What is Photodynamic Therapy?

Photodynamic Photorejuvenation (PDPR) has emerged as new technique to treat sun damaged skin ncluding the pre-cancerous lesions known as solar keratoses. Photodynamic photorejuvenation involves the topical application of a naturally occurring photosensitiser (5-ALA) to the skin of your face for 1 hour followed by exposure to visible light through our Omnilux machine.

Light activates the photosensitiser to generate highly reactive oxygen intermediaries, which ultimately cause cellular changes to your sun-damaged skin cells, which is then followed by repair.

The treatment is suitable for most people with a moderate amount of sun damage and is especially useful for people with a lot of sunspots (solar keratoses). T

Who may not be suitable for Photodynamic photorejuvenation?
Most patients are suitable for Photodynamic photorejuvenation, however, the treatment may not be appropriate for patients taking certain medications that sensitize the skin to light; patients with inherited photosensitivity conditions such as porphyria; patients with bleeding disorders such as haemophilia; patients who are pregnant or breast feeding; patients with unstable diabetes or epilepsy. Our clinic doctor will assess your suitability during the consultation process.

What precautions do I need to observe after treatment?
Patients should avoid exposure of the photosensitive treatment sites to sunlight or bright indoor light after photodynamic therapy for 48 hours. Patients are advised to strictly stay at home for 24 hours and indoors for 48hours after the procedure.Exposure to sunlight or strong lights may result in stinging, burning, redness or swelling of the skin. Sunscreens will not protect against photosensitivity reactions caused by visible light.


Photodynamic Photorejuvenation
Using our knowledge of how light can be used to treat skin cancer, OmniluxTM has developed a new and exciting therapy, combining low concentrations of a naturally occurring photosensitiser and light, to offer a unique and effective photofacial.
Using variable or mosaic concentrations of a photosensitiser combined with OmniluxTM light we are able to offer a safe and effective treatment for the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, removal of pigmentation and super smooth skin. Patients see varying degrees of efficacy according to the photosensitiser concentration used and the time of photosensitiser contact. This allows the physician to tailor the treatment regimes according to the individual skin type, degree of damage and the downtime that the patient is prepared to accept.

Why choose OmniluxTM for Photofacials?
Light therapy in combination with a photosensitiser stimulates phototoxic activity leading to an increase in cellular activity and specific growth factors. These growth factors lead to the stimulation of dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes that synthesise collagen and elastin. The result is reduced fine lines and wrinkles and a marked reduction in skin roughness, improving tone and leaving the skin markedly smoother

Clinical Efficiency   
In a recent clinical Study, subjects with moderate fine lines and wrinkles (crowsfeet) in the periorbital region were enrolled.  Skin was exfoliated before application of the photosensitiser to enhance its absorption. Subjects received a single topical application of 5% 5-ALA for 30 minutes followed by a single 20-minute light treatment, at 633 nm, 96J/cm2.  Assessments were made at 1, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after the treatment concluded.
67% of subjects had a significantly successful treatment response, with a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles and a smoothing of the skin in the periorbital region. The treatment was well tolerated with no adverse events.
The treatment appears safe and reproducible. All patients developed mild post inflammatory erythema between day 1 and 3, which resolved in all by at least day 7. All patients experienced some mild peeling of skin. However the degree of erythema and pain during the treatment is dependent upon the concentration of the photosensitiser and the contact time.

How does the treatment work?
The OmniluxTM light and cream react together stimulating the body’s own repair mechanisms to improve skin tone and lay down new collagen. This is not a new phenomenon as OmniluxTM users have seen excellent cosmetic results for years when combining the cream and light together for the treatment of skin cancers.

Are there any side effects from the treatments?
The tailored treatment regimes give valuable side effects. Your physician will be able to recommend which regime will be suitable for your skin type. You may experience some pain during the treatment, which can be treated with cool air or analgesia and your skin will be red after treatment. The severity of the redness will be dependent on the protocol suggested by your physician. This is normal and all that is asked is that you wear sunblock during the first couple of days and avoid direct and indirect

What actually happens during the treatment?
Firstly, your skin will be prepared by using either an exfolient or microdermabrasion. The cream will then be applied to your face and left on for between 30 minutes to 3 hours. After the contact time any excess cream will be wiped away and the area will be exposed to Omnilux revive. Dependent on your skin type, the treatment may be repeated 14 days later.

What are the possible side effects?
Transient local symptoms of stinging, burning, itching, redness, and swelling may occur after treatment. The severity and time course of these symptoms vary from patient to patient with some feeling minimal side effects after 1 day, whereas others may undergo a more severe sunburn-like reaction that takes 1-2 weeks to settle. It is very rare to have any permanent side effects such as scarring or pigmentation changes.

What precautions do I need to take during treatment?
Because the ALA makes the treated areas more sensitive to light, it is important that you avoid bright light during the 1 hour application time. Sunscreens will not protect these treated areas. We advise patients to remain in our salon in subdued lighting prior to the exposure to the IPL light and then to remain indoors in subdued lighting for the following 24hours. It is important to stay out of sunlight or bright indoor light, and wear light-protective clothing.

What precautions do I need to observe after treatment?
Patients should avoid exposure of the photosensitive treatment sites to sunlight or bright indoor light after photodynamic therapy for 48 hours. Patients are advised to strictly stay at home for 24 hours and indoors for 48hours after the procedure.Exposure to sunlight or strong lights may result in stinging, burning, redness or swelling of the skin. Sunscreens will not protect against photosensitivity reactions caused by visible light.
Go to www.phototherapeutics to see more and before and after photos.

Skindeeps Photodynamic Therapy - Full Area ( Face, Head or Arms ) $650

Smaller areas can be treated our Cosmetic Physicians will give you an individualised price upon consultation.