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Get cancer-free skin


Rejuvenated and Cleared Complexion

Photodynamic Therapy In Our London Based Clinic

Our Clinic

London Based
Cosmetic Clinic

Harley Street Skin Clinic offers a wide range of cosmetic treatments. We have state-of-the-art facilities and the best services across London that will make your PDT treatment the best and most enjoyable experience of your life.

Photodynamic Therapy With Our Practitioners

Our Practitioners

The Experts
Cosmetics Practitioners

We have the best doctors that can treat your severe skin disease, precancerous and cancerous melanoma. They are equipped with knowledge and skills for performing PDT.

Our Photodynamic Therapy Treatment Results

Our Results

Happy Client
Smoother Skin

Our Photodynamic therapy helps our patients effectively treat their severely damaged skin and cancerous cells. Their skin is now rejuvenated and free of cancer after their therapy.

What is Photodynamic Therapy?

Discover

Experience the power

How does it help damaged cells?

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) requires a photosensitizer drug that interacts with light energy. The procedure helps in the combat of various forms of skin diseases. It can basically kill cancer cells. The indication ranges from actinic keratosis (AK) to squamous cell carcinoma (Bowers disease) to stage 1 cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. It can additionally care for serious issues like acne, rosacea, as well as psoriasis. PDT is a versatile and effective solution to cancer treatments and dermatological problems.

Benefits are:

  • Rejuvenates skin
  • Less scarring
  • Minimally invasive
  • Improves tone and texture

Types of Photodynamic Therapy

Superficial PDT

Treat diseases like actinic keratosis and acne that affect the surface layer of the epidermis.

Deep PDT

It penetrates deeply into the epidermis to treat some kinds of skin cancer and deep lesions.

Fractional PDT

The traditional PDT and fractional laser are combined to treat the deep layer of the skin while avoiding damaging the surface.

Daylight PDT

It uses a light source from the sun to activate the photosensitizer medicines. It is a more convenient and comfortable treatment.

The Photodynamic Therapy Procedure

What do I need to know?

Photodynamic Therapy at work

Photodynamic Therapy is a combination of photosensitizer medicine and light energy to address different skin conditions, most especially cancerous and precancerous melanoma. PDT is used to treat actinic keratosis (AK). It is a precancerous condition that is caused by longer exposure to the sun. A dermatologist will apply a photosensitizing agent and light energy to treat the affected area. PDT can effectively cure squamous cell carcinoma and superficial basal cell carcinoma, as well as nonmelanoma cancer cells. It is also best for severe conditions like psoriasis, rosacea, and acne.

The National Cancer Institute recognises the PDT for effectively treating a variety of cancers and pre-cancerous skin problems. It provides comprehensive research about PDT.

What does Photodynamic Therapy do?

PDT (Photodynamic Therapy) or Photochemotherapy, involves light that selectively destroys the damaged cells, while, spurring the formation of healthy cell imprint musk. It is a procedure that involves continually exposing the treatment area to high-intensity light of a specific wavelength. Any cells that this light touches will be oxygen starved and thus will not survive and fall away. PDT may destroy blood vessels in the tumour and may trigger the immune system to attack the tumour cells. If you have a severe condition, you may need to use an ALA cream and a longer incubation time is needed.

An example of this is 'ALA' which stands for 5-Aminolevulinic acid. To be applied topically, ALA cream causes the target area to become hypersensitive to light and is essentially an activation ointment for the light-induced chemical reaction. After 24 to 72 hours the chemicals will leave the normal cells but stay in damaged cells to continuously treat it.

The key steps

What can I expect during the treatment?

Your doctor will need to cleanse the treatment area with alcohol to remove all the natural oils before starting the therapy. They will apply a sensitising solution to the treatment area. 30 minutes or more is needed for incubation. Your doctor will start to use the light energy for 15 minutes or more to activate the sensitising drugs after the incubation period. You will feel a burning and stinging sensation for the first 5 minutes. It will just go away after the treatment. After your light energy treatment, the area will be cleansed to remove all the solutions, and your doctor will apply sunscreen immediately.

What happens after Photodynamic Therapy?

After your PDT, you will be more sensitive to light for the next 48 hours. This is the effect of the combination of photosensitizing agents and light energy. You need to apply sunscreen right after the therapy as well as every day.

