Photodynamic therapy, or PDT, is a treatment that has been used in cancer patients or patients that suffer from blindness. The photosensitizer drugs used in PDT target the cancerous cells and destroy these when the patient is exposed to light. This type of treatment can also be used for cosmetic purposes and may rejuvenate the skin, reducing wrinkles, fine lines and treating acne. PDT as a cosmetic treatment has many advantages, but the disadvantages must also be considered.
Advantages of Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy is a less aggressive method of facial rejuvenation and may have fewer side effects than most of the existent rejuvenation techniques. The possible side effects of PDT include burning, swelling and redness, but these subside within a few days. No long term side effects have been reported. Other advantages of PDT include:
- Diminished pain both during the treatment and after it
- The procedure is less damaging to the skin tissues
- May treat precancerous lesions, preventing the occurrence of skin cancer
- The costs, which range from $500 to $800, and may be lower than some of the facial rejuvenation treatments
Disadvantages of Photodynamic Therapy
PDT is a new procedure and it has been performed in only a reduced number of patients, so many clinics don't adopt this type of treatment. Additional studies should be carried out to find out more about this type of rejuvenation treatment and the long term effects on the skin.
