Most PPO Insurance Considers PDT a Covered Benefit: Call Us To Inquire.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) involves the use of photochemical reactions mediated through the interaction of photosensitizing agents, light, and oxygen for the treatment of precancers, malignancies and other skin diseases.
- Reduction of precancerous lesions and actinic keratoses.
- Reduction of incidence of skin cancer formation.
- Other benefits include reduced acne, reduction in sebaceous gland hyperplasia and reduction of rhinophyma.
Chemical Peels, Chemotherapy (Efudex, Carac, Fluoroplex), Cryotherapy/Liquid Nitrogen, Laser Skin Resurfacing, and Microdermabrasion.
PDT involves two steps. First, the photo-sensitizer, Levulinic acid, is topically applied to the skin surface, and allowed to be taken up by the hyperproliferating cells of the precancers. The next step involves the activation of the photo-sensitizer in the presence of oxygen with a specific wavelength of light directed toward the precancerous lesions. Because the photo-sensitizer is preferentially absorbed by the precancerous lesions and the light source is directly targeted on the lesional tissue, PDT achieves dual selectivity, minimizing damage to adjacent healthy structures. PDT is mediated by oxygen-dependent photochemical reactions, resulting in destruction of the precancerous lesions. The purpose of lasers in PDT is to initiate photochemical reactions, and not to heat or mechanically change tissue as seen in other dermatologic uses.
For large areas encompassing the face, back or chest, arms or hands, non-coherent light sources such as our Blu-U light or Quantum IPL device are superior to laser systems because of their large illumination fields. Interestingly, given the right dose of drug and light, such non-coherent light sources appear to be as effective as laser sources.
Anyone who is suffering from precancerous lesions may consider these treatments.
Reduction of precancerous lesions and actinic keratoses. Reduced incidence of skin cancer formation.
These treatments are considered very safe. However a temporary pigmentation change, pinkness, swelling, and discomfort in the treated area may be expected. A thorough evaluation by your medical provider is necessary. The specific risks and the suitability of these procedures for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally.
Most patients have only a moderate irritation to the skin which can last for days or even weeks.
Usually a painless procedure.
Avoid excessive sunlight for three days before procedure.
Avoid excessive sunlight for three days after procedure. Avoid excessively drying topical medications for three days after the procedure.
Our physicians, Physician Assistants and Registered Nurses.
In the mid-1990's, a Palo Alto, California company pioneered the process of laser skin resurfacing by developing the first laser used for this purpose, the Ultrapulse CO2 laser. Although this laser was initially intended to remove sun damage and pre-cancerous growths of the skin, the inventors were happily surprised that it also reduced or eliminated wrinkles and scars.
The CO2 laser treatments were often associated with longer than desired healing times, and some patients noted a skin lightening effect from the laser. To overcome some of these disadvantages, a cooler Erbium laser was developed. Most Erbium lasers however were limited by their depth of penetration into the skin and by their insufficient skin-tightening effect. Another Palo Alto, California- based company responded to this issue by developing a more advanced Erbium laser, the "Sciton Contour" laser, with its proprietary "Optical DiaThermy Technology." With this laser, the surgeon could precisely dial-in the desired depth of penetration of laser light in microns (millionths of a meter), while at the same time dial in the amount of heat necessary to tighten skin. With this technology, healing time is reduced and side effects are rare. In order to satisfy patients' various requirements, Our Staff will often combine the Ultrapulse laser and the Sciton Contour laser on the same patient during one treatment, delivering the most state-of-the-art, individualized laser procedure possible.
- Reduces precancers/actinic keratoses
- Reduces the risk of skin cancer formation
- Reduces wrinkles
- Reduces acne scars
- Reduces aged and sun damaged skin
- Reduces brown spots and discoloration
- Tightens skin
- Usually one time procedure
- Usually more dramatic benefits compared to other procedures
- Improves skin tone
- Stimulate new collagen growth for improved skin tone
Chemical Peels, Chemotherapy (Efudex, Carac, Fluoroplex), Cryotherapy/Liquid Nitrogen, Microdermabrasion, and Photodynamic Therapy.
In order to remove precancers, wrinkles, aged and sun-damaged skin, a laser beam is passed over the surface of the skin, gently and precisely painting away unwanted cells, one layer at a time. Clinical investigations have consistently proven that laser skin resurfacing induces new collagen formation in the skin, resulting in the reduction or complete elimination of precancers and wrinkles. Importantly, the process of eliminating sun-damaged cells greatly reduces the chance of developing other precancers and skin cancers in later years. The length of the procedure depends on the amount of the surface area treated. Small areas may take 15 minutes, while the entire face is completed in approximately 40 minutes. After a short recovery period, patients return home.
Most individuals except those with the darkest skin tones can undergo this treatment. Because this is often done under twilight sedation, patients' medical history will be a factor in determining their candidacy for sedation.
Patients note a refreshed, tighter skin tone and a more youthful glow.
Risks include scarring, infection, increase or decrease of the color of the skin. In experienced hands, these risks are minimal. The specific risks and the suitability of these procedures for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual. Scarring is very rare.
Approximately one week
All procedures are performed within our state-accredited outpatient surgery center. A topical anesthetic cream may be applied to the treatment areas prior to the procedure. Small regional areas are easily numbed up, while a full face procedure would require twilight local sedation, administered by our board-certified anesthetists.
Avoidance of excessive sunlight for two weeks before treatment.
For full face resurfacing, a soothing facial mask is often applied which remains on the skin for three days, enhancing the healing process. After three days, patients return to our center. At that time, a clear dressing is usually applied to the skin, which remains on for two more days. With our latest techniques, most patients are healed in five to six days. Any pink areas may then be covered up with a powder or makeup. We encourage all patients to use a sunscreen and avoid excessive, direct sun exposure for many weeks following this procedure.
Our physicians.
