Photodynamic Therapy (cont.)
Medical Author:
Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD
Gary W. Cole, MD, FAADDr. Cole is board certified in dermatology. He obtained his BA degree in bacteriology, his MA degree in microbiology, and his MD at the University of California, Los Angeles. He trained in dermatology at the University of Oregon, where he completed his residency. Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACRDr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. In this Article
 How much improvement can I expect with photodynamic therapy?No two individuals are the same, and results may vary. Some conditions can improve dramatically in some patients and not respond in others. Overall, patients with severely sun-damaged skin with actinic keratosis, texture, and tone changes, including mottled pigmentation, dull or sallow skin, and skin laxity, may see good to excellent improvement with PDT. There can be improvement of large pores, non-pitted acne scars, and active acne. Depending on the area being treated and the recommended incubation time, different numbers of treatment sessions spaced four to six weeks apart may be required to achieve the desired improvement and reduction in lesions. On average, a series of two to three treatments are performed. It is not always possible to predict ahead of time how many treatments your specific condition may take or how you will respond to PDT. Photodynamic therapy requires staying out of the sun for 24-48 hours depending on the area treated. Where can I have photodynamic therapy, and who performs the procedure?Photodynamic therapy for skin therapy is usually comfortably performed in an outpatient setting like a doctor's office and without any sedation or anesthesia. You may check the www.AAD.org for board-certified dermatologist members of the American Board of Dermatology in your area or www.ASPDT.org for members of the American Society of Photodynamic Therapy. Additionally, oncologists and other physicians may be trained in this area. Most skin PDT is performed only by specially trained dermatologists and their medical staff. Other physicians, including oncologists, family physicians, internal medicine doctors, plastic surgeons, or ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons and their medical staff who are trained, may also perform photodynamic therapy. While it is generally advisable to undergo this or any medical treatment in an established board-certified physician's office, there are medical spa-type environments that may also offer these skin services with or without physician supervision. Patient CommentsViewers share their comments
Photodynamic Therapy - Skin
Question: For what condition(s) did you seek photodynamic therapy?
Photodynamic Therapy - Experience
Question: For what condition did you have photodynamic therapy?
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