Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

What is Photodynamic Therapy?

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a medical treatment that involves the use of a light-sensitizing chemical (photosensitizer) and a specific wavelength of light to produce a controlled reaction that targets and destroys abnormal or rapidly dividing cells. This method is particularly effective for treating diffuse precancerous lesions, superficial skin cancer, and severe acne.

Am I a Good Candidate? 

• To determine if you are a good candidate for Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), consider the following criteria:
• If you have diffuse precancerous lesions, PDT is highly effective.
• PDT is particularly suitable for treating superficial skin cancers without the need for invasive procedures.
• If you have severe acne and are looking for an alternative to medications like isotretinoin, PDT can be a viable option.
• If you aim to treat abnormal tissue areas non-surgically and prefer to avoid aggressive treatments like liquid nitrogen therapy, PDT is appropriate.
• If you seek a treatment that heals rapidly (usually within 7 days) and leaves no scarring, PDT is a good choice.
• After PDT, the treated skin becomes extremely sensitive to sunlight. If you can avoid sun exposure for 48 hours post-treatment, you can consider this therapy.
• If you have had adverse reactions or complications with other treatments, especially for acne, PDT might be a suitable alternative.
• Your overall health, skin type, the number of lesions, and the severity of acne are factors that will influence the suitability and the number of required treatments.

Benefits:

• PDT is a non-surgical method, making it less invasive compared to traditional surgical options.
• It is highly effective for treating diffuse precancerous lesions, superficial skin cancers, and severe acne.
• The treatment targets and destroys abnormal cells while sparing healthy tissue, reducing collateral damage.
• PDT typically results in rapid healing, usually within 7 days, which is faster compared to some other treatments.
• The treatment generally leaves no scarring, which is beneficial for cosmetic outcomes, especially on visible areas like the face.
• It provides an alternative to more aggressive treatments such as liquid nitrogen therapy or extensive surgery.
• PDT can emulate several months of isotretinoin treatment for acne, making it a good option for those who cannot take isotretinoin or want to avoid its side effects.
• Compared to some medications and treatments, PDT has fewer and less severe side effects.
• The number of PDT sessions can be tailored to individual needs based on skin type, lesion quantity, and acne severity.
• PDT is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return home the same day.
• Patients usually experience minimal downtime, enabling a quicker return to daily activities.

More Details:

Photodynamic is the best treatment for diffuse precancerous lesions, cases of superficial skin cancer, and many patients with severe acne.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is the combination of a light-sensitizing chemical and light exposure to stimulate a precise reaction that rids the skin of precancerous and cancerous cells, especially when diffuse or large. The light sensitizing medication is activated by a specific wavelength of light energy to destroy rapidly dividing cells. This allows abnormal areas of tissue to be treated without the need for surgery or aggressive liquid nitrogen therapy.

This exclusive therapy was developed in some of its aspects by Dr Touma, and is considered the gold standard for many cases of precancerous and superficial cancerous lesions. The treatment heals rapidly within 7 days and leaves no scarring. PDT is also very useful for facial acne, and in our experience can emulate a couple of months of isotretinoin. This makes PDT a viable treatment option for patients who cannot take this medication or want to avoid the complications or side effects of the treatment. While some patients may notice improvement after a single session, the number of treatments required depends on the person’s skin type, the number of lesions, and the severity of acne.

After treatment, the skin is extremely sensitive to the sun. Patients must avoid sun exposure for 48 hours following treatment to avoid severe sunburns.