How are Your Medications Working To Treat Your Acne?
If your acne isn’t getting better with your current therapy or you are dissatisfied with medications, you may want to consider photodynamic therapy.
Since “photo” means light and “dynamic” means action, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is the use of light or laser energy to act against acne.
Unlike other light-based procedures, your affected skin must first be coated with a clear liquid medicine that makes your clogged pores and oil glands more sensitive to light. Research shows that PDT reduces severe acne by up to 70% and clears complexion like few other procedures.
PDT is not painful. We recommend 3 treatments spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. The procedure works best for moderate to severe acne and removes cysts and red bumps better than it removes blackheads and whiteheads. Improvement becomes noticeable 1 to 3 months after the final treatment, although acne may flare up occasionally before it improves. It is possible that your treated skin may be red, like a sunburn, for a few days after treatment, especially if you go out in the sun immediately after treatment. We recommend avoiding sunlight and indoor light for 48 hours after each treatment. If this is not possible we suggest that you apply heavy sunscreen or wear a hat.
PDT for acne is not covered by insurance plans.
To learn more about PDT, please call 847-459-6400 or contact us to make an appointment with one of our cosmetic coordinators. You can read more here as well.
