Nonablative skin resurfacing: the role of PDT

As demand for less invasive, highly effective cosmetic procedures grows, dermatologists must continue to explore and develop new treatment options. Nonablative skin resurfacing techniques offer an effective and noninvasive treatment for photorejuvenation. Several studies have shown improvement of photodamaged skin and increased collagen production after nonablative treatments using vascular lasers, mid-infrared lasers, intense pulsed light, radiofrequency devices, fractional resurfacing, and plasma skin rejuvenation. Among the novel methods for maximizing the efficacy of nonablative treatment is the concurrent use of a photosensitizing agent. The light sources currently most used for photodynamic rejuvenation are intense pulsed light and pulsed dye laser. We present some preliminary results on rejuvenation using Metvix and red light. We are still far from a thorough understanding of the molecular mechanism of rejuvenation with this technique, although a nonspecific immune response could be involved. Understanding the laser-tissue interactions associated with photodynamic therapy is crucial in selecting patients that will most likely benefit.