Photodynamic Therapy PDT

Rejuvenate and Recover Your Skin With Photodynamic Therapy

If you’re tired of investing time and money in skin treatments that promise results but deliver disappointment, you’re not alone. Many of us have faced the frustration of persistent skin issues like acne or sun damage, or the nagging worry about a suspicious mark that could be an early sign of something more serious.

These are more than just cosmetic concerns — they can affect your confidence and even your health. You deserve a solution that addresses these problems at their source.

At California Dermatology Care, we offer Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), a cutting-edge treatment that uses light-activated medication to target and treat various skin conditions. If you’re looking for an effective and noninvasive solution to improve your skin health, PDT might be the perfect option for you!

What Is Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)?

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a medical treatment that uses light to activate a special cream (called a photosensitizing agent) applied to your skin. This cream is sensitive to light, and when activated, it helps destroy unhealthy skin cells while leaving healthy cells alone. PDT is widely used in treating sun damage, acne and certain types of skin cancer.

The photosensitizing agents used in PDT are called Levulan and Metvixia. Levulan is commonly used with a blue light source (410-420nm wavelength) to treat actinic keratosis, a precancerous skin condition. Metvixia is often paired with a red light source (600-700nm wavelength) to treat certain types of skin cancer and sun-damaged skin. Both can be used to treat acne and related concerns.

How Does PDT Work?

A typical procedure begins with applying a photosensitizing agent, usually in the form of a topical cream, to the affected area of the skin. This agent is then absorbed by the abnormal cells over a period of time.

Once the agent has sufficiently penetrated the cells, a specific wavelength of light is shone on the area, activating the agent and creating a reaction that destroys the problem cells. The body then naturally removes the treated cells, leaving healthier skin behind.

The potency of PDT treatment can depend on incubation time (the amount of time the photosensitizing agent is left on the skin), the preceding use of topical retinoids, and the amount and extent of sun exposure within 72 hours after PDT.

Ideal Candidates for Photodynamic Therapy

PDT is incredibly versatile. It can help if you’re dealing with:

• Sun damage
• Actinic keratoses
• Acne
• Certain types of skin cancer

Please notify your provider if you have a history of cold sores, as oral antiviral medication should be administered before PDT to prevent outbreaks.

Customization for Different Needs

Dr. Ting has treated more than a few thousand patients with PDT. Based on his experience, he personalizes the treatment to meet the specific needs and goals of each patient. The customizations include the concentration of the photosensitizing agent and the duration of light exposure. Adjusting these factors ensures optimal results while minimizing side effects.

Conditions Treated by Photodynamic Therapy

Sun Damage

Sun damage, caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, manifests as discoloration, rough texture and premature skin aging. PDT treats sun-damaged skin by targeting and eliminating damaged cells.

Benefits for Sun-Damaged Skin:

• Improved Skin Tone: PDT helps reduce pigmentation irregularities caused by sun exposure, resulting in a more even skin tone.
• Enhanced Skin Texture: By removing damaged cells, PDT reveals new, healthy skin with a smoother texture.
• Prevention of Further Damage: Regular PDT treatments can help mitigate the cumulative effects of sun damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Actinic Keratoses

Actinic keratoses (AK) are rough, scaly patches on the skin that develop due to chronic sun exposure. They typically appear on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, neck, scalp and hands. If left untreated, these precancerous lesions have the potential to progress to squamous cell carcinoma. PDT is highly effective in targeting and destroying these abnormal cells.

How PDT Treats Actinic Keratoses:

• Selective Targeting: The photosensitizing agent used in PDT is absorbed more by the rapidly dividing cells of AKs than by normal cells.
• Cell Destruction: Upon activation by light, the agent produces a reaction that destroy the abnormal cells.
• Reduced Cancer Risk: By eliminating AKs, PDT minimizes the risk of these lesions progressing to invasive squamous cell carcinoma.

This procedure is typically covered by insurance carriers including Medicare with PPO supplemental insurance, but not all commercial PPO plans will cover PDT for actinic keratoses.

Acne

Acne is commonly caused by excess oil production, clogged pores and bacterial infection. PDT offers a powerful solution for managing acne, usually when conventional treatments like oral antibiotics and topical medicated creams are ineffective on their own. It is also an option for patients who wish to avoid Accutane.

