Photodynamic therapy in cosmetology. How is the procedure, indications and effectiveness

The search for solutions to the problem of aging, sagging skin is familiar to many women and men. Indeed, with age, the synthesis of elastin and collagen in the skin slows down, which ensures the elasticity of soft tissues.

Thanks to the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) method, relevant for medicine, in cosmetology, rejuvenation, rapid cell renewal at the micro level has become a reality. And a little more than 20 years, the restoration of the body using a laser beam, described in the film by Luc Bessonne, was perceived as fiction.

Features of the method of photodynamic therapy

The essence of photodynamic therapy in cosmetology is the selective elimination of problem areas on the skin of the face, neck, hands using a chemical reaction that is activated by the energy of light. In the process of PDT, a semiconductor laser and a special gel are used.

The composition of the latter includes a photosensitizer (alasens, photosens, radachlorin, photoditazine, etc.). Due to the dosed effect of the laser on these substances, the sensitivity of tissues to light exposure increases.

The emission spectrum created from red, green, blue, yellow, blue, white, violet light waves creates artificial impulses. Each of them performs different functions: improving metabolism and blood circulation, calming and restoring the balance of the skin, softening and moisturizing it, eliminating toxins, and counteracting stressful phenomena.

Thanks to this combination, the cells are reloaded, which contributes to a quick recovery. This method also has alternative names – laser PDT, photochemotherapy .

Unlike other methods, this corrective technology, through the accumulation of gel, acts on defective areas without affecting healthy cells.

When absorbing laser radiation, the photosensitizer promotes the formation in the cells of the necessary amount of active radicals, oxygen.

An important result is the local production of collagen (its synthesis increases by more than 400%). The use of narrow-band light energy allows you to “start” the biological renewal of the dermis at the cellular level without the use of surgical instruments.

Indications for photodynamic therapy

The use of photodynamic therapy in cosmetology allows us to solve problems such as:

• prevention of aging processes, the appearance of sagging skin;
• general improvement of skin condition and color, “smoothing” of fine wrinkles / scars / scars;
• restoration of the contour of the face, correction of its oval, reduction of the second chin;
• stimulation of capillary formation due to improved skin nutrition (moisturizing, quick recovery, increasing its resistance to negative factors);
• increased muscle tone with complex use with cosmetics.
• carrying out lifting, skin whitening.

What skin diseases can be treated with PDT

According to dermatologists, photodynamic therapy in cosmetology allows to achieve a high therapeutic effect in combination with the solution of such aesthetic problems as:

• age-related structural changes in the skin (connective tissue, collagen);
• hypertrophic scars (post-traumatic, postoperative);
• acne / postacne, papillomas, vitiligo, rosacea, warts, actinic keratosis;
• hyperpigmentation, freckles;
• dermatosis, psoriasis, herpes, furunculosis, eczema;
• ritide;
• rosacea;
• striae;
• elastosis;
• chloasma;
• other defects of the dermis and epidermis.

Contraindications for photodynamic therapy

Experts do not recommend conducting photodynamic therapy for cosmetic purposes in such circumstances:

• pregnancy at different stages, feeding the baby;
• individual sensitivity to photo exposure, sensitizer components;
• cardiovascular diseases and, in particular, hypertension, problems with cerebral circulation;
• mental disorder;
• dermatological diseases of an autoimmune property;
• infectious diseases (at different periods);
• hypothermia;
• genetic or acquired forms of porphyria, pathology of the liver, kidneys;
• epilepsy;
• the presence of pacemakers;
• the preceding procedure for taking certain medications (antibiotics, tetracycline group, metotexate and others);

A more specific conclusion should be obtained from the attending physician, taking into account the individual characteristics of the body.

Preparation for the procedure

Preparatory work depends on the type and degree of deviation. In each case, it is necessary to consult with specialists and undergo a clinical examination regarding the tolerance of the photosensitizer and the individual selection of the appropriate drug. It is also necessary to conduct blood biochemistry; checking the gastrointestinal tract, the presence of heliobacter infection, helminths in the blood.

Based on the clinical picture, a decision is made on the appointment of PDT procedures, both for medical and cosmetic purposes.

How is photodynamic therapy performed

The algorithm of photodynamic therapy in cosmetologists is as follows:

1. Skin cleansing with neutral special products and room temperature water.
2. Application of a photosensitive photosensitizer to a specific application site and coating with a film to accumulate the gel in energy-deficient cells.
3. Rinse off with water at room temperature and lightly blot with a soft cloth.
4. Laser irradiation of the treated area with a choice of scanning mode. The photosensitizer applied to the skin tends to accumulate in damaged areas, since the metabolic process takes place more intensively in them. During exposure to polarized laser light on a photosensitizer, a chemical reaction occurs to release active oxygen. Such a strong natural oxidizing agent activates biological mechanisms for the destruction of defective and the formation of healthy cells. As a result, increased microcirculation; collagen production; intensive renewal, nutrition and smoothing of the skin; normalization of sebum secretion. This has a beneficial effect on getting rid of wrinkles, pigmentation of foci and various dermatological diseases.

How long is the session

The duration of the session includes the process of applying the photosensitive substance to the skin and keeping it under the film for half an hour. Laser treatment lasts from 20 to 40 minutes. Together with cleaning the skin, a
session is carried out in total no more than one and a half hours.

How many procedures are required

The required number of sessions is determined individually for each client, depending on the initial condition of the skin. The classic version is a course consisting of 2-6 procedures for a couple of months (no more than 2 per week). In many cases, even one session is enough.

Interesting fact! A few years ago, the American Academy of Dermatologists unveiled previously classified research results on acne treatment using photodynamic therapy. They indicate the complete disappearance of acne and its slightest signs after 2-6 sessions.

