Photodynamic Therapy
Read All About Photodynamic Therapy
Compare To Other Treatments
5
14.1%
4
24.3%
3
25.4%
2
13%
1
23.2%

Used Photodynamic Therapy? Rate It:

Choose from 1 to 5 stars
February 28, 2007

Pros:

none

Cons:

hurts a lot! definately not cheap! cost me 800 dollars for one treatment!

this does not work! all the people that r writing that it works, work for a dermotologist! they r just writing that it works to make more money. this treatment does not work and it is rather painful! DLK on Avenue is the dermatologist i went to and they r a complete scam! they have lost all credibility from me and i will forever rant and rave that there clinic is a scam! i have told all of my friends and i may even launch a website against them!! Everyone from toronto DO NOT GO TO DLK ON AVENUE! after the treatment my face was completely red and swollen! this lasted for the next 5 days! very painful and very emabarassing! then my skin peeled for the next 3 days! the areas of my face that actually looked cleaner were areas without acne so it could just be in my head that it is cleaner then before the treatment! but all areas around the jawline, temples, forehead and nose with pimples were untouched and exactly the same as before the treatment!
November 24, 2006

Pros:

nothing

Cons:

does not work

for the past two months, I did three treatments of Levulan photodynamic treatments every 2 weeks and in between i would get chemical peels. ALL BECAUSE my dermatologist told me that it would WORK. about 2000 dollars later...and NOTHING. my skin looks the same. believe me..I take pictures of my face everyday to see if theres any difference. and ZERO. do not waste your money on this

Finding a Doctor

The right dermatologist can make a big difference to your patient experience and the success of your acne treatment plan. Here are the steps to find a dermatologist who is a good fit:

  1. Use the search feature on the American Academy of Dermatology website to look for board-certified dermatologists in your area, and filter the search results for doctors with a special interest in treating acne.
  2. Read online patient reviews of any dermatologists you are considering and ask people you know whether they have any experience with these dermatologists.
  3. Do your research and go to your first appointment with questions prepared.
  4. Listen to what your gut feeling tells you once you see a dermatologist in person. If you are not completely comfortable, try a different dermatologist.

Finding a Doctor

Only a select few plastic surgeons specialize in acne scar revision surgery. Be certain to find a provider who specializes in acne scar repair and who is passionate and experienced in this area.

Be sure to:

  • Look at before and after photos, the more the better, especially patients with similar scarring to your own.
  • Be realistic about results. Look for improvement, not a cure.

Questions to ask a potential scar revision specialist:

  • Are you board certified? Be certain that they are board certified.
  • How long have you been performing these procedures? Normally, the more experience the better, however, some younger surgeons may be more on top of the latest procedures.
  • Can I speak to some of your other patients? Ask for references for several patients who had similar scarring and speak to them about the process and their satisfaction with results.

Red flags:

  • Their story changes: As you discuss different treatment options, if they tend to change their mind easily, or agree with whatever you say, consider this a red flag. A confident, experienced surgeon will possess strong, unwavering opinions.
  • Your gut tells you "no": Trust your gut. If you just don't feel that the doctor is the right fit, trust that and move on. On the other hand, if you feel they are the perfect specialist for you, trust that feeling.