PDT Therapy for Pre-Cancer in Orange County

Photodynamic Therapy is a 2 step treatment for the targeted destruction of abnormal cells from acne, actinic keratosis and superficial skin cancer.

Photodynamic Therapy for actinic keratosis is used by Dr. Sikorski to treat precancerous lesions Photodynamic Therapy (often referred to as PDT) combines light and a special light-activated solution that targets and destroys precancerous cells. 

Photodynamic Acne Treatment (PDT) is a process in which Levulan or Ameluz (photosensitizing agents) is applied to the skin where it is absorbed by acne and actinic keratosis cells.

The Levulan or Ameluz solution gets activated by a specific wavelength of light. This solution has been used for the treatment of various skin conditions and is the chosen topical agent for PDT due to its effectiveness.

PDT Acne Treatment in Orange County provides a viable alternative to all types of actinic keratosis. 

Photodynamic Actinic Keratosis  Treatment Procedure

Photodynamic Acne Treatment Procedure uses a painless solution called Levulan or Ameluz and applies it to your skin. The solution is then activated by a specific wavelength of light that is determined by Dr. Sikorski to be effective for your specific skin conditions. This takes about 30 minutes. 

The Levulan or Ameluz solution is absorbed by precancerous cells. The solution makes these cells more sensitive to the process. This combined interaction of the wavelength of light and the Levulan or Ameluz solution is what gives the name to the term “photodynamic therapy.”

When the light is on and interacts with the solution, the Levulan or Ameluz solution creates a reaction in which precancerous  cells are destroyed. Precancerous PDT reduces skin oiliness and minimizes the appearance of pore size. After a Photodynamic Acne Treatment in Laguna Niguel, the texture of your skin will improve.

Advantages of PDT for Precancerous Lesions or Sun Damage 

  • No scarring
  • No surgical excisions
  • No systemic side effects

The skin appears refreshed and the sun damage is improved following these treatments. We recommend adding an IPL, Pico laser, or vascular laser to your PDT treatment to see improvement in your red and brown spots. PDT does not improve brown and red lesions. Adding additional pigment lasers improves your appearance and outcome. 

Expected Side Effects

The normal and expected side effects of Photodynamic treatment (PDT) are skin redness and some skin peeling (and crusting if you have superficial skin cancers) for several days after the treatment. Usually, the first 1-2 days are the worst.

Important! You must remain indoors the day following your treatment to avoid sun exposure, as you are photosensitive for about 48 hours after PDT. Sunscreen will not protect your skin from further reaction during this time. You may prefer to have your treatment at the end of the day to avoid light exposure.

What are the other potential side effects?

The most common side effects include scaling/crusting, hypo/hyper-pigmentation, itching, stinging, and/or burning, erythema (redness) and edema (swelling). These side effects are temporary and can easily be managed with a vinegar water solution, as well as topical creams and ointments.

Other Precancerous Actinic Keratosis Treatments

Actinic Keratoses and Superficial Skin Cancer

Photodynamic Therapy is a very effective method in treating Actinic Keratosis. The destruction and removal of actinic keratosis lesions and superficial skin cancers can usually be accomplished in one or two sessions. At Natural Image OC, we recommend combining PDT with IPL.

Dr. Sikorski offers this option in addition to her signature AK Peel which utilizes TCA (trichloroacetic acid) in the destruction of AK lesions – Trichloroacetic acid is one of the more aggressive chemical peeling agents and is used for a number of skin problems. Other options are available depending upon the number of AK or cancerous lesions and their location on the body.

PDT works quickly in creating the action of abnormal tissue destruction and is identical to the procedures explained above with similar healing and side effects.

Advantages of PDT for treating AKs

  • Well-tolerated by most skin types
  • Quickly and simply performed in Dr. Sikorski’s office
  • Nonsurgical
  • Reduces risks of scarring

Learn more about Actinic Keratosis and all the various treatments available at Natural Image OC.

Schedule an Assessment for PDT Therapy for Pre-Cancer in Orange County

You’ll enjoy a relaxing visit to our office where you can ask questions, meet our staff, take a tour of our office and surgical suite and view additional photo results of our patients.

Your consultation assessment is with a Natural Image OC provider. Fees and procedure preparations are discussed with our patient care coordinator, who will detail the experience with you.

We look forward to meeting with you and helping you find the simplest solution to achieve the goals you desire. Contact Dr. Sikorski for a Photo Dynamic Therapy (PDT) consultation. Call or use our online form.