Therapeutic and aesthetic uses of photodynamic therapy part one of a five-part series: the use of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of actinic keratoses and in photorejuvenation

Abstract

The utilization of aminolevulinic acid-photodynamic therapy in dermatology has steadily been on the rise since its introduction into our therapeutic armamentarium almost 10 years ago. Clinicians are realizing the continued benefits of this therapy from a therapeutic and cosmetic/aesthetic outcome. This was first seen in the treatment of nonhyperkeratotic actinic keratoses of the face and scalp where resolution of the actinic keratoses was achieved and a cosmetic improvement noted from the therapies. Clinicians are embracing photorejuvenation utilizing aminolevulinic acid-photodynamic therapy, which is reviewed in this article.

Figure 1

Levulan^® Kerastick (Dusa Pharmaceuticals, Wilmington, Massachusetts)

Figure 2

BluU^® (Dusa Pharmaceuticals, Wilmington, Massachusetts)

Figure 3

Metvix^® (PhotoCure ASA, Norway; Galderma, Fort Worth, Texas)

Figure 4

Red Light Source, Aktilite^® (PhotoCure ASA, Norway; Galderma, Fort Worth, Texas)

Figure 5

Protoporphyrin IX absorption spectrum. (Reprinted with permission from Gold, MH. PDT with lasers and IPLs. In: Sclfani AP, ed. Emerging Technologies in Facial Plastic Surgery for Clinics of North America. London, UK: Elsevier; 2007;15(2):145–160. ^©Elsevier 2007.)

Figures 6a and 6b

Photorejuvenation effect after ALA–PDT treatments.

Figures 6a and 6b

Photorejuvenation effect after ALA–PDT treatments.

Figure 7a

Levulan^® PDT for AKs. Patient presented with AKs before treatment.

Figure 7b

The same patient after three treatments of Levulan^® PDT.

Figure 8a

Levulan^® PDT for photorejuvenation. This figure shows a patient before treatment.

Figure 8b

The same patient after four Levulan^® PDT treatments.