Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimal invasive medical treatment that uses a combination of light and a photosensitizing agent to selectively destroy abnormal or cancerous cells. It is commonly used for treating various skin conditions, including certain types of skin cancer, precancerous lesions, and acne.

It uses a light-sensitive solution (ALA activator) which is applied to the affected skin. The skin is then exposed to a specialized light source leading to the destruction of the damaged skin cells.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) can be suitable for various people depending on the specific medical condition being treated. Here are some examples of conditions and patient groups that may benefit from PDT:

Skin Cancer: PDT can be used for certain types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, especially in cases where surgical or other treatment options may not be ideal. It is often effective for superficial or early-stage skin cancers.

Precancerous Lesions: PDT can be used to treat precancerous skin lesions, such as actinic keratoses. These lesions are often caused by long-term sun exposure and have the potential to develop into skin cancer. PDT can help eliminate these abnormal cells and prevent their progression.

Acne: PDT can be used to treat moderate to severe acne that has not responded well to other treatments. The light and photosensitizing agent used in PDT can target and destroy the bacteria responsible for acne and reduce oil production in the skin.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): In ophthalmology, PDT can be employed to treat certain cases of age-related macular degeneration, a condition that affects the central vision. PDT is used to target and destroy abnormal blood vessels in the retina, slowing down the progression of the disease.

Other Conditions: PDT has also been explored for the treatment of various other conditions, including certain types of cancers (e.g., lung cancer, esophageal cancer), certain infections (e.g., skin infections, oral infections), and some non-cancerous skin conditions (e.g., psoriasis, rosacea).

It's important to note that the suitability of PDT for a person depends on several factors, including the specific medical condition, its stage or severity, the location of the target area, and the individual's overall health. Our doctors can assess an individual's suitability for PDT and determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on their specific circumstances.

When the target area is exposed to the wavelength of light, people may experience a sensation of warmth, tingling, or mild discomfort at the treatment site. The discomfort is generally well-tolerated and transient.

The healing time after photodynamic therapy (PDT) can vary depending on several factors, including the specific condition being treated, the size and location of the treated area, and individual variations in healing processes.

Usually for superficial skin conditions like acne or actinic keratoses, the healing time is relatively short. The treated area may experience redness, swelling, and some mild discomfort for a few days to a couple of weeks. The skin may peel or flake during this time. Complete healing and resolution of side effects usually occur within a few weeks.

For certain types of skin cancer treated with PDT, such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, the healing time may be longer. It can take several weeks for the treated area to heal completely. During this period, the skin may develop scabs, crusts, or blisters that gradually resolve. The healing time can vary depending on the size, depth, and location of the tumor.

PDT generally involves minimal downtime compared to more invasive procedures. It's crucial to follow our doctors' instructions and allow your skin adequate time to heal.

PDT treatment from $240