7 Skin Centers in Ontario for Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Aesthetics Daily – A versatile treatment for a variety of skin conditions, photodynamic therapy (PDT) reduces the need for surgery and long downtime in treating cancer cells. There are two types of PDT, Metvix and Levulan.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) in Ontario is a safe and effective treatment for a number of skin conditions, including cancerous lesions (e.g. superficial basal cell carcinoma or Bowen’s disease) and actinic keratoses (areas of sun damage that are considered precancerous).
An increasing number of PDT treatments are being offered at skin clinics in Ontario, Canada, which are also used to treat patients with acne and oily skin. With PDT, multiple lesions and large areas of sun damage can be treated at once with very short recovery time and without the risk of permanent skin bleaching or scarring.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Near Ontario, Canada
1. Toronto Dermatology Center
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is used for the treatment of actinic keratoses (pre-cancerous red rough skin lesions) and acne. It has also been known to treat rosacea. Photodynamic therapy involves three steps. First, a topical solution of aminolevulanic acid (ALA) or methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) also known as Levulan or Metvix, is applied to the area to be treated.
Next, the solution is left on the skin for about 60-90 minutes to incubate. Then, a light source or laser is applied to the skin to activate Levulan or Metvix.
Photodynamic therapy is a non-invasive treatment with minimal recovery time. This may involve 2-6 treatments depending on the severity of the condition. Treatment is usually carried out at intervals of 2-4 weeks, depending on the condition being treated. Maintenance treatment may be required.
The benefits of photodynamic therapy with BBL not only address the patient’s immediate problems (acne, actinic keratosis), but also help overcome sun damage, stimulate collagen, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, reduce broken blood vessels and sun spots, as well as in general. skin color and texture.
2. Gidon Aesthetics & MediSpa
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a specialized treatment that uses a photosensitizing agent called aminolevulinic acid HCl that is applied topically to the skin and then activated with a light source. ALA is absorbed by actively multiplying cells such as bacteria, oil glands, and cells damaged by sunlight.
The light source used can be blue visible light, intense pulsed light, or a laser beam. This activates ALA in the target cells which are then destroyed.
How is PDT done? The skin is cleansed and ALA is applied and left on for 30 to 60 minutes. It is then activated by a light source, usually blue light, for a few minutes and then cleaned.
Three to 5 treatments are usually required, 2 to 4 weeks apart. There may be a feeling of warmth or sometimes a slight stinging, but this is well tolerated.
Patients are more sensitive to sunlight for 36 hours after treatment and should avoid direct light. There may be mild swelling around the eyes for 1 day and redness and peeling for about 7 to 10 days. A mild cleanser and moisturizer is used until the peeling stops. Sunscreen is mandatory.
3. Ancaster Dermatology Center
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) has been available for almost thirty years, and when used appropriately has been shown to be safe and effective. In recent years, this procedure has become increasingly useful because the drug incubation time required before exposure to light has been drastically reduced.
The chemical/light process produces active oxygen molecules that destroy target cells. Because this procedure only works as deep as the light can penetrate the skin, PDT is only used to treat conditions or lesions where the target area is close to the surface.
This treatment is suitable for patients with light or medium colored skin. Those with dark or tanned skin or those prone to keloid formation are not good candidates for PDT.
4. Medpoint Heatlh Care Centre
Photodynamic therapy with Metvix® should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan to treat Actinic Keratosis or sun damage. Ideally, it should be used to treat sun damage involving larger areas.
The advantage of Metvix® is that an excellent level of clearance can be achieved without scarring or pigment changes and it has a much shorter recovery time than other treatments available.
How many treatments are needed? Depending on the condition and severity of the skin, 1-2 treatments are generally required. Clients are required to avoid direct sunlight exposure to the treated area for 48 hours post-treatment.
5. ICLS Dermatology & Plastic Surgery
Metvix is a prescription cream used to treat some precancerous lesions and sun damage on the face and/or scalp. ICLS often combines Metvix with Photodynamic Therapy (also known as PDT) for the treatment of a variety of different skin conditions including Actinic Keratosis and Primary Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma.
Metvix uses mild, light-activated drugs to pinpoint abnormal cells. This drug is applied topically, so it can be absorbed and passed by normal cells. But in cancer cells, the treatment lasts longer, so our specialists can clearly identify the areas that require treatment.
Natural sunlight or red light therapy is used to activate photosensitizers and release oxygen, thereby effectively treating problematic cells. Metvix’s unique formula topically penetrates cancerous and precancerous lesions more deeply. Some patients experience significant results just six months after their last treatment.
6. Laser Aesthetics Cosmetic Medical Centre
How is PDT performed? The skin is prepared and a solution called Levulan is applied to the skin topically. It is left on the skin for the incubation period. The solution is absorbed by the targeted lesion and the light then activates the solution destroying the target cells. When used in conjunction with blue light we can target the sebaceous glands and acne-causing bacteria
The treatment takes approximately 60-90 minutes to complete and you will experience redness, peeling and peeling of the skin for 3-4 days. When under a light source, you will feel warmth. It is important to know that you must remain indoors for 24 hours after the procedure. The solution applied to your skin remains active for that period of time.
7. Spa Lumina
Photorejuvenation using intense pulsed light (IPL) is now the gold standard of non-ablative skin care. Recent developments in photorejuvenation, known as photodynamic skin rejuvenation, combine photodynamic therapy (PDT) with IPL.
Photodynamic skin rejuvenation involves the application of Levulan, a photosensitizing agent, which is then activated with IPL. This results in significant improvement in precancerous conditions such as actinic keratosis (AK), actinically damaged skin, sun damaged skin, moderate to severe cystic acne, and possibly superficial skin cancer.
It also improves wrinkles, pore size, skin texture, pigmentation, rosacea, sebaceous hyperplasia, and has the potential to prevent the development of skin cancer.
