Sun Damage Restoration: Treatment Option
Sun damage leads to redness, brown spots, uneven skin tone and texture , precancerous sunspots (actinic keratosis) and eventually skin cancer. To manage this effectively all elements need to be addressed via a combination of modalities.
Before & After
Dermatologists talk about “ field damage”. This means that the entire field of the skin is damaged by the sun which is characterised by visible and non visible (microscopic) damage. Our desire is to treat both.
There are many topical medical creams for sun damage. These all have pros and cons but will not improve the other elements of sun damage such as redness, dilated capillaries, skin textural effects, brown spots. If improvement of these elements is desired a combination of medical and energy based device treatment is required.
Laser Assisted Photodynamic Therapy
One effective treatment for field sun damage is photodynamic therapy (PDT). This treatment involves the use of a special solution that is applied to the skin and then activated with light. When the solution is exposed to light, it produces a reaction that destroys the damaged cells in the skin.Laser-assisted photodynamic therapy (L-PDT) takes this treatment a step further by using a laser to increase the uptake of the photo agent to enhance outcomes. The product can then be activated by laser and this same laser can be used to improve other elements of sun damage.
Progress following L-PDT.
Patients experience during and following L-PDT
Before and After L-PDT
It's important to note that L-PDT may not be the best option for all patients. As with any medical treatment, it's important to consult with your patients and determine the best course of action based on their individual needs and medical history.
Multi-stacking of Lasers
After L-PDT patients can then undergo stacked lasers to address all other elements of photo damage, resurface the skin and improve the overall outcome.
Click here to watch a webinar on laser assisted drug delivery for sun damage.
All medical and cosmetic procedures involve some risks. The information provided here is for general educational purposes only. For specific advice regarding your situation, please book an appointment with Dr Nina Wines.