The ProLite Intense Pulsed Light System safely delivers broadband light to target chromophores (melanin and hemoglobin) to treat conditions such as:

Facial telangiectasias (blood vessels)
Flushing and redness
Rosacea
Poikiloderma (red neck)
Redness following laser skin resurfacing
Age spots and liver spots
Pigmented lesions
Scar coloration and general skin elasticity

Light is applied to the treatment area using a 10x20 mm sapphire waveguide that can be fired every few seconds, allowing for treatment of large areas, such as whole faces, hands, necks and decolletes, shoulders and backs. Treating large areas not only addresses specific problem areas but also results in an overall improvement in skin texture, tone, pore size and collateral collagen building.

Treatments, which typically are provided in a series of sessions at several-week intervals, are painless. Patients can resume normal activities immediately. To maintain long-lasting improvement, follow-up care may include bi-annual maintenance sessions.

Unique among pulsed light devices, the ProLite™ has been designed with safety and patient comfort in mind. The smart card guarantees stable output power throughout the lifetime of the flash and its exclusive pulse shaping technology maintains the temperature of target tissue, without overheating the epidermis or skin’s surface, maximizing the therapeutic window. Filters can be easily interchanged so as individualize treatments, providing optimal filtration while achieving more dramatic results. We are pleased to offer this technology to patients in our luxurious offices serving the Beverly Hills and Los Angeles areas.

Content courtesy of Quantel Medical.

Photodynamic Therapy Sheds Light on Treatment of Acne, Rosacea and Sun Damage

Acne, rosacea and sun damage are some of the most prevalent skin conditions treated by dermatologists. Fortunately, recent advances in laser therapies are providing new hope for millions of people who struggle with these conditions everyday.

Lasers are typically thought of as cosmetic devices, but from their inception in the field of dermatology almost 30 years ago, lasers have been used for the treatment of clinical conditions, as well. In addition, photodynamic therapy has been used investigationally to treat various conditions such as retinal problems associated with the eyes and precancerous conditions of the esophagus or bladder. However, dermatologists have recently combined the use of lasers and light devices with elements of photodynamic therapy to make great strides in the treatment of prevalent facial skin conditions.

Photodynamic therapy using a topical medication called aminolevulinic acid (Levulan®) has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat actinic keratosis (AKs), an early potential sign of skin cancer. Unfortunately, initial treatment using this medication overnight, combined with laser therapy, was found to be both difficult and uncomfortable for the patient. However, recent developments using aminolevulinic acid with lasers and light sources for shorter treatment periods (i.e. one hour), called “short contact” photodynamic therapy, have yielded much more positive results.

A typical short contact photodynamic therapy treatment begins with a light microdermabrasion or chemical peel. This technique is used to remove any dead skin cells on the surface of the face, which allows for better penetration of the aminolevulinic acid. The skin preparation is followed by a topical application of aminolevulinic acid, which is left in place for approximately 30 to 60 minutes. The medication is then removed using an alcohol swab, soap and water. Finally, the patient is treated with a laser, intense pulsed light source or blue light.

Photodynamic therapy is an essentially painless procedure for the patient. While initial results may be seen as early as the first session, some patients require a series of three to five sessions to see significant results. It really depends on the patient and the severity of the skin condition being treated.

Short contact photodynamic therapy, as well as intense pulse light photorejuvenation, have also been used to successfully treat patients with rosacea, a common skin condition that causes redness and swelling on the face, as well as thickening of the skin. Until now, the primary treatment for rosacea has been antibiotics (both oral and topical). Antibiotic treatment has had some success in reducing the blood vessels and redness associated with rosacea. However, dermatologists are finding that intense pulse light photorejuvenation and short contact photodynamic therapy, again using aminolevulinic acid, may also successfully improve the redness and thickening skin of patients with this condition.

In addition to acne and rosacea, short contact photodynamic therapy treatments have made significant cosmetic improvements in patients with long-term sun damage.

Symptoms of sun damage, such as rough skin, pigmentary problems, wrinkles, and certain early signs of skin cancer, have exploded in recent years due to the thinning ozone layer and various lifestyles associated with sun exposure. Therefore, sun damage is one of the most prevalent conditions treated by dermatologists. The latest photodynamic therapy techniques are giving patients another option for the treatment of sun damage and are improving their cosmetic appearance.

Short contact photodynamic therapy appears to be an important step in the treatment of acne, rosacea and sun damage.

Courtesy of The American Academy of Dermatology