Safety and Comfortability

Is it safe?

PDT is safe when done by a well-trained professional. There may be temporary side effects after the treatment, but it can be easily managed. So there is no need to worry. Follow your doctor's advice to heal properly.

Is Photodynamic Therapy Painful?

The kind of PDT and the level of your sensitivity will determine the pain you will feel. Some of our clients experience intense burning and stinging sensations. Others just feel slightly warm.

General Guidelines

How many sessions do I need?

The number of sessions you need depends on concerns and how severe the damage is. Different problems require different numbers of sessions. It is best to consult your doctor to know your requirements and to give you a treatment plan. Book an appointment here.

Can Photodynamic Therapy be combined with other treatments?

Photodynamic Therapy can improve the quality of your results once combined with other treatments. Topical medicines such as hydroquinone and retinoids can be added to your daily routine. Combining cosmetic procedures like dermal fillers, IPL, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, Botox, LED light therapy, and microneedling is great as well. Ask your dermatologist for proper advice.

Post-treatment guidelines to follow

When should I contact my doctor after the therapy?

Extreme pain, swelling, blistering, and irritations, are all symptoms of infections. If you feel or experience any one of them, or if there are also changes in colour or allergies, and if you notice high photosensitivity and delays in your healing, call your doctor or go to your clinic immediately.

When can I return to work?

The treated area is a little bit red even after PDT, but it will not stop you from going back to work- unless you work outside under the sun. Patients should avoid any overexposure to harmful rays while their skin is at its most sensitive. For the rest of your healing, it is a good idea to still use an excellent quality, high-aspect SPF at all times.

Photodynamic Therapy Prices

Factors Affecting Pricing

How much does it cost?

Areas with the highest cost of living tend to have higher prices for Photodynamic Therapy. These neighbourhoods include Notting Hill and Chelsea, Kensington and Knightsbridge in addition to Mayfair. Prices may range from £1,400 to £2,000 per session and even higher for premium packages and additional services.

On the other hand, Photodynamic Therapy in those neighbourhoods with lower demands and more competitors may offer a lower price. For some areas, like Shoreditch and Hackney in East London, Clapham and Brixton in South London, Camden and Islington in North London, and Fulham and Hammersmith in West London, prices may range from £990 to £1,400 per session, depending on clinic and package offer.

These are only approximations, to know the exact Photodynamic Therapy cost, consult your doctor. Book an appointment here.

Our Prices

From £360

PDT Before & Afters

The remarkable difference a Harley Street Skin Clinic treatment can provide

PDT perfectly treats a multitude of skin conditions such as acne, fungal infection, inflammation, rosacea and large pores - amongst many others. It is fantastically effective as it works not just skin deep, but travels deep into the subdermal tissue to obliterate the stubborn bacteria which often leads to the problem to begin with...

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) After
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Before

PDT is a highly effective and established treatment for treating select forms of skin cancer. It is also a successful treatment for clearing acne; reducing red, inflamed skin; and completely rejuvenating areas of sun damage. Thanks to PDT, skin texture and tone of the treated area will be markedly improved.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) After
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Before

PDT is an ablative treatment - that means it works via a process of erosion. This erosion is caused by exposure to intense light which, when combined with a special photosensitising chemical, begins to break down only the damaged cells in order to make way for new, healthy ones.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) After
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Before

PDT works by eradicating microbial cells such as bacteria, fungi and a variety of dermal viruses which may be leading to unsightly skin problems. When exposed to PDT, these cells undergo a chemical reaction which deprives the affected tissue of oxygen, and voila - said damaged tissue falls away.

Photodynamic Therapy Essentials

Prepare
Before PTD

How do you prep your skin?

  • Do not expose yourself to the sun. Stop using any skincare products with exfoliants before your therapy.
  • You need to inform your doctor if you are taking supplements or medications.
  • You need to keep moisturised and avoid plucking or waxing your skin a few days before your therapy.
  • On the day of your therapy, go to your chosen clinic with clean skin and do not apply anything to it.
  • Wear comfortable clothes and protection like a wide hat and sunglasses as you will become more sensitive to light after the treatment.

Recovery
After PTD

How do I take care of the treated part?

