Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
This advanced treatment offered at Goodman combines light energy and topical solutions to treat cancerous and precancerous growths.
What Is Photodynamic Therapy?
Photodynamic therapy, or PDT, is a solution for addressing cancerous and precancerous growths. These growths include moles, keratoses, and various other skin lesions. PDT uses a special solution known as a photosensitizing agent. This is a medication that becomes activated when targeted with specific light energy. During the PDT treatment, the photosensitizing agent is applied to the cancerous growth and the area is targeted with light energy, activating the medication to target and kill the cancerous and precancerous cells.
What can I expect during PDT treatment?
The photosensitizing agent required for PDT may either be applied to the skin topically, or injected into the bloodstream to address larger growths. Once this solution has been fully absorbed by the targeted skin lesion, the rest of treatment can continue. Most often, a laser device will be used to activate the photosensitizing agent. This may cause a warm, tingling or burning sensation, but can be made more comfortable with the use of various anesthetic techniques.
How much does photodynamic therapy cost?
The cost of your photodynamic therapy treatment will vary depending on your treatment needs, and may be covered by some health insurance providers.
At Goodman Dermatology, we understand that each patient is unique and deserves a personalized treatment plan. We can provide a more accurate cost for treatment after we assess your treatment goals and develop your treatment plan. During your consultation, we will discuss your needs and come up with an exact cost. To make our treatments more affordable for our patients, we are proud to offer financing options through CareCredit.
Are there any side effects after photodynamic therapy?
After PDT, you may experience swelling, redness or discomfort in the treatment area. However, these side effects typically fade within several days.
Is any downtime required?
There is no recovery period necessary after PDT. However, you will need to avoid direct sunlight for several weeks after treatment, as the skin will be highly sensitive to light during this time.
What kind of results can I expect after PDT?
The photodynamic therapy can be effective in fully eliminating cancerous and precancerous growths. However, depending on the size of the skin growth, multiple treatments may be necessary. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your condition and your treatment plan in order to inform you of the number of treatments required, as well as the results that you can expect.
If you are seeking photodynamic therapy treatment, contact us today to schedule your consultation at Goodman Dermatology. We are proud to offer medical dermatology solutions and exceptional, personalized care in the north metro Atlanta and North Georgia area.
Photodynamic Therapy FAQs
The photosensitizing agent required for PDT may either be applied to the skin topically, or injected into the bloodstream to address larger growths. Once this solution has been fully absorbed by the targeted skin lesion, the rest of treatment can continue. Most often, a laser device will be used to activate the photosensitizing agent. This may cause a warm, tingling or burning sensation, but can be made more comfortable with the use of various anesthetic techniques.
The cost of your photodynamic therapy treatment will vary depending on your treatment needs, and may be covered by some health insurance providers.
At Goodman Dermatology, we understand that each patient is unique and deserves a personalized treatment plan. We can provide a more accurate cost for treatment after we assess your treatment goals and develop your treatment plan. During your consultation, we will discuss your needs and come up with an exact cost. To make our treatments more affordable for our patients, we are proud to offer financing options through CareCredit.
After PDT, you may experience swelling, redness or discomfort in the treatment area. However, these side effects typically fade within several days.
There is no recovery period necessary after PDT. However, you will need to avoid direct sunlight for several weeks after treatment, as the skin will be highly sensitive to light during this time.
The photodynamic therapy can be effective in fully eliminating cancerous and precancerous growths. However, depending on the size of the skin growth, multiple treatments may be necessary. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your condition and your treatment plan in order to inform you of the number of treatments required, as well as the results that you can expect.
If you are seeking photodynamic therapy treatment, contact us today to schedule your consultation at Goodman Dermatology. We are proud to offer medical dermatology solutions and exceptional, personalized care in the north metro Atlanta and North Georgia area.