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Services
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Acne Phototherapy
What is ALA?
ALA is short for Aminolevulinic acid and it is a clear solution that is
applied to the skin during the treatment. ALA occurs naturally in the
body and it is involved in the synthesis of hemoglobin. ALA is
preferentially absorbed by abnormal skin cells and therefore causes no
damage to normal tissue.
How does PDT work?
When the skin absorbs the ALA it coverts it to a natural photosensitizer
called Protoporphyrin IX (Pp IX). The skin is then illuminated with the
light source and this begins the Photodynamic process of singlet oxygen
production. The release of the singlet oxygen from Pp IX destroys acne
causing bacteria and shrinks the sebaceous glands for long lasting
results.
What can I expect?
- The technician will do an aggressive
acetone scrub, using cotton squares, on the area to be treated. Then
ALA will be applied. The ALA will incubate for
30-60 minutes. After the incubation period, you will wash off the ALA
and the SpaTouch machine will be used to administer light and heat,
over about 15-20 minutes.
- Subsequent treatment sessions may
need longer incubation times depending on the patient's response and
tolerance to redness and peeling.
- After the treatment is completed you
must remain completely out of the sun for 24 hours because sunlight can
further activate porphyrin.
- You may get a sunburn like reaction
and experience some mild discomfort. Red, chapped and/or peeling skin
may continue for a few days after the treatment.
- Shortly after the first few
treatments you may have a substantial breakout. The treatment is
bringing out the acne forming deep below the surface of the skin. It's
important to note that no new acne is being created.
- You will be given more details in
the Consent Form and Aftercare Instructions at the time of your first
appointment.
How many treatments will I need?
To achieve maximum improvement in your acne, 4 PDT treatments are
recommended. It is important to note that you will continue to see
improvement in your acne long after the fourth treatment is completed.
How effective is Photodynamic Therapy at treating acne?
In worldwide clinical experience, phototherapy with SpaTouch LHE has
been shown to successfully treat moderate to severe acne vulgaris with
all skin types, in males and females of all ages, and with results
lasting on average 6-12 months, often longer.
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Precancerous Phototherapy
What is an Actinic Keratosis?
Actinic Keratoses (AKs) are rough, scaly patches on the skin, caused by
excessive exposure to the sun, that can sometimes progress into
dangerous skin cancers. Many doctors believe that AKs and squamous cell
carcinomas (skin cancer) are really the same condition at different
stages of a continuing process.
How long has Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) been around?
ALA/PDT technology has been around for more than 20 years. It was
approved
by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of Actinic
Keratoses in 1999.
What is ALA?
ALA is short for Aminolevulinic acid and it is a clear solution that is
applied to the skin during the treatment. ALA occurs naturally in the
body and it is involved in the synthesis of hemoglobin. ALA is
preferentially absorbed by abnormal skin cells and therefore causes no
damage to normal tissue.
How does PDT work?
When the skin absorbs the ALA it coverts it to a natural photosensitizer
called Protoporphyrin IX (Pp IX). The skin is then illuminated with the
light source and this begins the Photodynamic process of singlet oxygen
production. The release of the singlet oxygen from Pp IX destroys the
cell membrane of the targeted cells.
What can I expect?
- You will be given a series of three
treatments, about two weeks apart.
- The technician will do an aggressive
acetone scrub, using cotton squares, on the area to be treated.
Then ALA will be applied.
The ALA will incubate for
30-60 minutes. After the incubation period, you will wash off the ALA
and the light source will be used to administer light and heat, over
about 15-20 minutes.
- Subsequent treatment sessions may
need longer incubation times depending on the patient's response and
tolerance to redness and peeling.
- After the treatment is completed you
must remain completely out of the sun for 24 hours because sunlight
can further activate porphyrin.
- You may get a sunburn-like reaction
and experience some mild discomfort. Red, chapped and/or peeling skin
may continue for a few days after the treatment.
- You will be given more details in
the Consent Form and Aftercare Instructions at the time of your first
appointment
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General
Dermatology
- Acne
- Dermatitis
- Eczema
- Pigmented lesions
- Pre-cancerous lesions
- Psoriasis
- Rosacea
- Skin cancer
- Warts
- Any process involving
skin/hair/nails
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Skin
Cancer
Skin cancer is the uncontrollable growth of abnormal
cells in a layer of the skin. It attacks one out of every five
Americans, making it the most prevalent form of cancer. However, the
majority of all skin cancers can be cured if detected and treated in
time.
