What it is

→ Photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the face is a non-invasive dermatological treatment that uses a combination of a photosensitizing agent (a special cream or solution) and controlled light exposure to selectively destroy damaged or abnormal skin cells.

→ When the photosensitizer is applied to the skin, it is absorbed by precancerous, sun-damaged, or acne-prone cells. Once activated by a specific wavelength of light, the agent produces reactive oxygen molecules that kill the targeted cells.

→ PDT is widely used to treat:

• Actinic keratoses (precancerous sun-damaged spots).
• Acne vulgaris (by targeting overactive sebaceous glands and bacteria).
• Superficial skin cancers (in certain cases).
• Photoaging signs (fine wrinkles, pigmentation, and uneven tone).

→ On the face, PDT is particularly effective because facial skin is often sun-exposed and prone to both cosmetic and medical skin conditions.

Why it’s done

→ Photodynamic therapy on the face is performed for both medical and cosmetic reasons:

• To eliminate precancerous lesions before they progress to squamous cell carcinoma.
• To reduce chronic sun damage and actinic keratoses across broad facial areas.
• To improve cosmetic appearance by reducing pigmentation, redness, and wrinkles.
• To treat acne and oily skin, reducing inflammation and future breakouts.
• To provide a non-surgical, minimally invasive option with shorter downtime than aggressive procedures.

→ Patients with fair skin, long-term sun exposure, or recurring precancerous spots benefit most from facial PDT.

Alternatives

→ Alternatives to PDT for the face include:

• Topical therapies → 5-FU cream, imiquimod, or retinoids for actinic keratoses and acne.
• Cryotherapy → freezing individual lesions with liquid nitrogen.
• Laser therapy → fractional CO₂, erbium, or IPL for pigmentation and wrinkles.
• Chemical peels → exfoliating agents to remove damaged layers of skin.
• Oral acne medications → antibiotics, isotretinoin, or hormonal therapy.

→ These alternatives may be chosen depending on severity, patient preference, and tolerance to PDT.

Preparation

→ Proper preparation ensures effective and safe PDT:

• Dermatology consultation → to determine if PDT is suitable.
• Avoid sun exposure → at least 1–2 weeks prior to treatment.
• Stop photosensitizing drugs (if prescribed) → some medications increase sensitivity to light.
• No tanning or aggressive skincare → discontinue retinoids, peels, or exfoliants several days before.
• Clean skin → arrive with no makeup, sunscreen, or lotions.
• Protective planning → bring sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen for post-treatment care.

How it’s Done

→ A PDT session for the face typically involves:

• Application of photosensitizer → cream (such as aminolevulinic acid or methyl aminolevulinate) applied to the face.
• Incubation period → 30–120 minutes, allowing the cream to be absorbed by abnormal cells.
• Light activation → dermatologist shines a controlled wavelength of light (blue, red, or IPL) onto the face.
• Reaction phase → the activated photosensitizer destroys damaged or abnormal cells.
• Post-treatment care → sunscreen and soothing ointments are applied immediately afterward.

→ A session usually lasts 1.5–3 hours, including incubation and light exposure.

Recovery

→ Recovery from facial PDT is relatively short compared to surgical treatments:

• Day 1–3 → redness, burning, and mild swelling similar to a sunburn.
• Day 3–7 → peeling, crusting, and flaking as damaged skin sheds.
• Day 7–14 → skin heals, revealing smoother texture and improved tone.

→ Patients should:

• Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 48 hours.
• Apply soothing ointments and fragrance-free moisturizers.
• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.
• Follow dermatologists’ instructions strictly for aftercare.

→ Most people return to normal activities in 2–5 days, with complete recovery in about 1–2 weeks.

Complications

→ PDT is generally safe, but temporary side effects can include:

• Redness, swelling, or stinging during and after treatment.
• Peeling and dryness during recovery.
• Crusting or scabbing on treated areas.
• Temporary hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, more common in darker skin tones.
• Photosensitivity reactions if exposed to sunlight too soon.

→ Rare complications: infection, scarring, or persistent discoloration.

→ With professional care and strict sun protection, complications are minimal.

Treatment options in Korea

→ Korea is a global leader in dermatology and offers advanced PDT treatments for the face:

• Cutting-edge clinics → Seoul, Busan, and Daegu host clinics equipped with the latest PDT devices.
• Customized protocols → Korean dermatologists often combine PDT with topical therapies, chemical peels, or lasers for enhanced results.
• Medical–cosmetic integration → clinics focus on both medical lesion clearance and cosmetic rejuvenation.
• High patient safety → Korea emphasizes strict aftercare protocols and close follow-up.
• AI-supported imaging → some clinics use digital skin analysis to track improvements before and after PDT.
• Popular use for acne → PDT is widely performed in Korea for acne-prone skin, with long-lasting results.
• International patient services → English-speaking dermatologists and global healthcare support make PDT highly accessible to medical tourists.

→ With its advanced technology, aesthetic expertise, and preventive approach, Korea is one of the best destinations for facial photodynamic therapy.