Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Photodynamic therapy is proven to be a highly effective treatment for actinic keratoses (pre-cancerous skin lesions). PDT provides a “field treatment” treating clinically evident as well as subclinical lesions that are under the surface before they grow larger. As such, this treatment is a good proactive and preventative treatment before larger pre-cancerous lesions or skin cancers arise.

At VIDA Dermatology, PDT treatments begin with our nurses applying a topical photosensitizer (a liquid solution or cream prescription medication known as Levulan or Metvix) to the area being treated, incubating or waiting a period of 60-90 minutes until the medication is absorbed into the skin and then being placed under the appropriate light devices to activate the photosensitizer on the skin.

PDT treatments are a non-invasive treatment, which is well tolerated with minimal downtime. The photosensitizers combined with the light device leads to elimination or peeling off of the pre-cancerous or damaged skin cells on the area being treated. The end result is much improved quality and appearance of the skin. Fortunately, PDT treatments are currently 100% covered (free for patients) by Alberta Health Care. Only the prescription photosensitizer medication requires purchasing and may be fully covered by your private insurance plan.