title: Photodynamic therapy for cosmetic applications.
abstract: With the advent of short contact and pulsed light techniques, topical 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (5-ALA PDT) has become a viable clinical modality. Intense pulsed light, the pulsed dye laser, and blue light-emitting lamps have become the most commonly used devices in inducing a cosmetic PDT effect. More recently, by combining the photothermal effects of pulsed light with the photochemical effects of PDT, an enhanced cosmetic effect has been demonstrated in a variety of dermatologic conditions. In addition, the use of shorter 5-ALA incubation times allows for improved patient tolerance during treatment and subsequently fewer adverse effects in the postoperative period. A review of the current literature on cosmetic uses of PDT as well as our personal techniques are discussed in detail.
authors.affiliation: SkinCare Physicians of Chestnut Hill, 1244 Boylston Street, Suite 302, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA.
authors.forename: Nathan S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Uebelhoer
authors.forename: Jeffrey S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Dover
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006204:Hair Removal / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D018579:Patient Selection; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D012060:Rejuvenation / Q000502:physiology; D018570:Risk Assessment; D015595:Skin Aging; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D003358:Cosmetics; D000622:Aminolevulinic Acid