XEOMIN – the new wrinkle relaxer – is here!

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Seminars in Plastic Surgery, the authoritative medical journal, asked Dr. Ramsdell to share his expertise in fractionated laser skin resurfacing with his peers. The August 2012 issue includes two in-depth articles by Dr. Ramsdell. See our News page.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Photodynamic Therapy boosts the benefits of light-based treatments. A chemical solution applied to your skin before light therapies such as BLU-U® and FotoFacial | Intense Pulsed Light | IPL® makes targeted tissue more light sensitive, so each treatment is more effective and fewer treatments are required. We typically use aminolevulinic acid (ALA) as the photosynthesizing agent.

The Treatment

BEFORE PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY

You should stop using Retin-A and similar topical creams (Renova, Retinol, Differin, Avita, Tazorac) several days prior to PDT.

DURING PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY

We apply the chemical to your skin 15 to 60 minutes before your light treatment. Because the treatment's effects are enhanced, you may need to spend less time under the therapy light, and your treatments will probably be spaced farther apart.

AFTER PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY

Avoid the sun Your skin will be extra sensitive to light after PDT, so you should avoid all sun exposure for at least two days.

Possible discomfort, no scarring Some patients experience swelling, redness, stinging, and burning for three to 10 days following treatment. Occasionally a patient will have an allergic reaction to the PDT chemical. Some patients, especially those with darker skin, may have temporary skin discoloration for weeks or months after treatment. Typically, PDT does not leave scars.

See Also

BLU-U Light Therapy — Clears up your acne quickly by killing the bacteria that cause it.

FotoFacial | Intense Pulsed Light | IPL — Erases a wide range of imperfections with no downtime.