Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

What is photodynamic therapy?

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a form of targeted skin treatment that uses a light-sensitizing cream (Metvix) and visible light (red LED light, sunlight) to activate oxygen. 

What can photodynamic therapy treat?

We use PDT to treat actinic keratosis, a precancerous type of sun damage. A discussion on the treatment of actinic keratosis will also include options for topical cream treatments or laser resurfacing. 

PDT can also be used in certain situations to treat a superficial form of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma) when surgery may not be the best treatment. 

What is the procedure and recovery like with photodynamic therapy?

On the day of the procedure, we review the sequence with you, take photos in the photo studio and review forms. The treatment area is cleansed, and then the treatment area is prepared with a curette. The Metvix cream is applied and will sit on the skin for 2-3 hours. Patients often leave the clinic during this phase – sunscreen is applied to the skin to protect them from ultraviolet light, but they still get visible light (blue, green, white light) from the sun. Patients return to the clinic for LED light treatment to finish the activation of the treatment. Pain and heat can be felt during this time. The area heals with redness, swelling and crusting, usually over a week. We follow-up on this treatment 6-8 weeks later. 

Some insurance policies can cover the medication used for the treatment – if any preapproval forms need to be signed, provide them to the office before your treatment. Fees from the office apply for the preparation and activation. 

Curious to see if you are a candidate for this procedure? Contact our office for a consultation.