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Photodynamic Therapy

FDA-approved Photodynamic Therapy has been proven successful in treating actinic keratoses, some early stage cancers, acne, rosacea, sun damage, and other textural irregularities. Patients who complete a treatment series can see benefits such as lesion reduction or removal, a clearer complexion, a more even skin tone, and even reduced pore size.

Areas	Face Chest Leg Hands Body
Cost
Duration	30 minutes for acne, 90 minutes for lesions
Frequency	Generally at least 3 treatments spaced 3 weeks apart

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Doris Day MD Treatment Photodynamic Therapy

What To Expect

How it works

PDT destroys abnormal cells by harnessing the power of a topical photo sensitizer called Levulan, or aminolevulinic acid (ALA), combined with a special light and molecular oxygen. ALA, a natural substance found throughout the body, is activated by light to destroy target tissue cells.

The dermatological community regards PDT as an effective method for treating actinic keratoses (AK’s) and Bowen's disease, leaving you with clearer skin that also shows improvement of fine lines and blotchy pigment.

PDT also has the power to minimize pores, reduce oil production, and kill acne causing bacteria, effectively treating stubborn acne vulgaris, acne rosacea, and even the appearance of acne scars. Better yet, PDT acts not only to decrease active acne breakouts but also to reduce pore size, helping to prevent future acne by minimizing the breeding ground available to bacteria.

How we do it

For acne-related PDT treatment, you can expect to be in our office for about 30 minutes. Prior to the procedure, your skin will be prepped, ensuring skin is clean and free of all makeup, moisturizers, and sunscreens. The PDT protocol for acne involves sitting under the Blu-U light source with goggles on for an 18-minute session.

If you are getting PDT treatment for sun-damaged skin and/or precancerous lesions, your appointment will last approximately 90 minutes. Your skin will be prepped, ensuring skin is clean and free of all makeup, moisturizers, and sunscreens. Topical ALA will then be applied to your skin and will be allowed to incubate for painlessly for approximately 1 hour. The protocol for AKs involves sitting under the light for 22 minutes.

Side effects

You may feel a very mild stinging when your skin is exposed to the light. After the session is complete, you should feel no pain. You can expect mild to moderate redness and scaling that may persist for up to 5 days, similar to a mild sunburn.

Time to full effect

Patients usually require at least 3 treatments spaced at 3 week intervals, with maintenance sessions recommended to achieve long term reduction in lesions.

Questions? We’ve Got Answers.

How does PDT work?

What are actinic keratoses?

Actinic keratoses (AK’s) are pre-cancerous lesions that arise from UV damage. It is important to get regular skin checks to determine if you have any of these lesions, as they have a chance of turning into a form of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated.

Pre-Care Instructions

Post-Care Instructions