Photodynamic Therapy

Get Improved Texture and Tone in Fruitland, Idaho

Photodynamic therapy at Fruitland's The MedSpa by CT Derm represents an advancement in medicine that significantly eliminates visible precancerous growths known as actinic keratoses (AKs) while rejuvenating the skin, even to your deeper layers. This results in smooth and supple skin, improves texture, and brightens skin tone for men, women, and teenagers. Improvement is typically noticeable after the first treatment, which involves the application of a photosensitive topical gel or cream that is later activated, or turned on, by a combination of laser and/or LED lights. This induces healing, and therefor gives a rejuvenation effect. Typically, three or more photodynamic therapy treatments spaced four to six weeks apart, followed by a single booster treatment 12 months later, provide optimal results. These results typically last for three years.

We recommend photodynamic therapy as a treatment for acne, rosacea, oiliness, wrinkles and aging, sagging skin, and pre-cancerous lesions (AKs) diagnosed by a provider. It also improves facial definition with mild firming and tightening.

Contact The MedSpa by CT Derm about photodynamic therapy in Fruitland, Idaho. To set up a consultation, call 208-452-7450 or send a message online.

How to Prepare for a Photodynamic Therapy Session

We recommend that you have an Epionce^™ skincare regimen suited to your skin type and condition, which includes having an Epionce^™ sunscreen ready for your daily post-photodynamic therapy sessions at-home.

This treatment will not be applied to skin affected with active psoriasis, dermatitis, or eczema. If you suffer from one of these skin conditions and you experience a flare in the area to be treated, please notify our office. We may need to reschedule your treatment.

If you are traveling from a distance greater than 30 to 45 minutes away, plan to bring someone to drive you home following your treatment. You will be asked to sit in the back seat with something to cover the treated area to limit additional UV exposure, even if it's cloudy. This may change depending on the season. Please discuss your travel plans with one of our estheticians before your photodynamic therapy session.

Photodynamic Therapy Treatment

What to Expect Prior to Treatment

We will prepare and cleanse your skin to remove any make-up or skincare products, then apply a prep solution. Next, the area will be given a brief microdermabrasion treatment. The esthetician will then apply mandatory eye protection.

What to Expect During Treatment

A photosensitive topical (or PDT) is applied and left on the area we are treating for a set amount of time. This is referred to as the "incubation time." PDT products will incubate for 30 minutes to three hours. This time is determined by one of our medical providers. The PDT product is activated by one of our medical providers with a combination of laser and/or LED lights. You may experience a mild stinging or mild burning sensation during the light activation.

Dr. Carl Thornfeldt highly recommends that an IPL (intense pulsed light) treatment be added to the activation process as it improves the results. This optional "add-on" is not covered by insurance and is an additional fee of $245 each session.

What to Expect After Treatment

Your skin may feel prickly, burning, and warm, with mild swelling similar to a sunburn, after your photodynamic therapy session. If needed, gauze cooled in ice water is applied right away by our esthetician to decrease any discomfort following the treatment. A layer of the Epionce^™ Priming Oil and Enriched Firming Mask will be applied to the treated area prior to leaving the medspa. We ask that you avoid direct sunlight and avoid the application of make-up for 48 hours. If you smoke, we recommend that you refrain for as long as possible, preferably 12 to 36 hours.

Pustules or pimples can rarely appear and may be followed by mild crusting. This usually indicates large amounts of proinflammatory bacteria and yeasts that needed to be killed in the deep pores. Please notify your esthetician should you experience this. Blistering is also rare, but does result from excess light exposure during the first 12 hours after the treatment, so be diligent with your at home care.

Post-Photodynamic Therapy At-Home Care

The skincare items that are recommended for immediate recovery after a photodynamic therapy session are available in the Epionce^™ Essential Recovery Kit. We recommend that you cleanse the treated area as often as you want with Epionce^™ Milky Lotion Cleanser starting the day following your treatment. After this cleansing, or anytime your treated skin starts to feel dry, apply Epionce^™ Priming Oil and Epionce^™ Enriched Firming Mask. Continue using this for the first two days after your photodynamic therapy session, applying it as often as needed. We recommend keeping the mask in your refrigerator for the first three to four days for the best cooling effect. Starting on the third day after your session, we recommend that you apply Epionce^™ Renewal Calming Cream three or more times a day for the next two to four days. The first application may sting a little. If it does, cleanse and apply Epionce^™ Priming Oil prior to the application of the calming cream.

Always remember to apply Epionce^™ Ultra Shield Lotion SPF 50 twice each morning, at least 20 to 30 minutes apart, with the second application 20 to 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Daily use of an Epionce^™ sunscreen, which is anti-inflammatory and barrier repairing, will help you maintain your new, visible results!

What You Should Know

Your skin will be pink to red with a sunburn-like sensation and mild swelling for two to five days after your photodynamic therapy session. You may also experience mild flaking or peeling up to one week after your treatment. Your skin may feel rough, dry, or scaly during this time. Please notify us if pustules or blisters occur or if you have multiple deep pre-cancers. These post treatment changes may last seven to 14 days.

This treatment will greatly improve the health of your skin.

Price

PDT Face: $680

If treating a medically diagnosed condition, such as actinic keratoses, this is often covered by Medicare and other private insurance companies.

Add-On IPL: $245

0% financing is available through CareCredit. Apply online at www.CareCredit.com.

Ready for photodynamic therapy? Contact Fruitland, Idaho's The MedSpa by CT Derm by submitting an online message, or call 208-452-7450.

Here is What our Patients Think

All of the interaction with the staff, technicians and doctors have been professional and friendly. The staff is efficient, the wait times are minimal, and the care is exceptional. I highly recommend CTDerm.

— Wade W. (Patient since 2019)

I have known from a distance that Dr. Thornfeldt and his staff were very good. But in just one visit, I realize that I had underestimated how good they are. Our son and daughter's skin issues, as well as my own, were not noticed by our dermatologist where we live. It was fully worth the trip from Florida.

— Robert H. (patient since 2016)

My experience with Dr. Thornfeldt and his staff has been nothing but pleasurable. The staff are friendly and helpful going the extra mile to meet the patients needs. Dr. Thornfeldt is dedicated to the care of his patients, actively listening and responding as he seeks to see the bigger picture.

— Dezra. R (patient since 2019)

The staff at CT Derm is very friendly and helpful. I found the visit very comfortable. Dr. Thornfeldt is extremely knowledgeable, thorough, and understanding. I am a former patient of his from when he had an office in Nampa, but due to improved skin issues and major life changes, -- a divorce and move, I didn't follow him to his Fruitland office. After over 12 years, and new skin problems, I knew it was time make the drive. I trust him completely and appreciate his experience and expertise.

— Ellen S. (patient since 2018)