Treat Sun Damage, Precancerous Lesions and Selected Skin Cancers
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a highly effective, non-surgical treatment used to target and destroy abnormal skin cells while preserving healthy surrounding tissue.
At Austin Clinic, PDT uses a light-sensitive cream that is selectively absorbed by damaged or abnormal cells. Once activated by a specialised red LED light, these cells are destroyed, allowing healthier skin to regenerate in their place.
PDT is most commonly used to treat:
- Actinic keratoses (solar keratoses)
- Bowen’s Disease
- Selected superficial basal cell carcinomas
- Areas of field cancerisation and extensive sun damage
- Certain precancerous skin lesions
In selected cases, PDT may also be used to treat inflammatory skin conditions such as acne.
How Does PDT Work?
Photodynamic Therapy works in two stages. First, the cream is applied directly to the confirmed or suspected skin cancer or area of abnormal skin. The cream is preferentially absorbed by these abnormal cells over the following two hours.
The area is then exposed to a specific wavelength of red LED light, which activates the medication and destroys the targeted cells.
Because the treatment selectively targets abnormal tissue, PDT can effectively treat both visible lesions and surrounding areas of sun-damaged skin that may not yet be visible.
Your PDT Treatment Journey
Step 1 : Preparation
Our doctor will cleanse and prepare the treatment area before carefully applying the cream. The area is then covered and protected from light exposure while the medication is absorbed.
Step 2 : Incubation
You are free to leave the clinic for approximately two hours while the cream penetrates the abnormal cells.
Step 3 : Light Activation
Is Photodynamic Therapy Painful?
Patients should be prepared for a slight degree of discomfort during the light activation phase, which is often compared to a severe sunburn or an intense heat reaction.
PDT is one of the more intensive treatments we perform. Patients commonly experience:
- Burning
- Stinging
- Heat
- Tingling
- Significant sensitivity in the treatment area
The level of discomfort depends on the size and location of the area being treated and the amount of abnormal tissue present. Our team remains close by throughout the LED light treatment phase to support you and ensure you remain as comfortable as possible.
The benefits of PDT
Non-surgical treatment option
i.e. no incisions
Targets abnormal cells while preserving healthy tissue
Treats visible lesions and surrounding sun damage
Excellent cosmetic outcomes
Minimal risk of scarring compared with some surgical procedures
Useful for treating larger areas of sun damage and field cancerisation
Can reduce the need for multiple individual lesion treatments
Treatment Time
Appointment Time: Approximately 3-4 hours including incubation time.
LED Exposure Time: Approximately 20 minutes.
Downtime
Downtime following PDT can be significant and patients should schedule their time accordingly. Following treatment it is normal to experience:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Heat and tenderness
- Crusting or scabbing
- Blistering
- Itching
- Oozing in some cases
- Temporary darkening of treated lesions
Most patients experience discomfort for 1-2 weeks, while redness may persist for several weeks or occasionally several months.
The treated area often looks worse before it looks better. The final cosmetic outcome is typically excellent once healing is complete.
Aftercare
The treated area remains highly light sensitive immediately following treatment. For the first 48 hours we recommend:
- Avoiding direct sunlight
- Minimising exposure to bright indoor lighting where possible
- Keeping dressings in place as instructed
- Avoiding picking or scratching the area
To support healing, after the first 48 hours, we recommend:
- Applying Avène Cicalfate several times daily as needed
- Using only a gentle cleanser and dabbing the area dry
- Applying SPF50+ sunscreen once the area can be exposed
- Avoiding active ingredients such as retinol, AHAs, BHAs and exfoliants until fully healed
We also recommend avoiding:
- Laser treatments
- Chemical peels
- Microdermabrasion
- Facial treatments
- Saunas and spas
- Excessive sun exposure
How many treatments will I need?
Some lesions respond after two treatments while others require further sessions for complete resolution. The number of treatments required depends on:
The type of lesion
The size of the treatment area
The severity of sun damage
Individual healing response
Dr Susan Austin will generally review the treatment area approximately six weeks after your second treatment to assess the result and determine whether further treatment is required.
Can PDT Treat Acne?
Photodynamic Therapy can occasionally be used for inflammatory acne, as it targets both oil glands and acne-causing bacteria. However, full-face PDT treatments can be considerably more uncomfortable than the treatment of isolated lesions and is generally reserved for carefully selected cases.
Who is Suitable for PDT?
Photodynamic Therapy may be suitable for patients with:
- Multiple actinic keratoses
- Extensive sun damage
- Superficial skin cancers
- Areas of field cancerisation
- Patients wishing to avoid surgery where appropriate
A consultation with Dr Susan Austin is required to determine whether PDT is the most appropriate treatment option for your skin.
Why Choose Austin Clinic?
Dr Austin and the Austin Clinic have extensive experience in the diagnosis and management of sun damage and skin cancers. Photodynamic Therapy is offered with:
- Personalised treatment planning
- Comprehensive aftercare support
“Our goal is not simply to treat individual lesions, but to improve overall skin health and reduce the burden of future skin cancers wherever possible,” says Dr Austin.