SOURCE: Naficy Plastic Surgery & Rejuvenation Center
October 12, 2005 15:57 ET
Photodynamic Therapy for the Prevention of Skin Cancer
SEATTLE, WA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- October 12, 2005 -- Photodynamic Therapy is gaining popularity as a
relatively painless way to prevent early precursors of skin cancer. The
FDA has approved Photodynamic Therapy as an effective way to treat
pre-cancerous lesions called actinic keratoses, which are scaly and crusty
areas of severe sun damage on the skin caused by excess sun exposure. If
left untreated, actinic keratoses could develop into malignant tumors,
which must be surgically removed.
Photodynamic Therapy involves the application of aminolevulinic acid (Levulan) to the skin. Abnormal skin cells, such as pre-cancerous skin cells or
very active sebaceous glands, are especially attracted to the Levulan and
selectively absorb the solution. When the Levulan is activated by exposure
to intense
pulsed light, the abnormal skin cells are selectively eradicated.
In addition to its health benefits, Photodynamic Therapy has proven
cosmetic benefits as well. Photodynamic Therapy treatments effectively
treat blotchy skin caused by sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, rosacea (redness
of the skin caused by superficial blood vessels), enlarged sweat glands and
even acne. Treating acne using Photodynamic Therapy exposes patients to
significantly fewer side effects than alternative acne treatments, such as
Accutane.
Patients receiving Photodynamic Therapy must avoid all sun exposure for at
least 24-48 hours before and after treatment. Fall and winter months are
the most popular time for treatment.
About Naficy Plastic Surgery & Rejuvenation Center:
Dr. Sam Naficy is a highly specialized, fellowship-trained, and double
board certified facial plastic surgeon with over 12 years of experience
with modern techniques of cosmetic surgery and skincare. He performs close
to 1,000 facial plastic surgery procedures per year. Recently, Dr. Naficy
was voted by other physicians in the Seattle area as one of the top doctors
for facial plastic surgery (Seattle Magazine). Naficy Plastic Surgery &
Rejuvenation Center offers a full range of surgical and non-surgical,
rejuvenation and skincare procedures.