PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY WITH LEDS (OMNILUX)
What Is Photodyamic Therapy With Omnilux?
This therapy combines two innocuous agents: a chemical photosensitive product, alpha amino-levulinic acid (ALA), and a LEDs lamp (light emitting diodes), a narrow band athermal, highly pure and low potency, visible light. Omnilux allows the application of treatment for rejuvenation, antiacne phototherapy and certain slin oncological lesions. The light emitted by the system activates both exogen (ALA applied onto the skin) as well as endogen activators, produced naturally in the body, which prompts a cascade of biological answers that transform cell strucrtures provoking the desired changes.
This therapy is based on bioestimulation and modulation of cell activity.
What Indications Does It Have?
Photodynamic therapy in rejuvenation therapy: The lamp for skin rejuvenation emits light at 633 nm. The effect of this light source is to generate new collagen fibers, by activating fibroblasts. It corrects dyschromies (discoloration and certain alterations in skin coloration), fine wrinkles and firms up tissue. The application of ALA at low concentrations provides a photosensitiser that enhances biochemical reactions leading to improved skin appearance.
The 415nm lamp is used in antiacne phototherapy (Omnilux Blue). In case of vulgar acne, the target is the propinobacterium acnes, responsible for the inflammation associated with acne. Blue light activates an endogenous photosensitiser found in the bacterium that in turn destroys bacteria. Apart from this photo toxicity mechanism, biostimulation is triggered increasing natural repair mechanisms and achieving an improvement in skin appearance.
Photodynamic therapy in the treatment of premalignant skin lesions: It has been recognised as a new important tool in the treatment of certain oncological lesions. The photosensitising agent is first applied at high concentrations on the lesion followed by the Omnilux PDT lamp that illuminates the lesion. The photosensitiser agent accumulates more easily in tumoral cells. The exitation caused by the light induces cytotoxic reactions that lead to cell death on the distraction of the tumour. This is a highly selective procedure with excellent cosmetic results.
How Is Procedure For Rejuvenation And Acne Carried Out?
First a detailed medical history is taken. In cases of rejuvenation, and depending on the skin condition the photosensitizer at the required concentration is applied for 30 minutes. Next, the light is irradiated. If we wish to treat acne lesions a salicyc peeling might be required a few days before in the areas with comedons (pimples) to obtain better results. On the following days there is a mild to moderate peeling of the skin and the use of Vaseline and photoprotection is encouraged to protect the skin. The number of sessions will be decided on an individual basis although up to 6 might be necessary to achieve the desired results (sessions at one week intervals up to a month depending on each case).
Can Photodynamic Therapy Be Combined With Other Treatments?
Instituto Médico Láser takes an overall approach and assesses each case individually. If necessary treatment can be combined with v-Beam, IPL (in cases where photoaged skin also has dilated vessels), or with Alex Larz for specific pigmented lesions. If the patient wishes to do so, other techniques such as fillings or the use of Botox can be used to eliminate wrinkles and expression lines.