Photodynamic therapy
Discover Photodynamic Therapy, a targeted treatment combining light and photosensitising agents to effectively treat sun damage, acne, and certain skin cancers, promoting healthier skin.
Treatment Time
Numbing
Discomfort
Recovery Time
What is photodynamic therapy (PDT?
If you’ve been diagnosed with a non-melanoma skin condition like actinic keratosis (or solar keratoses) or superficial basal cell carcinoma (Bowens disease), photodynamic therapy (PDT) may be a suitable, non-invasive treatment option. This light-based therapy is designed to treat abnormal skin cells with minimal disruption, downtime, or scarring.
At Neutral Bay Laser & Dermatology Clinic, we offer PDT treatment in Sydney using advanced Aktilite technology and dermatologist-led care to ensure safe, effective outcomes every time.
Photodynamic therapy, also known as PDT treatment, is a non-surgical skin treatment used to target precancerous and superficial cancerous lesions. It works by applying a light-sensitive cream (photosensitiser) to the skin, which is then activated by exposure to a specific light source, usually an Aktilite lamp or natural daylight.
When the cream is activated by light, it produces a chemical reaction that destroys the abnormal cells while leaving healthy tissue largely unaffected. This makes it an excellent option for treating:
- Actinic keratoses (solar keratoses)
- Superficial basal cell carcinoma
- Squamous cell carcinoma in situ (Bowen’s disease)
Why choose Neutral Bay for PDT treatment?
At Neutral Bay Laser & Dermatology Clinic, all treatments are performed by experienced dermatologists. With access to advanced Aktilite technology and a calm, supportive environment, you’re in safe hands every step of the way.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a precancerous lesion or have concerns about sun-damaged skin, photodynamic therapy could be the next step for you. Our dermatologists are here to guide you from consultation through to recovery, with expertise and genuine care.
Book your consultation today with Neutral Bay Laser & Dermatology Clinic to learn more about your treatment options.
Before your PDT skin treatment, your dermatologist will assess the lesion to confirm whether photodynamic therapy is appropriate for you and your skin.
On the day of treatment:
The skin will be gently cleaned and prepped. Any crust or scale will be removed, and the area will be lightly roughened to ensure the cream can penetrate the affected skin.
A specialised photosensitising cream is applied and left to absorb under a cover for 3 hours. You’re more than welcome to wait in our private lounge or leave and return later.
After the waiting period, the cream is removed and the skin is exposed to a specific light source for less than 10 minutes. Your eyes will be protected, and a clinician will be with you throughout the process to manage any discomfort. Treatment time is usually 3-4 hours.
To get the most out of your PDT treatment, we recommend:
- Avoiding sun exposure for 1–2 weeks before your appointment
- Arriving with clean skin (no makeup, mascara, lipstick or sunscreen)
- Wearing comfortable clothing if the treatment area is on the chest or body
- Booking the treatment at a convenient time, as you’ll need to return (or stay) during the 3-hour absorption phase
Our team will guide you through everything you need to know.
After your PDT light therapy, your skin will feel sensitive, much like sunburn. Here’s what to expect and how to care for your skin:
- Vaseline and a light dressing will be applied immediately post-treatment. This should stay on for 24 hours.
- Oozing or crusting may occur for 48–72 hours, followed by peeling and redness for up to 10 days.
- If the face was treated, sleep with your head elevated the first night to reduce swelling.
- Use your regular skincare products unless advised otherwise.
- Avoid strenuous activity, alcohol, or heat exposure for the rest of the day.
- Once the skin has healed, daily application of SPF 50+ is essential to protect your results.
- Makeup can be resumed once the treated skin has fully healed.
Recovery time usually takes around 3-10 days for PDT therapy.
For this treatment, all patients are required to have an initial consultation with Dr Poon before proceeding. This ensures the treatment is appropriate for you and tailored to achieve the best possible results.
- Minimally invasive and non-surgical
- Shorter recovery than surgical excision
- No sutures, minimal scarring
- Highly effective for field cancerisation (widespread sun damage)
- Can be repeated if needed
- Suitable for the face, chest, scalp, and other sensitive areas
What does PDT treatment feel like?
Most people describe a warm or tingling sensation. We use local anaesthetic or chilled water sprays to keep you comfortable throughout.
What is the cost of photodynamic treatment?
The cost of PDT treatment varies depending on the number and size of lesions being treated. As a guide, prices typically start from $750. We’ll provide an individualised quote during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect.
What are the side effects of photodynamic therapy?
Redness, oozing, crusting, and temporary discolouration are normal for 3-10 days. Rare side effects include pigmentation changes or incomplete lesion removal.
What is PDT treatment on the face used for?
It’s commonly used to treat sun-damaged areas, actinic keratoses, and early skin cancers, especially on the nose, cheeks, forehead and scalp.
Can I see before and after results?
Yes! We have PDT treatment before and after photos available during consultation to show typical outcomes and healing timelines.
Our Practitioners
The doctors at Neutral Bay Laser & Dermatology Clinic are highly trained medical professionals, with a caring and compassionate outlook, and a commitment to delivering exceptional results for our patients.
Dr. Terence Poon is the medical director of Neutral Bay Laser & Dermatology Clinic. He is a dermatologist and laser specialist. He has trained extensively in Australia and internationally, in the laser-responsive cosmetic aspects of dermatology.
He undertook a fellowship with Dr Jim Walter, who pioneered the use of lasers in dermatology in Australia and who founded our clinic, which was the first full time laser dermatology clinic in Sydney.
Dr Marianne Nolan has been with the clinic for over two decades and is very experienced in all aspects of laser treatments and related cosmetic procedures. Her meticulous record of safety and competence has earned her a huge following of dedicated cosmetic skin care patients, who also enjoy warm, caring manner. She trained extensively with our founder, Dr James Walter, and has attended regular training programmes and conferences in Australia, Europe and the USA. Together with Dr Walter, she is co-developer of our bespoke rejuvenation treatments, the Walter Nolan Multi-Laser Procedures.
Dr Helena Torpinski has been with our clinic for nearly two decades. Her bright and lively manner continues to ensure she is popular with our patients. Helena works as a GP in Newtown when she is not at our clinic and this adds a great breadth of knowledge and understanding to her engagement with patients. She has expertise in all forms of laser and light-based treatments and has a commitment to ongoing education, training and regular conference attendance.
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