Sun damage repair

You may be advised to book a standard red LED light therapy treatment 2-3 days prior to your PDT treatment to help stimulate the healing mechanism of the skin.

Close windows, blinds and skylights before leaving your house for your treatment as you will become very light-sensitive after the treatment.

Inform your doctor of any significant medical history and provide a complete list of medications as some may interfere with PDT.

A history of cold sores is very important to mention to your doctor, but does not mean you cannot have PDT. An antiviral treatment can be commended before your treatment.

Prepare to stay in the centre for 2-3 hours as you must not go outside during the treatment. You may undergo a light microdermabrasion treatment if your treatment area is the face. The incubation time for the 5 ALA cream varies from patient to patient. Once the cream is washed off, the LED light therapy will take 10-20 minutes.

There is a degree of discomfort involved. The red LED lights are bright and hot; the skin undergoes the equivalent of a burn. Soothing gels will be applied after your treatment and further cream will be supplied to assist with comfort and healing at home.

There have not been any reported serious side effects of PDT, however it can be an uncomfortable experience and the degrees of reaction can vary. You must carry out a good hygiene approach after leaving the centre to avoid infection. Wash your hands regularly, do not pick at the skin, and stay away from dirty environments.

Your post-treatment downtime will vary depending on the nature of your work and whether you work indoors or outdoors. As a guide, a minimum of 1-2 weeks downtime is recommended following PDT treatment. Shorter periods of downtime can be expected with a milder treatment approach. 

Immediately after your PDT treatment, you will feel light-sensitive. You should remain indoors as much as possible. Avoid sunlit windows and bright indoor lights. If you must go outside for very brief periods, wear a broad-brimmed hat and SPF50+ sunscreen once your skin can tolerate it.

Days 1-2: Extreme light-sensitivity. Stay indoors.

Says 3-5: Red and tender skin which may start to peel, scab and flake off. This means the treatment has worked well.

Days 6-9: Redness starts to ease. Skin may be itchy, tight and uncomfortable.

Days 10-14: Smooth, healthy skin begins to form. Pink glow should fade over ensuing weeks.

Avoid UV exposure for one week and wear protective clothing, a broad-brimmed hat and dark sunglasses. Wear SPF50+ sunscreen all year-round.

Do not use exfoliation treatments on the treated area. Only use the creams supplied.

Do not wear make-up while your skin is healing.

Commence your regular skincare routine 2-4 weeks after your PDT treatment, with exfoliants, microneedling, antioxidants and moisturiser.

• Minimise sun exposure between 8am-6pm.
• Wear protective clothing each time you leave the home (including while driving). This includes a wide-brimmed hat, high-collar long-sleeved shirt and/or pants depending on your treatment areas.
• If the treated area cannot be covered by clothing, use sunscreen containing zinc or titanium (most “baby” brands).
• Stop current skin products. Use only gentle soap, plain Vaseline ointment, and a zinc-based sunscreen SPF50 on the treatment area.

Common side effects include:

• Itching, burning, tenderness, redness, oozing, mild swelling, crusting.
• Crusting/scabs which may take up to 2 weeks to heal.
• Redness (disappears over a couple of months).

Uncommon/rare* side effects include:

• Ulceration: Deep bleeding sores in the treatment area.
• Infection: Severe swelling, foul-smelling milky drainage, with or without fever.
• Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sores in the mouth.

At this stage Medicare does not cover rapid solar repair treatments. You will be bulk billed for your consultation/s with the treating doctor. Your out-of-pocket cost for the cream and expert care provided at the centre is $200 per treatment area.