Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) in Jackson, TN
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Contact UsWHAT IS PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY?
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a special treatment performed with topical photosensitizing agents called Ameluz (5-aminolaevulinic acid) or Levulan (5-aminolevulinic acid or ALA) that are activated with the correct wavelength of light. This is also known as “PDT treatment”, photofacial or photodynamic therapy. These treatments remove sun-damaged, pre-cancerous zones and spots called actinic keratosis. Sun damage, fine lines, and blotchy pigmentation are also improved because of the positive effect of the photosensitizing agent and the light treatment.
WHAT DOES PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY TREAT?
- Removing pre-cancerous skin lesions
- Preventing skin cancer
If you are interested in treating wrinkles, pore size, skin texture, of pigmentation, please see the list of our Cosmetic Dermatology Services offered.
Dermatology & Skin Cancer Consultants Reviews
Just incredibly wonderful staff…Miss Patricia is just the best…..one in a million. Excellent care, , and follow-up.
I have been a patient here for a couple of years. I have received the best care. All the patient care staff have been great. I highly recommend this dermatology clinic to anyone who need skin care of any kind. Joseph was very professional and courteous.
Dermatology and Skin Cancer Consultant Is deserving of 5 stars in every part of the office and procedure visit. The people are friendly and caring beginning at the check-in desk and ending with the check-out step. Dr CARRANZA could not be more kind and gentle as well as informative and intelligent. She never rushed me and answered all my questions. I am totally impressed! I have been several times and had many procedures and I have only praise and no complaints and this includes all those who help her.
Cleared my rash right up dr Mallette is so nice
As a melanoma survivor, she relieved so much worry from me just from my first visit. She took the time and checked every inch & was very throughout! Very caring person.
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PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY FOR ACTINIC KERATOSIS
How much improvement can I expect?
If you have severely sun-damaged skin manifested by actinic keratoses, texture, and tone changes including mottled pigmentation and skin laxity, you’ll likely see excellent results. You may also see improvement of large pores and pitted acne scars.
How many treatments will it take to see the optimal results?
To achieve maximum improvement of pre-cancerous (actinic keratoses) sun damage, skin tone, and texture, a series of 2 – 3 treatments 6 – 8 weeks apart is most effective. Some patients with just actinic keratoses are happy with one treatment. More treatments can be done at periodic intervals in the future to maintain the rejuvenated appearance of your skin.
What are the disadvantages?
Following PDT, the treated areas can appear red and swollen with some peeling for 2 – 7 days. Some patients have an exuberant response to PDT, and experience marked redness of their skin. Temporary swelling of the lips and tissue around your eyes can occur for a few days. Darker pigmented patches called liver spots can become temporarily darker and then peel off leaving normal skin. (This usually occurs over seven to ten days). Repeat treatments may be necessary. The photosensitizing agent is active for 48 hours, so you must stay inside for two days following treatment. This is an important consideration in scheduling your treatment.
What are the advantages?
- Easier for patients than repeated topical liquid nitrogen, Efudex (5-Fu), or Aldara because the side effects are minimal and there is rapid healing.
- PDT treatment is relatively painless versus liquid nitrogen, 5-FU, and Aldara.
- Reduced scarring and improved cosmetic outcome compared with cautery, surgery, and Efudex.
- Liquid nitrogen can leave white spots on skin.
- PDT improves the entire treatment area, creating one color, texture, and tone, rather than just spot treating with liquid nitrogen, cautery, and surgery.
In summary, PDT matches the “ideal treatment” for actinic damage:
- Well tolerated (essentially painless)
- Noninvasive (no needles or surgery required)
- Excellent cosmetic outcome (particularly in sensitive areas of your face)