The Denver Dermatology Center offers Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for Denver and Boulder patients who are seeking advanced solutions to their troublesome skin conditions. PDT is a unique therapy that combines a photosensitizing topical medication with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL or IPL Photofacial) and/or BLU-U® natural visible spectrum light to treat photodamage, actinic keratoses (precancerous lesions), rosacea, and acne. IPL-PDT is the most recommended procedure in our office.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is an advanced therapy that combines a photosensitizing topical medication with IPL and/or BLU-U® light sources to selectively remove damaged skin cells. The Denver Dermatology Center offers three types of PDT treatment:
Photodynamic Therapy at the Denver Dermatology Center has the potential to resolve a number of challenging dermatologic concerns. Here are some of its potential benefits:
Margaret "Migs" Muldrow, MD, FAAD spent her childhood in rural Ethiopia. As a young girl, she worked in a local village clinic, an experience that ultimately inspired her to become a physician. She received her medical degree from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
First, the targeted treatment area is cleansed and exfoliated before the medication Levulan® is applied to the skin and allowed to "incubate" for 90 to 120 minutes. The medication can cause some stinging, but this quickly subsides.
If you are undergoing treatment with IPL, an anesthetic cream will also be applied to your face, and you will be given medications to limit your discomfort. You will then undergo laser treatment followed by BLU-U-PDT treatment.
For BLU-U-PDT, you will be placed under the BLU-U® light for approximately 5 to 15 minutes. The light causes no pain or discomfort, but you may experience warmth or tingling. A fan may be used to keep you cool during the procedure. After the treatment area is cleansed, sunscreen is applied.
Following your Photodynamic Therapy at the Denver Dermatology Center, you will be asked to remain completely out of the sun for the first 48 hours to avoid burning and to facilitate healing. For the first 3 days following treatment, you may experience mild to moderate redness, swelling, irritation, dryness, or tightness. If you undergo Photodynamic Therapy with IPL, you may also experience mild to moderate swelling. Some patients feel like they have a sunburn. After 2 or 3 days, your skin may begin to peel. The treatment has a recovery time of 5 to 7 days.
Most patients respond well to PDT, with no complications. However, some experience redness, itching, or a mild flare of acne. The Denver Dermatology Center team has the training and experience to properly evaluate your skin, explain potential risks, and administer treatment.