PDT (PhotoDynamic Therapy)
PDT is a powerful pre skin cancer (actinic keratosis) treatment to aid in the prevention of skin cancer. PDT combines drugs and light treatment for maximum results. At Bopp Dermatology & Facial Plastic Surgery in Metairie, Louisiana, the experienced dermatology specialists offer PDT and other treatments you need to put pre-cancers completely in the past. Call the office or schedule an appointment online to learn more about PDT treatment options.
What is PDT?
PDT is a therapy for actinic keratosis’s (explained above) that includes both drugs and light therapy. This type of therapy can be highly effective for precancerous growths. Because it’s far less invasive than other options, PDT is often a common treatment.
How does PDT therapy work?
In this type of treatment, Bopp Dermatology & Facial Plastic Surgery team provider will apply a solution containing a photosensitizing agent.
You’ll typically wait for 1-2 hours to allow for full drug absorption. The length of time depends on your specific situation and area treated. Then, your doctor directs a specific type of light on the treatment area. You’ll wear protective goggles throughout the treatment.
You may experience some mild stinging as the light triggers drug reaction, but this should cease shortly after treatment.
The resulting reaction destroys pre-cancerous cells.
What conditions does PDT treatment?
PDT can treat Basal cell cancers, Actinic keratosis & Bowen’s. The main treatment at Bopp Dermatology and Facial plastic surgery is for AK’s because of the photosensitizer we use.
There are three main applications for PDT:
- Basal cell cancers in the upper skin
- Actinic keratosis, a precancerous skin growth
- Bowen's disease, a very early form of squamous cell carcinoma
It's often the preferred therapy because it's noninvasive, causes little to no scarring, and can treat even large areas.
What happens after PDT treatment?
You'll be extra-sensitive to sunlight after treatment, so be sure to follow all skin protection instructions from your Bopp Dermatology & Facial Plastic Surgery doctor closely. It is recommended that you stay out of the sun and birght light for 40 hours. Your skin will be sensitive to the sun and you could get serverly sunburned.
Depending on your response to treatment, you might need additional treatment sessions about one month apart.
Every patient’s sun damage is unique, so the experienced dermatologists at Bopp Dermatology & Facial Plastic Surgery create customized treatment plans just for you. To find out whether you need PDT, book an appointment online or by phone today.