What is Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), how does Photodynamic Therapy work and What does it feel like?
PDT, also known as Blue Light Therapy, is used to treat actinic keratosis—pre-cancerous lesions, even skin tone, reduce sun damage, treat acne and shrink oil glands causing acne.
PDT involves a medication called aminolevulinic acid (ALA) which is applied to the skin for an hour. It is then activated with the blue light therapy for about 15 minutes, which creates controlled damage at proper depth.
You will feel warmth, tingling or stinging for about 30-60 minutes; however, we keep your skin comfortable with a cooling device.
How long should I avoid the sun before and after the procedure?
It is important to avoid the sun for a month prior to the procedure, making sure to apply a sunscreen of SPF 30 to minimize risk of discoloration. After the procedure, avoid sun exposure for first 2 day, and be sure to use sunscreen until skin is completely healed.
How long does the procedure take, Is there any downtime?
Once the aminolevulinic acid solution is applied for an hour, the blue light procedure itself takes 15 minutes.
You may feel some tingling, warmth, redness and swelling up to three days post procedure. Skin can flake for up to a week.