Photodynamic Therapy to Treat Acne Near Chicago

If your acne isn’t improving with prescription creams, oral medications, or other treatments, photodynamic therapy (PDT) acne treatment may be an effective next step, especially for moderate to severe cases.

Photodynamic therapy for acne is a light-based acne treatment that uses targeted light or laser energy to reduce breakouts, inflammation, and excess oil production.

How Does Photodynamic Therapy Work?

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a light-based acne treatment that uses a special topical medication plus targeted light energy to reduce breakouts. During PDT, a clear liquid medication is applied to your skin. This solution makes clogged pores and overactive oil glands more sensitive to light. Once activated by a specific light or laser, the treatment targets acne-causing bacteria and reduces oil production.

Unlike standard laser treatments, PDT treatment requires this photosensitizing medication on the skin to enhance results. PDT treatment can be done on the face or body.

What to Expect During PDT Treatment

A photodynamic therapy face treatment is generally well tolerated and not considered painful. Most patients need three treatments spaced 3-4 weeks apart. After the procedure, temporary redness, similar to a sunburn, may occur and last for 5-7 days. Because your skin becomes temporarily more sensitive to light, you will need to avoid direct sunlight and bright indoor light for 48 hours after treatment.

Who Can Benefit from PDT for Acne?

Photodynamic therapy works best for individuals with:

Moderate to severe acne
Cystic acne
Persistent red, inflamed breakouts

PDT face treatments are especially effective at reducing cysts and red bumps. It is less effective for non-inflammatory acne such as blackheads and whiteheads.

Most patients begin noticing improvement 1 to 3 months after the final treatment. In some cases, acne may temporarily flare before it begins to improve.

Schedule Your Consultation for PDT Treatment Today

If you are struggling with stubborn or cystic acne, our expert board-certified dermatologists for PDT at Advanced Dermatology can determine whether photodynamic therapy (PDT) for face and body acne is right for you. Our dermatologists offer advanced PDT therapy near Chicago.

Schedule a consultation today at our locations in Lincolnshire or Glencoe to learn more about PDT for acne and PDT treatments for your face.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Photodynamic Therapy

What does PDT feel like?

Photodynamic therapy uses light or laser energy that is minimally painful. You may feel slight discomfort during treatment, as if a rubber band snapping is on your skin.

What can I expect on the day of treatment?

On your treatment day, you should arrive 60 to 120 minutes early, depending on the area being treated, so your skin can be cleansed and coated with the topical medication. For best results, sometimes microneedling is also performed to increase absorption.

Can this be combined with other treatments?

Yes, a PDT face treatment may be combined with traditional Photorejuvenation, chemical peels, and other therapies. The choice of combinations depends on the skin condition being treated. It also may be combined with tissue tightening treatments or injectable fillers and toxins.

What is the cost of Photodynamic Therapy?

The cost depends on several factors, including the number of treatments and use case. Medical PDT for actinic keratosis may be covered by your insurance. Treatments of acne, rosacea, and sun damage are not covered by insurance and are considered cosmetic treatments that the patient is responsible for.

What are the risks and side effects of PDT?

Before treatment, your medical provider and cosmetic coordinator will review all potential risks and side effects.

After the procedure, it’s common to experience redness and flakiness, similar to the effects of a sunburn, which can last anywhere from one day to over a week. If you have existing sun damage, the treated area may feel particularly sensitive. If your skin is tanned or recently exposed to the sun, we recommend waiting until the tan fades before proceeding with PDT to minimize side effects like blisters or crusting.

While temporary side effects may occur, photodynamic therapy does not cause scarring, and patients typically experience significant long-term improvement in their skin.

Is there another way to get the same effect as PDT?

Yes, there are alternatives to PDT.

Precancerous cell removal: While PDT is the only method that destroys tiny precancerous cells not visible to the naked eye, there are additional methods: topical creams, liquid nitrogen, and surgery. Topical creams and PDT each result in an 80% to 90% improvement in actinic keratosis. While PDT is done in a single visit, topical creams must be applied daily by the patient for weeks.

Sun damage: Sun-damaged skin may also be treated by the Fraxel laser, chemical peels, topical creams, and by laser without Levulan.

Severe acne: Alternative treatments for acne include chemical peels, acne facials, lasers, and light therapy.