Photodynamic Therapy – For Visible Rejuvenation of Mature Skin and to Treat Photodamaged Skin

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is the proven method for skin rejuvenation and for the treatment of photodamage. It stimulates the new formation of collagen and the regeneration of the skin from within – for healthy and visibly younger and tighter skin.
The main advantage: With PDT, early forms of skin cancer that are not yet visible with hidden nuclear changes can be identified and treated.

What is PDT suitable for?

Our face, backs of our hands, lower arms and even scalp are constantly exposed to the sun while we are outdoors. The drawbacks of heavy UV irradiation often don't become clear for many years: Collagen has been destroyed, the epidermis is thinner and thus wrinkled and rough. In the worst case, the skin already has chronic damage. Cells with pathological changes can be destroyed using PDT. In the days following the treatment, the body sheds these cells and replaces them with fresh, healthy skin cells.

How is PDT performed and what are its effects?

First, skin flakes and areas of keratinization are removed from the skin surface to be treated so that the PDT can penetrate evenly into the skin.

To do this, we use two different methods here at Rosenpark Clinic:

  • For moderate facial skin rejuvenation, we use curretage: The stratum corneum (outermost layer of the epidermis) is removed by using a curette.
  • In the case of the effective single treatment, we use the Solta Fraxel re:pair® CO2 laser  to open the skin. This treatment can be repeated at yearly intervals.

Then the doctor applies the photosensitizing cream and covers it with a dressing. During the three hours the cream is allowed to work in, the active ingredients in the cream accumulate in the upper layers of the skin and especially in the altered skin cells and their nuclei: They become photosensitive. Then during the subsequent eight-to-twelve-minute exposure to a special light, these cells are selectively destroyed.

What sort of anesthesia is required?

If the Solta Fraxel re:pair® laser is used, we apply a cream for local anesthesia or place the patient under brief sedationFor more information about your options for a comfortable, pain-free treatment see the <link en rosenpark-klinik range-of-treatments anesthesia internal-link internen link im aktuellen>anesthesia section.

When can I resume normal daily activities?

Redness and swelling disappear after four to five days. After about a week, a few small scabs can still be seen. After no more than a week, the redness can be completely concealed with makeup.

You can find more information in our "Dermatology" information sheets, which you can request from us free of charge.

 

Are you interested in a no-obligation personal consultation for photodynamic therapy at Rosenpark Klinik? We would be happy to schedule an appointment for you.

Expert tip:

Dr. Christian Stanger: "PDT is skin rejuvenation and cancer screening in one: It identifies and treats early forms of skin cancer, even if they are not yet visible."

What you should be aware of

  • Patients with photodamaged skin should use skin care products with sunscreen daily.
  • As a general rule: Intensive UV radiation of your skin should be avoided for 14 days prior to treatment.
  • Throughout the entire treatment period and also in the four weeks afterwards, sunscreen with an SPF of 50+ is essential.