  • Always wear sunscreen and stay out of the sun.
  • Avoid taking hot showers. Use lukewarm water when washing the treated area.
  • Use a soft towel to dry it.
  • Moisturise regularly and use painkillers if needed.
  • Follow your doctor’s advice for the treated part.

Prevent
After PTD

How do I maintain the results?

  • Avoid sun exposure and moisturise your skin regularly.
  • Use gentle skincare products.
  • Retinoids and antioxidants may be added to your daily routine.
  • A healthy lifestyle and regular checkup on your dermatologist will help you maintain good skin.
Why have Photodynamic Therapy

Advantages

Effective Treatments

How does Photodynamic Therapy combat severely damaged cells?

PDT therapy is a great way to help patients with cancer treatment and fight dermal diseases like nonmelanoma skin cancers, actinic keratosis, and photoaging, as well as severe acne. Through the use of photosensitizing drugs and bright light energy sources that activate them, those skin diseases can be destroyed by targeting only the abnormal cells.

It helps by:

  • Destroying abnormal cells
  • Minimizing acne and inflammation
  • Improving tone and texture
  • Revitalization

It enhances collagen production to help fight the signs of aging. Your tones and texture will improve, and your skin will become smoother and tighter because of PDT.

Boost Self Confidence

Your skin will become healthier and clearer, as well as will look younger after your PDT. It will help you feel comfortable and content with yourself. Most patients also get some social and psychological changes after having PDT therapy.

Recovery timeline

Day 1

You will experience common side effects like swelling and redness, as well as a stinging and burning feeling.

  • Use a cold compress.
  • Take pain relievers.

Days 2-3

The treated area will start peeling and crusting. You will also become more sensitive to light.

  • Apply sunscreen and moisturiser.
  • Do not pick the peeling and crusting.

Days 4-7

Redness and swelling may decrease. The treated part may become itchy.

  • Moisturise the treated area.
  • Apply sunscreen regularly.

Days 8-14

Peeling and crusting may stop. Mild redness may still be present.

  • Continue using sunscreen.
  • Continue moisturising the treated part.

Weeks 3-4

The treated area will return to its normal look. Redness and swelling should be gone.

  • Continue skincare routine.
  • You may add antioxidants and retinoids to your skincare.
Photodynamic Therapy Benefits

Advantages of Photodynamic Therapy

Enhanced Skin Health and Appearance

Improved Appearance

  • It helps improve the appearance by reducing uneven pigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles.
  • It targets only those cells with abnormalities and maintains healthy tissue around the treatment area.
  • Those dermal disorders like acne, photoaging, actinic keratosis, and psoriasis, as well as other kinds of head and neck cancers, can be treated by PTD.
  • It enhances collagen production and helps smooth and clear the skin.
  • Having good results

    Safe and Non-invasive

    Minimal Downtime

  • PDT has a little downtime that allows patients to return to work and daily activities immediately.
  • It is non-invasive and good for patients who do not like surgeries.
  • PDT does not create scars. It is good when your concerns are in the head and neck part.
  • It is safe for different skin types and tones. Some precautionary measures may need to be followed if you have darker tones.
  • Want more?

    Versatile Treatments

    Long-lasting Results

  • PDT results can be long-lasting for patients with actinic keratosis or severe acne.
  • It can cater to different individuals' conditions because it is customisable.
  • PDT can be combined with laser therapy and some topical medicines.
  • It is safe and effective, as the photosensitising agents that are used for PDT are FDA-approved.
  • Am I suitable

    Can I have a PDT?

    You are not suitable for PDT if you have the following conditions:

    • Pregnant or breastfeeding
    • Autoimmune disease
    • Wounds or infections
    • Fair or sensitive skin

    Consult your doctor to know if PDT is right for you.

    What are the Risk

    What are the side effects?

    Potential risks of PDT include:

    • Redness and swelling: Common side effects that may occur but subside in just a week.
    • Pain and discomfort: You may feel pain and discomfort during the process but it subsides a few hours after the treatment.
    • Peeling and crusting: These heal after one to two weeks.
    • Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation: Darkening or lightening of the skin is usually short-term but sometimes permanent.
    • Itching and dryness: During recovery, can be managed with the help of moisturiser and some topical treatments.

    Rare side effects like allergic reactions, scarring, light sensitivity, and eye damage may also be experienced.

    Visit Harley Street Skin London

    Our central London skin clinic