Photodynamic Therapy

At WellMedica Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Medicine, we provide photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a laser treatment. Photodynamic therapy, also known as ALA (PDT), is a treatment performed with a typical photo-sensitizing agent called Levulan® (5-aminolevulinic acid or ALA) that is applied to your skin and then activated with the correct wavelength of light. As a result, a reactive oxygen molecule is produced that kills nearby cells. Photodynamic therapy can be used to treat cancer, acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, and many other skin conditions.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a two-stage treatment that combines light energy with a drug (photosensitizer) designed to destroy cancerous and precancerous cells after light activation. Photosensitizers are activated by a specific wavelength of light energy, usually from a laser. The photosensitizer is nontoxic until it is activated by light.

PDT is recommended to help patients live longer and improve their quality of life. Although PDT works and causes few long-term problems, it’s not widely used to treat cancer today. Still, it is offered in some treatment centers. It is also used to treat pre-cancers of the skin and is being tested against pre-cancers in the mouth and other places. At WellMedica in Reston, VA, Dr. Dima Ali can help you understand any complications (if any exist in your case).

Photodynamic therapy is also being tested for other cancers that can be reached with light, such as malignant pleural mesothelioma and mycosis fungoides, a type of skin lymphoma. Some doctors may use PDT for these and other conditions, even though those uses are not approved by the FDA.

Photodynamic therapy selectively treats damaged skin cells such as pre-cancerous or thin cancerous lesions, as well as targets oil glands to treat acne. It works by applying a photosensitizing agent directly on the skin, which then gets activated when visible light and oxygen are present. One week after treatment, your damaged/inflamed skin sheds leaving you with newly revitalized skin.

PDT is recommended in blend with taking antibiotics or prescription drugs that treat the complete body instead of just your skin. Photodynamic therapy for acne is most effective when 3 to 5 treatments are received. At WellMedica, we space each treatment around 3 to 5 weeks apart. We also suggest PDT as a blended therapy for acne, indicating it is most effective when found in conjunction with other treatments and the right skincare program.

The cost starts at $350 per treatment. There are a variety of factors that determine the overall price. To ensure that your photodynamic therapy procedure is affordable, we accept a variety of payment methods including special financing plans.

On the day of the procedure, there are a few steps you need to take before arriving at your appointment.

• Clean the area of the skin thoroughly by washing with soap and water.
• Do not apply any lotions, creams, or makeup to your skin.
• Wear casual and comfortable clothes that cover the area to be treated. This can include a long-sleeved shirt if you are having your forearms treated, or a scarf for facial treatments.
• You can eat your usual meals and take your normal medications unless Dr. Dima has instructed otherwise.

Post-photodynamic therapy treatment, you need to:

• Remain indoors and avoid the sun (even through windows) or bright indoor lights for 48 hours, since you will experience sensitivity to bright indoor, or fluorescent, lights and sunlight for 48 hours after treatment.
• When cleansing affected areas, use a gentle cleanser.
• Pat the area dry and DO NOT RUB OR SCRUB!
• Apply a physical sunblock (that contains zinc oxide) every 2-4 hours.
• Apply gentle moisturizer twice daily or as needed for dry, irritated skin.
• If you have discomfort, apply ice packs or a cool water spray mist to treated areas.
• Avoid applying anything harsh such as antibacterial soaps, retinoids, or exfoliators for at least 2 weeks.
• Do not shave until the skin is no longer irritated, red, or feeling sensitive in those areas.
• For patients being treated for acne, you may experience worsening of your acne for 1 week. This typically will resolve on its own.

PDT is a very safe and effective treatment when performed by an experienced doctor. However, common side effects include a burning or stinging sensation while the light treatment is done. This usually passes soon after the treatment finishes.