Photodynamic Therapy Q & A
What is photodynamic therapy?
Photodynamic therapy, also known as photoradiation therapy, is designed to target unwanted cells in the skin, destroying them with intense light energy.
Photodynamic therapy is a multi-step process. During the first step, your dedicated SINY® Dermatology practitioner applies a topical solution to your face.
This solution is called Levulan®, and it’s a photosensitizer. That means that when absorbed by the cells in your skin, it makes those cells sensitive to light. SINY® Dermatology allows the Levulan to incubate in your skin for a set amount of time to deliver the best results.
During the next step, your SINY® Dermatology practitioner applies light to the treated cells. Because they’ve been exposed to a photosensitizer, the light destroys them. Your body then naturally processes out the destroyed cells, leaving you with healthier, more even skin.
What is photodynamic therapy used to treat?
Photodynamic therapy is ideal in cases where there are abnormal cells marring the appearance of your skin or compromising its health. SINY® Dermatology uses photodynamic therapy to treat:
- Actinic keratosis, which can develop into cancer
- Rosacea
- Acne
- Skin cancer
The last is perhaps most exciting because it gives SINY® Dermatology a way to effectively treat skin cancer without the need for any incisions.
By treating cancerous or precancerous cells with Levulan, then exposing them to light, they have the means to kill the abnormal cells that would not only compromise the health of your skin but your overall health.
Whether you’re dealing with cosmetic imperfections or skin cancer, photodynamic therapy offers a minimally invasive, highly effective way to destroy abnormal skin cells and get healthy, beautiful skin.
What is the process like for receiving photodynamic therapy?
SINY® Dermatology generally recommends three sessions of photodynamic therapy to deliver the best results to their patients. Each session is spaced between two and four weeks apart to allow your skin to heal between treatments.
They can also combine photodynamic therapy with other treatments to further support your skin goals and overall skin health.
For more information or to book an appointment, call 800-778-3090 or visit sinyderm.com.
We provide the full spectrum of medical, cosmetic, and laser dermatology at all six of our offices in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, Park Slope, Brooklyn, the West Village, and the Upper East Side in Manhattan, Forest Hills, Queens, and Southold on Long Island.