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Philadelphia and Mainline Center of Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery

Written by Dr. Ringpfeil

Photodynamic Therapy

Insider Information: Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) For Acne

Photodynamic therapy is an excellent alternative to Accutane (isotretinoin). It achieves similar results and targets acne only where it is.

OMNILUX - PDT for acne and cancer treatment

Photodynamic therapy is covered by insurance for skin cancer / precancer treatments only. It is not covered for acne, scars, sebaceous gland hyperplasias, and skin rejuvenation.

65-70% of our patients fully control their acne after 4-6 PDT treatments ($650 / treatment) when performed every 4 weeks.

I apply Ameluz photosensitizing agent (rather than the Levulan Kerastick, which I find less effective for acne treatment) and let it incubate on the skin under Seran wrap for 1.5 hours and then activated by red light 633 nm for 3-20 minutes. The exact time will be determined by the tolerance or any redness occurring on the skin during activation.

After the treatment, sun light and fluorescent light protection is crucial for 42 hours after the application of the Metvixia. Most people who undergo PDT have some redness mild swelling for 24 hours after each treatment.

5% of patients experience a severe reaction with bright redness, swelling, and reactivation of acne that lasts intensely for one week and may require oral or topical steroid for several days and oral antibiotic for 10-14 days. If this rare reaction occurs, residual redness on the face may take up to 3-4 weeks to fully resolve. In those who have this severe reaction, only one treatment rather than 4-6 is typically necessary to control the acne. While nobody is pleased while in this severe phase, our patients uniformly said they would do it again given that their acne is gone afterwards or needs only minimal topical medication for control. The severe reaction can be avoided if the incubabtion time is reduced. However, for the majority of people that would mean undertreatment and payment for an ineffective treatment.

photodynamic therapy - PDT - Treatment
  • Expected Results
    • This photosensitizing treatment effectively treats inflammatory acne, rosacea, sebaceous gland hyperplasias as well as precancerous conditions and superficial skin cancers.
  • Preparation
    • Levulan Kerastick / Metvixia contains a clear solution of aminolevulinic acid that is applied to the skin for 1 to 2 hours (acne), or several hours (cancers / pre cancers), prior to activation with a light source.
  • Post treatment instruction
    • Sun exposure and fluorescent light exposure must be strictly avoided for 24-48 hours after the treatment as photosensitivity from the Levulan Kerastick / Metvixia persists for this amount of time. A zinc oxide / titanium dioxide containing sunscreen must be applied to any treated area that can not be covered by clothing.
  • Time to desired results
    • 4-6 treatments every 2-4 weeks for acne. Usually two treatments, 2 weeks apart, for precancerous conditions/skin cancers. 2-6 treatments, two weeks between treatments, for superficial skin cancers.
  • Contraindications
    • Sensitivity to aminolevulinic acid, photosensitizing medications.
  • Lasting results
    • Many months with acne/rosacea, up to 10 years with skin cancer.
  • Downtime
    • Gradually diminishing redness and peeling for several days. Crusting occurs when skin cancers are present. Topical acne/rosacea treatments can be resumed when the redness has faded.

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Last updated: 1/02/2024 11:10 AM

PATIENT RATINGS

Would you recommend us?

definitely
93.1%
probably
6.16%
maybe
0.58%
not likely
0.08%
no
0.02%

Compare our service to other similar practices

excellent
87.9%
very good
10.1%
good
1.8%
poor
0.06%
very poor
0%

Overall doctor performance

excellent
94.2%
very good
4.89%
good
0.80%
poor
0.03%
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The doctor listened to you attentively

excellent
93.9%
very good
4.97%
good
1.05%
poor
0.05%
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The doctor took time to answer your questions

excellent
94.0%
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4.66%
good
1.27%
poor
0.02%
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The doctor explained treatment options

excellent
94.3%
very good
4.16%
good
1.25%
poor
0.14%
very poor
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The doctor explained treatment options

excellent
92.0%
very good
5.69%
good
2.18%
poor
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Front desk performance

excellent
85.6%
very good
10.2%
good
3.66%
poor
0.31%
very poor
0.08%

Aesthetician performance

excellent
88.6%
very good
7.61%
good
3.39%
poor
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very poor
0.08%

Office comfort

excellent
90.9%
very good
6.93%
good
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Parking

excellent
66.4%
very good
14.4%
good
15.7%
poor
2.49%
very poor
0.9%

Friendliness of the staff during appointment

excellent
90.9%
very good
7.23%
good
1.85%
poor
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What WE DID WELL

(Answers:674)

Everyone was extremely friendly. Doctor was fantastic. Would highly recommend.

#12024-09-22

The cleanliness of the office, friendliness of the staff...I am very satisfied with my visit!

#22011-10-28 10:22:57

thoroughness and timeliness of the doctor

#32025-04-11

I appreciated that Dr. Ringpfeil took the time to thoroughly explain everything we spoke about. She did not simply provide a professional opinion, she provided her opinion and supplemented it with an explanation that made everything clear to me. I felt like I was listened to and interacted with, rather than just spoken at (which has often been my experience with other dermatologists). Thank you!

#42025-04-06

Friendly, well educated

#52025-01-01

easy to get appointment,great docs,great staff.

#62012-09-04 13:02:42

The concern and empathy of the doctor and all the office staff regarding my daughter. Thank you so much!

#72025-03-16

Everyone is extremely nice and professional. I like the fact that the office is utilizing technology for things such as consent forms and patient information forms rather than paper. Good for the environment!

#82010-12-01 12:08:05

love the new office!!!!

#92024-12-01

The fact you aren't rushed.

#102025-04-15

What can we do better?

(answers:373)

I was dissapointed when my appointment was cancelled because of the snow. I had to wait 6 weeks to get another appointment. I wish that I could have been worked in sooner.

#12011-03-11 14:29:03

less waiting time for follow up appointments

#22024-12-31

excellent service

#32024-06-15

DO NOT CHANGE A THING- YOU FOLKS ARE WONDERFUL!!!!!

#42025-04-04

I think everything was wonderful. Keep up the good work!

#52011-02-22 09:25:17

There was some wait between my initial interview with the medical assistantand my meeting the physician. This wait could have been shorter.

#62024-12-12

don't change a thing, you guys are the best! Please send me Real Estate Referrals, thanks

#72010-09-30 09:51:55

Everyone and everything is excellent!

#82011-03-23 10:51:26

Everything was great

#92010-11-04 12:31:22

I think the service provided fulfilled my expectations so at this time I do not have any suggestions for improvement.

#102024-12-24

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