Photodynamic Therapy

Due to the non-invasive and selective nature of the treatment, the potential for scarring and side effects are minimized, however some pain & redness of the area may occur. Within a few days, the exposed skin and basal cell carcinoma will scab over and flake away.

Short term effects:

• Pain (common): Usually mild burning sensation – sometimes more intense. Local anesthetic can be used. Pain is usually much shorter duration and less severe than for surgery.
• Redness (common): Usually lasts up to a few weeks; rarely, it can be long lasting.
• Swelling (common): Usually lasts several days.
• Pustules (common): Tiny white pustules are common, and are not an indication of infection. These disappear over several days.
• Blistering (uncommon).
• Ulceration (uncommon).
• Infection (rare).

Medium to Longer term effects:

• Hyperpigmentation (common): The skin at the treated site may be darker than the surrounding skin (like an area of dark tan) for several months. It usually settles spontaneously, and can be improved faster with fading creams if needed.
• Hypopigmentation (uncommon): The treated area may be paler than the surrounding skin.
• Scarring (rare): True scarring is rare. There may however be a tiny scar from the biopsy done to diagnose the lesion.