Photodynamic Therapy in Dallas, TX

Elevate Medical Spa and Cosmetic Surgery in Dallas, TX is proud to offer photodynamic therapy to area men and women. This innovative dermatology treatment specifically targets and destroys precancerous skin damage. It combines the application of topical medication followed by exposure to a special blue or red light source. The medication is first applied and allowed to be absorbed by precancerous cells, then activated by the light to destroy sun damage. If you are interested in learning more, call our Dallas office to schedule a private consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Thornwell Parker.

Ideal candidates for PDT usually have lighter or fair skin that exhibits sun damage, particularly scaly spots called actinic keratosis. You may not be a good candidate if you are sensitive to light or taking any type of medication that might bring on skin irritation during light-based therapies. You may also not be eligible if you have certain medical conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus or porphyria. During your initial consultation, Dr. Parker will review your medical history to determine if this treatment is right for you.

Photodynamic therapy uses specific topical medications called photosensitizing agents, most commonly Amileuz, Levulan, or Metvixia. Depending on where the treatment will be used, the medication is most often applied directly to the top layer of the skin. Once the drugs are administered and the proper incubation time has passed (usually 1 – 3 hours), you will be exposed to the light source to activate the photosensitizing, usually for 5 – 16 minutes, depending on the light source (most often the Blue U, Omnilux, or Sciton BBL). You may experience a warm, hot, tingling, stinging, or light burning sensation during the procedure. Although a cooling fan is sometimes used to help ease these symptoms, it is not immediately recommended because it may decrease the effectiveness of the treatment. Afterward, your skin will be washed and sunscreen will be applied to protect your skin. 

PDT is safe and effective on areas, such as the face, scalp, chest, arms, legs, and feet. Once your procedure is concluded, you should avoid direct sunlight for the first 24 – 48 hours. Nausea, dizziness, and headaches are possible side effects, but these should subside within a day or two. Most patients experience redness or a sunburn type of reaction that lasts for approximately one week. Less commonly, there is swelling, blistering, and crusting. Typically, we recommend a couple treatments that are scheduled 4 – 6 weeks apart for optimal results. We also consider repeating treatments every year or two in order to continue reducing the amount of actinic keratosis and sun damage on patients' skin, hopefully reducing the number of skin cancers they have.

If you have skin that has been damaged from precancerous skin cells or severe sun damage, call our Dallas, TX cosmetic practice today to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Parker. We can help you obtain healthier skin through this restorative LED light therapy treatment. You will be amazed at the results and will love the improved look of your skin.