How PDT Treats Acne:

• Bacterial Reduction: The light-activated photosensitizing agent used in PDT destroys the bacteria (P. acnes) that contributes to acne formation.
• Oil Gland Shrinkage: PDT can reduce the size and activity of sebaceous (oil) glands, leading to decreased oil production and fewer breakouts.
• Inflammation Control: The therapy helps reduce inflammation associated with acne lesions, promoting faster healing and reducing the likelihood of scarring.

Benefits for Acne-Prone Skin:

• Fewer Breakouts: By addressing the root causes of acne, PDT leads to a significant reduction in the number of active lesions.
• Smoother Skin: Skin texture improves with fewer pimples and cysts while reducing acne scars and discoloration.
• Long-Lasting Results: Periodic PDT treatments can help maintain clear skin and prevent future breakouts.

PDT is typically not covered by insurance for the treatment of acne.

Skin Cancer

PDT is also used to treat non-melanoma skin cancers, such as superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS), also known as Bowen’s disease.

What Is Basal Cell Carcinoma?

• Appearance: BCCs often appear as small, pearly, or waxy bumps on sun-exposed areas like the face and neck. These bumps might bleed or develop a crust.
• Risk: While BCCs rarely spread to other parts of the body, they can cause significant damage to surrounding tissues if not treated promptly.

What Is Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Situ?

• Appearance: SCCIS is an early stage of skin cancer that usually appears as red, scaly patches or plaques that can be itchy or tender.
• Risk: If left untreated, SCCIS can develop into invasive squamous cell carcinoma, which has a higher risk of spreading to other parts of the body.

How PDT Treats These Skin Cancers:

• Selective Uptake: The photosensitizing agent accumulates in cancerous cells.
• Activation and Destruction: Light activation produces a reaction that selectively destroys the cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.
• Non-Invasive Treatment: PDT offers a practical, nonsurgical option for patients with superficial BCC and SCCIS. It minimizes scarring and preserves the appearance of the treated area.

Average Treatment Timelines and Results

A typical PDT treatment plan involves one to three sessions spaced several weeks apart. Each session lasts about an hour and includes the application of the photosensitizing agent and light exposure. You can accentuate the cosmetic benefits of PDT by electing to combine the treatment with IPL (intense pulse light laser).

Patients often see improvements within a few days of treatment, with optimal results noticeable after several weeks. Long-term maintenance may involve periodic follow-up treatments to sustain the results.

Downtime and Recovery

Post-treatment, patients may experience some redness, swelling and a sunburn-like sensation in the treated area. These side effects typically subside within a few days to a week. It is essential to avoid direct sun exposure and use sun protection diligently, as the treated skin will be more sensitive to light. Following the aftercare instructions provided by Dr. William Ting and his team will help ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results.

Photodynamic Therapy vs. Alternative Treatments

Understanding how PDT stacks up against other treatments can help you decide which is the best approach for your skin.

• PDT vs. Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy involves freezing the abnormal cells. PDT is less invasive and has a shorter recovery time. PDT also offers the advantage of treating larger areas of the skin in a single session.
• PDT vs. Topical Medications: Topical treatments require daily application over several weeks or months, whereas PDT can achieve similar results with just a few sessions. PDT is often more effective for extensive or resistant lesions.
• PDT vs. Laser Therapy: Both treatments use light to target abnormal cells, but PDT combines the light with a photosensitizing agent, which can enhance its effectiveness. PDT is also less likely to cause scarring.

Billing and Insurance Information

At California Dermatology Care, we strive to make PDT accessible to our patients. We can bill PDT to Medicare and most PPO insurance plans, ensuring that a majority of our patients can benefit from this treatment. However, please note that we cannot bill PDT to Blue Shield, Anthem Blue Cross or most HMOs. We recommend contacting our office for specific insurance inquiries and to discuss any potential out-of-pocket costs. Our team is here to help navigate your insurance coverage and provide clarity on the billing process.

Take the Next Step With California Dermatology Care

If you’re ready to explore the benefits of Photodynamic Therapy, our expert team at California Dermatology Care is here to guide you through the process. Dr. William Ting and our team of specialists are committed to providing you with personalized care and transformative results!

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how PDT can help you achieve healthier, more radiant skin. Text or call us at 925-328-0255 or click here to book online.