AKA:
PDR, Photo Dynamic Therapy, or PDT
Great For:
Sun damage, pigmentation, solar keratoses, actinic keratoses, fine lines and wrinkles and collagen stimulation
Areas Treated:
Sun exposed areas of the body – face, neck, chest, arms, hands
Down Time:
0 to 5 days, depending on the area treated
Results Duration:
There will be a long lasting improvement, though individual results may vary.
Photo Dynamic Rejuvenation (PDR) is an enhanced skin rejuvenation treatment which involves the combination of light-sensitising cream with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) rejuvenation. It is definitely our treatment of choice for moderate to severe sun-damage, particularly for treating superficial skin cancers, such as solar (actinic) keratoses (those red, scaly patches). It can also be used to control cystic acne, and is great for fine lines and wrinkles and for intense collagen stimulation.
PDR at our Perth clinic is done two stages. First a thin layer of a light-sensitising cream (ALA – amino-laevulinic acid) is applied to the skin and left on for about 90 minutes. During this time you can relax and enjoy a coffee and free wifi in our comfortable lounge, or leave and come back in time for the second stage of the treatment.
Prior to your treatment the practitioner will apply a thin layer of gel, and then the IPL hand-piece is passed across the skin in an even pattern, delivering a light pulse at each point. Several passes are usually made, particularly to any solar keratoses present. In addition to the benefits of IPL Rejuvenation in treating pigmentation and reducing redness, the light energy activates the cream destroying the targetted skin cancer cells. This also prompts an intense healing response in the skin, stimulating collagen production. The result: a noticeable improvement in fine lines and wrinkles and a reduction in the appearance of pores.
In many cases PDR may be made more effective by treating the affected areas of your skin with Efudix for 4-6 days before your PDR treatment. Efudix is a prescribed skin cancer cream which will irritate any abnormal cells to make any sun-damaged areas of your skin a stronger target for the light. Your practitioner will advise you if Efudix is recommended for you.
Following treatment, you will usually see redness, swelling and some bronzing in the treated areas. You may have some discomfort for 2-3 days which can be relieved with Paracetamol or Nurofen. Some crusting or blistering may be seen, particularly where solar keratoses have been treated. These will heal in 5 to 7 days. The strength of the reaction depends on the pre-existing condition of your skin: more sun-damaged skin will require a stronger treatment to achieve good results. For best results we recommend three treatments, six weeks apart, though you will usually see an improvement after the first treatment.
Strict sun-avoidance is important for 2 days after PDR as the ALA cream used is a photo-sensitiser. Moisturisers may be used as necessary, particularly if there is any peeling of the skin. Sunscreen is most important. We recommend the daily use of an SPF 50+ sunscreen. We also recommend the use of a topical anti-oxidant for maximum rejuvenation and to protect your skin from future UV damage. Our team will be happy to advise you on skin care. Just give us a call or ask us when you are in.
Make-up can be used. We use and recommend Jane Iredale mineral makeup, which contains a physical SPF 20, doesn’t harbour bacteria and is safe to use after laser treatments. And nothing covers redness like it.
The price for PDR depends on the area treated. While many people are happy after one treatment, a course of treatments may be required depending on the condition being treated and your individual response.
Read more about our other skin treatments including hormonal pigmentation, lines and wrinkles.