A high effect was obtained on rashes treated with a special tool (photosensitizer), which was exposed to light waves of various lengths.

Does PDT hurt

According to customers who have experienced the PDT experience, this short-term method is less painful compared to many hardware cosmetic procedures . Therefore, it does not require prior anesthesia.

This is due to the absence of tissue destruction (destruction) under laser exposure. During irradiation, a slight, warm tingling occurs, which does not cause discomfort. In some cases of individual intolerance to the drug, some symptoms of pain may occur (burning, pinching, etc.).

When is the result after the procedures visible

The desired effect can be seen 3-4 days after even the first procedure. The effectiveness of PDT is largely dependent on skin type. The onset of the visible effect after the first procedures is most noticeable with anemic or dry skin.

Owners of oily, inflamed skin with traces of acne, enlarged pores, and various irregularities indicate an improvement in the general condition of the skin. FDG initially has a slightly weak effect on the skin with pronounced pigmentation, deep wrinkles, and rosacea. Here you will need to conduct several repeated sessions under the supervision of dermatologists.

The trend of skin healing tends to increase within 2-3 months while maintaining PDT results up to 2 years.

It should be borne in mind that women’s attempts to get rid of facial hair growth (hirsutism) using photodynamic therapy are doomed to failure. Therefore, this method in this case is not practical. Along with the classical options for the timing of the visualization of results, there are some individual reactions to the first and subsequent sessions of PDT.

This is evidenced by the results of clinical trials, namely:

• 30% – the first 2 procedures worsen the state of the dermis, the next 2 – restore the original form, and the next – give a positive trend and the duration of the preservation of the results;
• 5% – to achieve the effect, more than 6 procedures are necessary;
• 5% – the onset of positive results after 4 procedures and the absence of the need for further sessions.

Recovery and care after PDT

Rehabilitation involves a mandatory two-day rest after the procedure. In the first 24 hours, you should limit your stay in direct sunlight and apply sunscreen to your skin. Ignoring this requirement can provoke the occurrence of light dermatitis, burns.

Important to remember! To avoid various undesirable reactions, professionals recommend avoiding the effects of solar radiation at any time of the year for a month and a half.

Advantages and disadvantages of the laser method

Along with high therapeutic and cosmetic effectiveness, the popularity of this technology is also provided by a number of advantages such as:

• non-invasiveness of a non-contact procedure that allows, without anesthesia, surgical intervention to achieve the desired result with the exception of the likelihood of infection of tissue cells;
• the ability to restore natural processes (blood circulation, cell regeneration, skin color, etc.);
• impact on a specific area of the dermis without harmful effects on internal organs (liver, stomach, etc.);
• versatile positive effect on the skin;
• activation of the immune system;
• the possibility of combining with various methods of treatment, cosmetic manipulations;
• accumulation of a noticeable positive effect of skin rejuvenation within 3 months;
• Duration of preservation of PDT results up to 3 years;
• comfort of sensations during the procedure (absence of pain, injuries, etc.);
• ensuring the prevention of bacterial, viral skin problems, dangerous tumors on it;
• prevention of viral and bacterial skin diseases, as well as the appearance of neoplasms;
• the availability of compliance with the recovery period after the procedure;
• the possibility of using PDT without age and gender restrictions; due to fewer contraindications compared with other methods of treatment / skin rejuvenation.

The disadvantages of this method include the appearance of redness, swelling of the treated skin areas, itching, light burning in the subsequent 24 hours after the session. This indicates a reaction of the immune system and does not need additional treatment, since it passes on its own within a couple of days.

Some change in the usual rhythm of life may violate the need to avoid sunlight. This requirement is due to the increased sensitivity of the dermis to light.

Therefore, experts advise to conduct PDT in the evening, which allows you not to fall under bright daylight . This allows you to increase the period of adaptation of the body after the procedure. Sometimes “jumps” in body temperature are likely. In all cases, you can resort to the services of specialists and get the necessary detailed advice from them.

Possible side effects of PDT

It is appropriate to recall the first commandment of pharmacologists that there are no drugs that do not have side effects. With regard to photodynamic therapy, it can be noted with confidence: the above disadvantages are not side effects of a systemic nature . Subject to the recommendations of specialists, such phenomena are temporary and do not cause particular trouble to customers.

How often can photodynamic therapy be given

A safe method of photodynamic therapy allows you to us
e it as needed without limiting the number of sessions.

PDT cost

The price of PDT is determined differently in each. It cannot be fixed, but depends on the degree of complexity of the problem. An important criterion is also citizenship.

This procedure is cheaper for Americans than for representatives of other states from the Near and Far Abroad. The real individual value in each case is determined using a specific calculation.

The estimated cost of a photodynamic anti-aging complex for American citizens in New York is from $ 204, in Los Angeles – at least $ 136.

Where is better to do

Photodynamic therapy in cosmetology is a new approach to opportunities to improve your appearance. However, this cosmetic procedure is not carried out at home. It should be entrusted to professionals, because it involves a careful selection of special clinics with an excellent reputation.

An important aspect is the professionalism, experience of specialists (dermatologists, cosmetologists). You can learn a lot from the reviews of customers who performed this procedure. This requires prior monitoring of these issues, along with the available material capabilities.

Today it is possible to make the optimal choice of the place of behavior of the procedure. This allows you to use the achievements of medical practice, the latest technology for the benefit of beauty without compromising health.

Indeed, the well-being of a person depends on the harmony of the functioning of internal organs with the state of the external skin. Their unity and interconnection is an indispensable condition for a healthy lifestyle, positioning in society.

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