There are several different kinds of skin cancers,
distinguished by the types of cells affected. The three most common
forms of skin cancer are:
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma usually appears as raised translucent lumps. This
cancer develops in 300,000 to 400,000 persons each year. Although the
disease does not usually spread to other parts of the body through the
blood stream, it may cause considerable damage by direct growth and
invasion.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is usually distinguished by raised, scaly
reddish lumps or growths. This form of cancer develops in 80,000 to
100,000 persons per year. The disease can spread to other parts of the
body. Approximately 2,000 deaths occur each year from this form of
cancer.
Malignant Melanoma
Malignant melanoma typically first appears as a light brown to black
irregularly shaped blemish. This serious form of cancer results in death
if undetected and untreated. It can spread to other parts of the body
through the bloodstream and the lymph drainage system.
Treating Skin Cancer
The
dermatologic surgeon will select the most appropriate treatment for a
particular skin cancer or precancerous condition from among the
following procedures and techniques:
-
Curettage
Malignant tissue is scraped away with a sharp instrument. This method is
most effective for small, superficial cancers that were not treated
previously. It is often followed by destruction of the cancerous tissue
with an electric needle.
-
Surgical Excision
Surgical excision, or cutting into the skin and removing the growth. The
skin is then closed with stitches.
-
Cryosurgery
Liquid nitrogen is applied directly to the skin to freeze cancerous
tissue, in a more aggressive fashion than treating pre-cancerous growths
-
MOHS Micrographic Surgery
Excision of a tumor and its surrounding skin with the aid of a
microscope. This method allows the dermatologic surgeon to trace the
outline of a cancerous growth, layer by layer, with exceptional
accuracy. For more information please visit the website for the
American Society for MOHS Surgery.
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COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY - Botox, Fillers,
Juvederm & Radiesse
 BOTOX Treatments:
BOTOX Cosmetic is a purified protein injected directly into the target
muscle to treat
vertical lines between the eyebrows, the squint lines or “crow’s feet”
at the corners of the eyes and the forehead horizontal lines. It may
also be used for eyebrow positioning. This is a non-surgical procedure
that weakens and relaxes facial muscles. Since there is no way to make
the undesirable facial expression, the lines gradually smooth out from
disuse, and new creases are prevented from forming.
Other muscles like those needed to raise the eyebrows are not affected
so a natural expression is maintained.
Other Applications
Excessive sweating can be alleviated with injections directly into the
underarm skin. Botox paralyzes the sweat glands of the skin which are
responsible for excessive perspiration. A single treatment session can
provide months of relief, and experts believe that injections can be
repeated indefinitely once or twice a year to maintain dryness.
Side Effects
Side effects are minimal and typically relate to the local injection.
Soreness or mild bruising, while uncommon, may occur around the
injection site. Makeup may be worn after treatment, but care should be
taken to avoid pressing or massaging the area for several hours. In rare
instances, patients may develop temporary weakness of the neighboring
muscles, a temporary droopy brow or eyelid, or a headache.
Juvéderm™ injectable
gel is a nonsurgical, physician-administered treatment. Tiffany Serell,
PA-C, MS eases Juvéderm™ under the skin using a fine
needle to augment, or fill, the soft tissue of the dermis—the dense
inner layer of skin beneath the epidermis—to add volume and diminish
wrinkles and folds. Juvéderm™ injectable gel is used
most effectively for those wrinkles and folds in the lower third of your
face, like your "laugh lines," "smile lines" or "parentheses" (nasolabial
folds), or "marionette lines" (oral commissures).
Juvéderm™ is a
"next-generation" filler. It is made from
hyaluronic acid—a naturally occurring substance in your skin that
helps to hydrate and add volume. Natural hyaluronic acid in your skin
may diminish with age, contributing to the formation of wrinkles and
folds. Juvéderm™ injectable gel works to correct this
by restoring hyaluronic acid in your skin, helping to smooth wrinkles
and folds.
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Content ©2005
American Society of Dermatologic Surgery |
