Are photodynamic therapy and intense pulse light therapy (IPL) the same?

Answers

Replied on 12/2/2009

By: Esta Kronberg, M.D. | Board Certified Dermatologist
Houston, TX

Photofacial (IPL) is a specific type of laser treatment for photorejuvenation. Photodynamic therapy is a treatment where the area is painted with a light sensitizing medication called Levulan. Then you let it set on the area you are treating for anywhere from 20 minutes to 6 hours or over night. It depends on what you are treating. I incubate the patient for
20 minutes for skin rejuvenation, acne treatments and pre-skin cancers. I use 6 hours for treating Basal cell carcinoma and superficial Squamous cell carcinomas.

Then you treat the patient with different types of laser light. You can use IPL, LED, or pulsed dye laser. The medication enhances your results.When you use Levulan the area medicated is light sensitive for a couple of days so all sun exposure to the area must be avoided.

Replied on 12/2/2009

By: Celibre Medical Corporation | Laser Dermatology & Injections
Orange, CA

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment. The treatment involves using
a photosensitizing antibiotic (ALA or amino levulinic acid) that is
placed onto the skin. After this antibiotic has had time to skin in, a
Blu-light, IPL or pulsed dye laser is used to "activate" the antibiotic
with light. The treatment is currently FDA approved for precancerous
cells, but is also commonly used for acne. When someone refers to an
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) they are usually referring to a type of light
based equipment. So, PDT is a treatment and IPL is a machine, that's
the basic difference.

Regards,

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