Photodynamic Therapy

About PDT

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a cutting-edge, cosmetically superior method of treating precancerous skin lesions and superficial skin cancers of certain types.

A special cream (a photosensitizer) is applied to the treatment area and activated by light. Sometimes a second treatment is recommended a week later. The beauty of PDT is that it leaves healthy skin cells almost completely unaffected. There are two ways of administering PDT:

• Conventional PDT – which is done in the clinic: we prepare the treatment area and apply the cream and cover with a dressing. 3 hours later you return to clinic when we shine a light on the area for 10 minutes or so.
• Daylight PDT – again, we prepare the treatment area and apply the cream. You then go home and exposure to daylight for 2 hours activates the cream. Then you return to the clinic for us to remove the cream.

If you are concerned about sun-damaged skin, book to see our experienced dermatology specialists for an assessment.