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Photodynamic Red Light Therapy (PDT)
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Conveniently located to serve Scarsdale and Westchester County, NY
If you’re dealing with stubborn acne, sun damage, or precancerous lesions, photodynamic therapy can help. At Westchester Center for Dermatology in Scarsdale, Dr. David Kriegel uses this light-based treatment to improve your skin’s health and appearance. PDT combines a photosensitizing agent with red light to target damaged cells while leaving healthy tissue intact.
What Is Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)?
Photodynamic therapy is a medical treatment that uses light energy to treat various skin conditions. A topical medication is applied to your skin, which becomes activated when exposed to specific wavelengths of red light. This process targets abnormal cells and bacteria while promoting healthier skin regeneration.
How red light therapy works
The treatment begins with applying a photosensitizing agent to your skin. This medication accumulates in damaged or abnormal cells over several hours.
When red light is directed at the treated area, it activates the medication, creating a reaction that destroys targeted cells. Some cases may include blue light during the process, and this combination of blue and red light therapy for acne allows the treatment to target both bacteria and oil glands. Your body then naturally removes these cells and replaces them with healthier tissue.
Conditions treated with PDT
PDT effectively treats actinic keratoses, which are precancerous lesions caused by sun exposure. It also addresses moderate to severe acne by targeting the bacteria and oil glands that contribute to breakouts. Sun damage, including rough texture and discoloration, responds well to this treatment. Many patients choose acne photodynamic therapy for overall skin rejuvenation and improved tone.
Who Are Good Candidates for PDT?
You may benefit from photodynamic therapy if you have:
- Actinic keratoses or precancerous sun spots
- Persistent acne that hasn’t responded to other treatments
- Significant sun damage or photoaging
- Rough skin texture or uneven pigmentation
- A desire for cosmetic services that address multiple concerns at once
PDT is most effective in patients with fair to medium skin tones. You should avoid this treatment if you’re pregnant, have certain photosensitivity disorders, or take medications that increase sun sensitivity.
What Happens During PDT
Your appointment begins with a thorough skin cleansing. Dr. Kriegel then applies the photosensitizing solution to the treatment area. The medication needs time to be absorbed into your skin, typically 1-3 hours, depending on your specific condition.
After the incubation period, you’ll sit under the red light device for 10-20 minutes. You may feel warmth or tingling during light exposure. The entire visit takes two to four hours from start to finish.
Recovery, Results & Aftercare
Your skin will be sensitive to light for 48 hours after treatment. You’ll experience redness, swelling, and possibly peeling over the next week. Most patients return to normal activities within 3-5 days, though your skin may remain pink for up to two weeks.
Follow these aftercare tips for optimal healing:
- Avoid direct sunlight and wear broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher
- Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers
- Skip makeup for 24-48 hours
- Apply cool compresses to reduce discomfort
- Avoid hot showers, saunas, and strenuous exercise for three days
You’ll notice improvement within 2-4 weeks as your skin heals and regenerates. Actinic keratoses typically clear significantly after one treatment. Acne and sun damage often require multiple sessions spaced four to six weeks apart for best results.
What Benefits to Expect from PDT
Photodynamic therapy offers several therapeutic and cosmetic benefits, including:
- Reduction of precancerous lesions, which helps lower long-term skin cancer risk
- Improvement in acne by targeting bacteria and reducing excess oil
- More even skin tone as discoloration and sun-related changes fade, making photodynamic therapy for sun damage an effective option
- Smoother skin texture and a decrease in the appearance of large pores
- Minimal downtime compared to many laser-based treatments
- Gradual improvement over several months as collagen production increases
Cost of Getting Photodynamic Therapy
PDT costs vary based on the treatment area and number of sessions needed. Insurance may cover PDT when performed for medical reasons, such as actinic keratoses. Cosmetic applications are typically paid out of pocket.
During your consultation, Dr. Kriegel will provide a detailed cost estimate. Payment plans and financing options are available to make treatment more accessible.
Why Choose Dr. David Kriegel for PDT
Dr. David Kriegel brings extensive experience in dermatologic procedures to every PDT treatment at the Westchester Center for Dermatology in Scarsdale, NY. He completed his dermatology residency at the University of Miami School of Medicine and maintains board certification through the American Board of Dermatology. His practice focuses on combining medical expertise with aesthetic goals to deliver natural-looking results.
Dr. Kriegel personally performs all PDT treatments, allowing for personalized care based on your specific skin concerns. His approach prioritizes patient safety and comfort throughout the process.
Our practice serves patients throughout Westchester County, including Bronxville, Eastchester, Hartsdale, Edgemont, White Plains, New Rochelle, and Mamaroneck. We also draw patients from Hastings-on-Hudson, Crestwood, Tuckahoe, Thornwood, Pleasantville, Harrison, Hawthorne, and Purchase.
Recognized by his peers for outstanding patient care, Dr. Kriegel was selected as a New York Super Doctor in 2024. After an extensive nomination and research process conducted by MSP Communications, the results were published in New York Super Doctors, a special advertising section in the May 4, 2025, issue of The New York Times Sunday Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, PDT uses red light energy rather than laser technology. While both are light-based skin treatments, PDT works through a photochemical reaction with a topical medication, making it suitable for patients who may not be good candidates for laser procedures.
You should wait at least 24-48 hours before applying makeup. Your skin needs time to heal from the treatment, and covering it too soon may increase irritation or risk of infection.
Blue light therapy treats surface-level acne bacteria, while PDT penetrates deeper into the skin. PDT also addresses sun damage and precancerous lesions, making it more versatile for treating multiple skin concerns in a single treatment.
Most patients with actinic keratoses benefit from annual follow-up treatments. Those using PDT for acne or cosmetic rejuvenation may need periodic sessions to maintain results, similar to other aesthetic procedures like Collagen P.I.N. microneedling.
Yes, PDT works well alongside other dermatologic treatments. Dr. Kriegel may recommend combining PDT with injectables such as Dysport or other cosmetic procedures to achieve comprehensive skin improvement.
Start Your PDT Care Today
Your skin deserves care backed by strong clinical training and attention to detail. With photodynamic therapy performed by Dr. David Kriegel and his team, you receive guidance from a dermatologist who understands how to address complex skin concerns. Schedule your PDT appointment at Westchester Center for Dermatology, serving Scarsdale and Westchester County, NY, and get a plan built around your needs.
