1 reply to this topic

[hate505Area]

Has anyone here undergone a course of "Photodynamic Therapy?" I have done some reading on it. It is expensive as it is generally a new treatment.

from about.com-

"What is Photodynamic Therapy and How Does It Work?: Photodynamic therapy has been proven successful in the treatment of moderate to severe cystic acne. First, a solution called Levulan is applied to the skin. It is a photosensitizing agent. In other words, Levulan is activated by a specific wavelength of light that “turns it on.” When cells such as those in the sebaceous glands absorb the Levulan, they become more sensitive to light. This makes the light from the laser machine more effective as it is "pulsed" on the skin.

What Are the Advantages?: The advantages of PDT are rapid treatment of acne lesions with no scarring, no surgical excisions and no internal side effects. The Levulan increases light sensitivity at the cellular level enough so that what would normally take 5 to 6 laser treatments to achieve can often be achieved in about 3 treatments.
What Are the Disadvantages?: Skin will be red with some peeling and perhaps crusting for several days after a treatment. You must stay indoors the day following your treatment to avoid sun exposure, as you will be photosensitive for about 24 hours. Also, cost can be a factor as treatments can cost hundreds of dollars, and are usually not covered by medical insurance.

How Many Treatments are Required?: Typically, patients undergo 2 to 3 treatments at 2 to 3 week intervals."

Has anyone tried this?

[stevo396]

Yep, ive tried it and found it very successful (and expensive). HOWEVER, if i could go back to the start of 2006 and had the choice of trying PDT or blue light therapy using the SciArt-Enlux blue lights, id first try the Sciart lights.

For the cost of one PDT with my doctor ive bought enough light "time" to last my lifetime. It costs $600 plus here in Syd.

So yeh i cant stress it enough, checkout the posts on this forum about the sciart enlux blue and red lights.

Cheers,
Steve