Photorejuvenation of facial skin with topical 20% 5-aminolevulinic acid and intense pulsed light treatment: a split-face comparison study.
BACKGROUND
Photorejuvenation of facial skin has been reported after intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy alone and in conjunction with topical 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA), but no comparative studies between these regimens have been performed.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of combination topical 5-ALA and IPL compared to IPL treatment alone.


METHODS
Ten patients with mild to moderate photodamage were randomly assigned treatment with 5-ALA + IPL on one facial half and IPL alone on the contralateral side. Two treatments were delivered at 4-week intervals. Clinical improvement scores were determined by masked evaluations of digital photographs obtained at baseline, prior to each treatment session, and at 1, 3, and 6 months after the final treatment.


RESULTS
Higher clinical improvement scores were noted on the combination 5-ALA + IPL treated areas. Mild edema, erythema, and desquamation were observed on the facial halves where 5-ALA was applied. No scarring or unwanted pigmentary alteration was seen.


CONCLUSIONS
Photodynamic therapy with combination topical 5-ALA + IPL is safe and more effective for facial rejuvenation than IPL treatment alone.
Alster
Tina S
TS
Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, DC 20037, USA. talster@skinlaser.com
Tanzi
Elizabeth L
EL
Welsh
Esperanza C
EC
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008027:Light; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects
D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid