Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Photodynamic (PDT therapy) is the one of the recent advances in acne therapy and the reduction of pre-cancerous skin lesions.

The photodynamic procedure involves the application of a photosensitising agent in the form of a cream, which is then activated with a blue and red light. The medicated cream used in PDT therapy inactivates the bacteria that trigger acne, exfoliates the skin to unclog pores, and shrinks the sebaceous glands in the skin.

This specific medicated cream also effectively destroys traces of certain superficial pre-cancerous cells within the skin. The medicated PDT photodynamic treatment program has significant and long lasting effects. For severe acne, you may require 3-6 treatments administered 2-4 months apart.

For Actinic Keratoses, a minimum of 2 treatment sessions is recommended spaced 6 weeks apart.

Patients undergoing PDT therapy must wear sunscreen to protect their skin from sunlight and other strong lighting sources permanently for optimal results.

To see if you are a candidate for this procedure please feel free to book a consultation with Dr Georgina Konrat.

Dr Georgina Konrat

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
Surgical Fellow of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine (FACCSM)
Registered Medical Practitioner: (MED0001407863)
General Registration

How Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Works

PDT therapy will take 2-6 hours depending on what you are being treated for.
A special cream containing the PDT medication will be given to you to apply the evening prior to your light therapy.
The evening prior to your LED light therapy appointment, exfoliate and cleanse your skin, dry the area concerned and massage in the cream provided ensuring you do NOT get cream in your eyes. Turn off all lights and go to bed.
In the morning, wash and dry the area concerned. eg., Face, neck, décolletage, hands arms.
You need to bring a scarf to tie around your hat and face and bring suitable clothing to keep direct light from re-activating the skin which as been treated.
When you arrive, your skin will be cleansed again.
You will be placed under Blue LED Light and also Red LED light for 20 – 30 minutes.
After the PDT therapy, your skin will feel warm to hot and will look as if you have a moderate to severe sunburn.
Over the first 24 hours there will be tightness, redness, and minor swelling. The treated areas are cleansed with warm water and kept moist with Vaseline or other gentle softening creams such as post Laser cream, lanolin or Bio oil.
Over 3-7 days, some skin may peel. There may be an increase in whiteheads and pimples in breakout-prone skin during this time. Thereafter the skin will heal and rejuvenate.
We recommend a gentle exfoliation of the skin on days 4/5 to remove any dead or dry skin on the surface of the treated area.
You will need to stay out of direct light for the first 48 – 72 hours post PDT therapy and you will be seen 6 weeks post-treatment for a check-up.

Book online

Learn more from Dr Georgina Konrat

It is critical that you are fully informed about the procedures: the information on this website has been written and is regularly updated by Dr. Konrat. However, you should never make a decision by reading a web page alone, no matter how comprehensive the information is. We encourage you to book a personal consultation with Dr. Konrat, where she will assess you, explain the procedure and your options in detail and help you to understand all the options as well as the risks and complications of labiaplasty surgery.

If you feel ready to book a consultation with Dr Georgina Konrat, please click on the “Book Now” button at the top of the page.

Please note the important facts below:

A GP referral is required to book your consultation.
Two consultations are required. There is no extra fee for the second consultation. One of the consultations is required to be in person with the Doctor performing your procedure. One of the consultations may be conducted via telehealth via FaceTime or zoom.

Please note that a 7 day cooling off period is required following the second consultation prior to booking a surgery date.

It is critical that you are fully informed about the surgical procedure you are considering. An in-depth consultation and examination informs you of the options as well as the risks and complications of your surgery.

Dr Konrat and her team aim to provide every patient with the highest standard of care from their first phone call through to the final post operative visit.

Results, risks, recovery from surgery and healing vary between individual patients and are dependent on factors including, but not limited to genetics, diet, exercise, co-operating with post operative appointments and care.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does your skin stay red after PDT?

The treated area will initially be pink to red for at least 14 days. The area may then continue to be pink for up to 6 weeks while the skin is healing and rejuvenating. A good pigment base concealer is recommended during this time.

Is the PDT procedure painful?

Pain during the procedure is subjective. Most people report feeling as if they are lying in the midday sun being sunburnt.

What should I avoid after my photodynamic therapy?

As previously mentioned, it is extremely important to avoid all direct sunlight or light exposure for the first 48 hours after the treatment. You will need to wear sunscreen daily and a hat at all times when you return to the outdoors.

What are the effects of PDT?

Post treatment your skin may feel warm to hot, and you may also experience redness, moderate swelling, and often times stinging – it can be compared to the feeling of sunburn on your skin. These symptoms subside over 5-7 days and the new skin will then take up to 6 weeks to rejuvenate and remodel. Patients with severe ACNE or Actinic Keratoses will require a minimum of two treatments space a minimum of 4 weeks apart.