Market Wire
October 30, 2005
Photodynamic Therapy is gaining popularity as a relatively painless way to prevent early precursors of skin cancer. The FDA has approved Photodynamic Therapy as an effective way to treat pre-cancerous lesions called actinic keratoses, which are scaly and crusty areas of severe sun damage on the skin caused by excess sun exposure. If left untreated, actinic keratoses could develop into malignant tumors, which must be surgically removed.
Photodynamic Therapy involves the application of aminolevulinic acid (Levulan) to the skin. Abnormal skin cells, such as pre-cancerous skin cells or very active sebaceous glands, are especially attracted to the Levulan and selectively absorb the solution. When the Levulan is activated by exposure to intense pulsed light, the abnormal skin cells are selectively eradicated.
In addition to its health benefits, Photodynamic Therapy has proven cosmetic benefits as well. Photodynamic Therapy treatments effectively treat blotchy skin caused by sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, rosacea (redness of the skin caused by superficial blood vessels), enlarged sweat glands and even acne. Treating acne using Photodynamic Therapy exposes patients to significantly fewer side effects than alternative acne treatments, such as Accutane.
Patients receiving Photodynamic Therapy must avoid all sun exposure for at least 24-48 hours before and after treatment. Fall and winter months are the most popular time for treatment.
Contact: Dr. Sam Naficy Naficy Plastic Surgery & Rejuvenation Center 1110 112th Avenue NE ~ Suite 150 Bellevue, WA 98004 425-450-0880 www.seattleface.com
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