruction of the blocked oil gland and the bacteria that causes acne. Photodynamic Therapy amplifies this natural process by artificially increasing the amount of ALA in your skin, and then activating the process with simulated UV- free sunlight known as Omnilux. It is a great alternative to oral acne treatments that include oral antibiotics, isotretinoin or contraceptive pills.
These changes make this therapy particularly useful for treating skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, pigmentation (freckles), large pores, as well as to rejuvenate the skin. It can be used for all skin types over the whole body. The use of topical vitamin A and fruit acids prior to the PDT help with the effectiveness of the treatment.
The surface layers of dead skin are removed with microdermabrasion and acetone. The ALA cream is applied for 15 minutes to one hour (depending on the desired effect and the amount of downtime available to the patient). After the cream is removed, the patient is required to lie under a light source for 20 minutes, during which a mild tingling sensation may be experienced in the treated area.
After the procedure, it is important to avoid the sun where possible, as exposure to the sun will result in a burning, stinging sensation on the face (photosensitivity). The face will become red a few hours after the treatment. Photosensitivity and redness will last anywhere from 2 days – 2 weeks depending on the intensity of the treatment selected by the patient. The greater the intensity, the better the result, but also the longer the redness and photosensitivity will last.
To obtain optimal results for acne and photorejuvination, we recommend 2 – 4 mild or moderate PDT treatments at 2 – 4 week intervals. 30% of acne patients improve after 1 treatment, another 30% of acne patients will improve after two treatments and 90% of acne patients improve after three treatments (* Results may vary from patient to patient).
In most cases, active acne can improve dramatically within 2 weeks and will continue to improve 8 – 10 weeks after the treatment (* Results may vary from patient to patient). After each session, you will experience improvement in your skin tone and texture. There will be a decrease in the overall redness and flushing. Sunspots will fade, pore sizes will shrink. Fine lines and wrinkles will gradually decrease in size as the new collagen forms beneath the skin. These improvements will continue to increase with each treatment. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) can be combined with daily skincare for optimal results. The results will last for up to two years, in most cases, but may vary from patient to patient. This treatment has been shown to have the potential for long-term improvements in acne due to the destruction of the oil glands. Significant clinical improvement and a decrease in oil production and oil gland size have been shown after PDT.
There is no risk of scarring with PDT. Some patients have a lively response to PDT and experience marked redness of their skin which will resolve. Temporary swelling may occur within lips and around the eyes for a few days, but the procedure has virtually no pain involved. Darker pigmented patches, called liver spots, can become temporarily darker and then peel off, leaving normal skin (usually occurring after 7 to 10 days).
PDT is suitable for all patients with active acne lesions who have not had a response to antibiotic treatments and do not want to commence Roaccutane (due to the numerous side effects). PDT is an effective and safe treatment for active acne lesions. Patients with dark skin types are able to be treated with PDT. The risk of hyperpigmentation is small if they are treated appropriately. If hyperpigmentation does occur, it resolves with appropriate treatment in 3-4 months.
Your initial Acne Treatment consultation and subsequent procedure can be undertaken at any one of our cosmetic clinics in Australia. This includes our Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide and Gold Coast practices.