PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY (PDT)
What is PDT light therapy?
PDT or photodynamic light therapy refers to the combination of red light with or without application of a photosensitizing cream. It has been used extensively in the treatment of certain skin cancers, acne, and photoaging.
How does PDT work?
A photosensitizing cream is applied to the affected area. This area is then covered for a short period and then exposed to a red light source(Omnilux). The combination of the cream and the red light works at a cellular level to achieve the desired response. In the treatment of skin cancers, the photosensitizing cream in the cancer tissue is stimulated producing cytotoxic species, which attack and kill skin cancer.
Omnilux light therapy works with the body’s own natural processes to counteract the effects of aging. The different lights target specific cells, which are responsible for the synthesis and repair of the skin’s supportive structure.
Omnilux delivers a totally natural method of light-only skin rejuvenation which uses the body’s own natural processes to help counteract the effects of aging.
What are the advantages of PDT light therapy?
Photodynamic therapy stimulates the body’s own cellular mechanisms by photomodulation. It is not a laser or an IPL. It is a non-invasive and non-ablative therapy. There is no damage to the subdermal tissue. The therapy is a relaxing and calming experience.
PDT therapy is compatible with existing skin rejuvenation techniques such as BotoxTM, IPLs, laser resurfacing, and cosmetic surgery such as blepharoplasty and breast reduction and augmentation. It allows for the treatment of large areas such as the face and chest.
What are the side effects of PDT therapy?
Tailored treatment regimes give valuable side effects. You may experience some pain and redness during the treatment, which can be treated with cool air or analgesia. Other side effects include mild swelling, oozing, and crusting.
This is normal and all that is asked is that you wear sunblock during the first couple of days and avoid direct and indirect sunlight.
SKIN NEEDLING
There is now a revolutionary approach to anti-aging through the stimulation of natural processes. This technique is referred to as percutaneous collagen induction needling.
This process of needling involves using a roller with different size needles attached to its surface. The roller is then rolled onto the surface of the skin several times.
The aim of the technique is to cause microscopic breaks in the blood vessels deep below the surface layer of the skin. The needle only penetrates through the top layer of the skin and does not remove it. The end result is a small cleft that heals rapidly, with no residual scarring. The injury, minute as it may appear, does cause temporary localized damage and bleeding.
Percutaneous induction of collagen results from the natural response to wounding the skin. The skin responds to microtrauma by forming small blood clots. A series of growth factors are released, which promote the production of collagen and elastin in the skin.
This is responsible for providing the tensile strength to the skin and treating damaged or scar tissue. This all happens at a microscopic level and manifests on the surface of the skin, as a much tighter and smoother appearance.
Needling has been used for acne scars, keloid scarring, pigmentation marks, stretch marks, and an anti-aging procedure to soften deep lines and wrinkles.
Advantages
- A natural response is induced
- The healing process is minimal (3 to 7 days)
- Treatment is an office procedure and is suited to all skin types
- No scarring is caused.
- Safely repeatable for maximum results
- No additional sun-sensitivity is induced
- All areas of the face, neck, and body can be treated.
PLATELET RICH PLASMA THERAPY (PRP THERAPY)
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is blood plasma that has been enriched with platelets. As a concentrated source of autologous platelets, PRP contains several different growth factors and other cytokines that stimulate healing of bone and soft tissue.
Indications
- Facial rejuvenation (anti-aging)
- Hand rejuvenation
- Treats acne scars
- Acts as a biological filler
- Treats hair loss/ balding
- Improves stretch marks
- Repairs damaged tissue/ soft tissue injury
How is the procedure done?
The procedure is done over three sessions (one treatment per month over three months)
Blood contains 3 elements:
- RBC: red blood corpuscles
- WBC: white blood corpuscles
- Platelets: these help the blood to clot. The platelets also contain many growth factors, eg.epidermal growth factor
The actual procedure takes approximately 20 minutes. It involves the following steps:
- Blood is removed from a patient (approx 20mls)
- It is then centrifuged and the platelet-rich plasma is removed
- It is introduced into your skin by various techniques
Get in touch
Address:
Suite G07 Musgrave Park, 18 Musgrave Road, Durban, 4001