Photodynamic Therapy Quick Facts

Treatment time: 60–120 minutes

Downtime: 2-7 days of mild redness, peeling or crusting depending on treatment intensity.

Results: Visible improvements within 1–2 weeks as damaged cells clear.

Lasts: Long lasting, may be repeated depending on degree of sun damage or acne activity.

Best for: Actinic keratoses, field cancerization, acne and oily skin, severely sun damaged skin.

Restore clarity and skin health.

At FACET Dermatology, we offer photodynamic therapy in Toronto to treat actinic keratoses, acne, and areas of significant sun damage.  This treatment uses a topical photosensitizing medication followed by controlled light activation to selectively destroy precancerous cells and overactive oil glands while improving overall skin quality.

PDT is a medically directed treatment often used as part of a field therapy approach for patients with chronic sun damage. In addition to treating visible lesions, it helps address subclinical damage that may not yet be visible.

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What is Photodynamic Therapy?

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a medical treatment that uses a topical photosensitizing medication combined with a specific wavelength light source to treat precancerous lesions, acne, and sun-damaged skin. After the medication is applied, it is absorbed preferentially by abnormal or overactive skin cells. When activated by light, it produces reactive oxygen species that selectively destroy these targeted cells.

Unlike cosmetic light treatments, PDT is considered a medical field therapy because it treats both visible lesions and early cellular damage across an entire treatment area.

PDT IS PERFORMED IN THREE MAIN STEPS:

  1. APPLICATION: A photosensitizing solution is applied to the treatment area
  2. INCUBATION: The medication is allowed to absorb into damaged or overactive cells
  3. ACTIVATION: A medical light source activates the medication to destroy targeted cells

THIS PROCESS HELPS:

  • Destroy precancerous cells
  • Reduce acne-causing bacteria
  • Decrease sebaceous gland activity
  • Improve overall skin texture in sun-damaged areas

The result: healthier skin with reduced precancerous change and improved clarity over time.

What Does Photodynamic Therapy Treat?

Photodynamic therapy is commonly used for medical and select cosmetic indications including:

  • Actinic keratoses
  • Field cancerization from chronic sun damage
  • Acne
  • Oily skin
  • Severely photo-damaged skin
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SEE THE DIFFERENCE LIGHT CAN MAKE

Healthier Skin Starts at the Cellular Level

PDT helps remove precancerous cells and improves the quality of sun-damaged skin. Patients often notice smoother texture and clearer skin as damaged cells are replaced by healthier tissue. Treatment plans are individualized based on medical and cosmetic goals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photodynamic Therapy safe?

Yes. Photodynamic therapy is FDA and Health Canada approved and widely used in dermatology for treating actinic keratoses and acne. Patients may experience burning, warmth, or stinging during light activation. Redness and peeling afterward are expected parts of the treatment response.

How many PDT treatments will I need?

The number of treatments depends on the condition being treated. Actinic keratoses may require 1–3 treatments, while acne may benefit from a series. Your treatment plan will be individualized based on your skin findings and goals.

What areas can be treated?

Common treatment areas include the face, scalp, chest, and hands, which are frequently affected by chronic sun damage and actinic keratoses. PDT is often used as a field treatment to address both visible lesions and early precancerous changes across an entire area of skin.

What does recovery look like after PDT?

Redness similar to a sunburn is expected. Peeling, flaking, or crusting may occur over several days as damaged cells clear. Strict sun avoidance is required for 48 hours after treatment because the skin remains temporarily light-sensitive. Most patients resume normal activities within a few days.

Is PDT right for me?

PDT may be recommended for patients with actinic keratoses, significant sun damage, or acne. Suitability depends on medical history, medications, and skin examination findings. A consultation is required to determine if this is the right treatment.

How long do PDT results last?

Results depend on the condition being treated and your ongoing sun exposure. Actinic keratoses that are treated often resolve, but new lesions can develop over time due to prior sun damage. Some patients benefit from periodic repeat treatments as part of a long-term skin cancer prevention strategy. Acne improvements may last months depending on oil production and other treatments being used.

What should I avoid after a PDT treatment?

Patients must avoid direct sunlight and bright indoor light exposure for at least 48 hours after treatment to prevent excessive inflammation. Gentle skincare, moisturizer, and mineral sunscreen are recommended during recovery. Your provider will give detailed post-procedure instructions.