Photodynamic Therapy
Restore clarity, smoothness, and balance to your skin with Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), a cutting-edge treatment that targets acne, sun damage, actinic keratoses, and uneven texture. By combining a light-activated solution with laser, light, and energy devices, PDT works below the surface to destroy damaged cells and bacteria while stimulating healthier skin renewal.
Photodynamic Therapy for Acne, Sun Damage, and Precancerous Spots
Photodynamic Therapy Can Help with Acne
Discover the Best Laser Treatment for Acne
Reveal Healthier, Clearer Skin with Photodynamic Therapy
Treat Sun Damage and Precancerous Spots
Target and remove sun-damaged or precancerous cells for smoother, more even, and healthier-looking skin.
Clear Acne and Breakouts
Destroy acne-causing bacteria at the source to prevent future breakouts and promote clearer, healthier skin. Cosmetic Laser Dermatology was the principal clinical site to coordinate an FDA study leading to the approval for PDT in treating acne.
Treat Early Superficial Skin Cancers
Treat early forms of skin cancer such as superficial basal cell carcinoma and superficial squamous cell carcinoma. Cosmetic Laser Dermatology was the principal clinical site to coordinate an FDA study leading to the approval for PDT in treating superficial skin cancers.
Improve Skin Tone and Texture
Refine rough or uneven skin while boosting radiance and clarity for a visibly rejuvenated glow.
Stimulate Natural Healing and Renewal
Activate your skin’s self-repair process to regenerate fresh, new cells and long-term improvements in skin health.
Photodynamic Therapy Before and After
Hear From Our Happy Patients
5/5 STARS
I trust Farzaneh Momeni completely with my skin. She is by far the best clinical aesthetician I’ve ever known. My skin has improved dramatically since I began monthly facials with her. Her treatments are 100% results-driven so if this is what you seek, look no further. Also, the entire Team at West Dermatology are top-notch. They’re always friendly, professional, & helpful, & greet everyone with a smile. 10 Stars all around!
My new regular cosmetic dermatology office. Dr Zubair is amazing and really patient with me. He has helped me over the last year with keloid scar removal, jaw Botox, and full facial acne scar treatment (ultra clear). The office is clean and the nursing/medical assistant staff is accommodating on all levels. I will always recommend this office and Dr Zubair to friends and family.
Most professional and most impressive! The service from the physicians to office staff is superb!
I live in Orange County and drove all the way out to see Dr. Wu because a friend of mine referred him (she had amazing results from her face and neck procedure). Dr. Wu is truly an artist! He made me feel extremely comfortable during my procedure. I was anxious when I got there, but he (and his staff) have such great energy and are so very kind and gentle that you can't help but feel at ease! The office was immaculate and they adhered to covid rules (sanitizing, temp checks, masks). This is my go-to place from now on and Dr. Wu is my go-to guy! Can't wait to see my final results! Thank you Phyllis (pre-op) for being so wonderful and informative! You were so very helpful and kind! I'll definitely be back!
Leysin and the entire team at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology are fantastic. They are professional, caring and communicative. The laser treatment was comfortable, efficient and effective! I highly recommend this practice. I definitely will come back and recommend her and Cosmetic Laser Dermatology to my family and friends.
Dr. Goldman is amazing! I came here for my permanent eyeliner removal (which is not offered anywhere near me), and they are completely removed in just one session. They use a special contact lens to protect your eyes from the laser, and there are no damages to my eyelashes. The healing was also nice and smooth. They have everything you need. I live almost 3 hours away, but it was totally worth the trip. For anyone who is looking to remove their permanent makeup, this is the right place to go :)-
Dr. Butterwick is fantastic, all of her team as well. They make sure your experience is pleasant and painless as possible. My tattoo removal and my injectables look amazing. I highly recommend her for any skin treatment.
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology was recommended to me by my dermatologist. He recommended Dr. Monica Boen. I'm so glad I took his recommendation. Everyone here at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology was super nice and friendly. Very welcoming. I came here for hair removal treatment. I did 4 sessions with Dr. Boen. Dr. Boen made me feel so comfortable and at ease when I talked to her. She explained everything before she did my treatment. I loved that. She was really easy to talk to. I definitely will come back and recommend her and Cosmetic Laser Dermatology to my family and friends.
This office is awesome. My visit today was with Dr. Groff. His bed side manner is so fun and welcoming. He understood my concerns and recommended a treatment plan that I feel was reasonable. I love his staff! They take there time to make sure you understand the treatment and after care. Everyone in the office, from the front desk to the nurses in the back, are so friendly and beautiful. They are very prompt and I trust my care with CLD. I can't wait for my next visit. See you guys in a few weeks!
"Dr. Sabrina Fabi is genius! Her technique is unlike anyone, her eye is precise, and her kindness and caring manner comes from the depth of her soul. She's simply brilliant! It's no wonder people travel the country just to be treated by her."
I wish I could give them 10 stars! I had such an awesome experience for my first visit and I am referring everyone I know to this office. From the super friendly staff to the state of the art procedures, they are the cream of the crop.
“I came to participate in a research study. All of the Doctors and staff at C.L. Dermatology are very professional, warm and friendly. All our my needs were anticipated and the hospitality of this office is like a five star hotel.”
What Happens During Photodynamic Therapy?
Photodynamic therapy at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology is a multi-step treatment designed to help target acne, congestion, sun damage, discoloration, precancerous spots, redness, uneven texture, and visible signs of aging with a carefully planned activation process.
Step 1: Prepare the Skin
The treatment begins with microdermabrasion to gently exfoliate the skin’s surface. This helps remove buildup and allows the skin to better receive the next step of treatment.
Step 2: Apply ALA
Next, ALA, a photosensitizing agent, is applied to the skin. ALA is absorbed by fast growing cells, including damaged cells and active acne related cells, making them more responsive to light based activation.
Step 3: Allow the ALA to Incubate
After application, the ALA is left on the skin for a set incubation period. This step gives the solution time to fully absorb into the targeted fast-growing cells before activation begins.
Step 4: Activate the Treatment
Once the skin is ready, individual lesions are first treated with a laser. Then, the entire face is treated with IPL, followed by blue and red light therapy across the full treatment area to enhance the therapeutic effect.
What to Expect After PDT Treatment
After treatment, patients may experience mild redness, swelling, warmth, and light peeling for several days, with symptoms typically peaking around 48 to 72 hours. It is best to avoid direct sun exposure for 24 to 48 hours after treatment and follow all post care instructions provided by your dermatologist.
As a leader in photodynamic therapy, Cosmetic Laser Dermatology offers expert PDT treatment guided by board certified dermatologists. Our medical director, Mitchel Goldman, MD, wrote the book on Photodynamic Therapy, helping patients receive advanced care backed by deep clinical experience.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE US
Leaders in Photodynamic Therapy
Our board-certified dermatologists have performed thousands of PDT treatments, delivering outstanding results for acne, sun damage, and actinic keratoses. In addition, our Medical Director, Dr. Mitchel P. Goldman, MD, FAAD edited the major dermatology textbook on Photodynamic Therapy, now in its second edition.
Advanced Laser and Light Technology
With access to over 60 cutting-edge laser, light, and energy devices, we tailor each procedure using the safest and most effective laser or light energy for your specific skin needs. This allows our dermatologic surgeons the ability to combine multipole laser, light and energy based technologies to optimize treatment.
Pioneers in Research and Innovation
As global leaders in laser, light, and energy-based dermatology, our dermatologists have contributed to dozens of studies, driving advancements in Photodynamic Therapy and skin rejuvenation. We are principal investigators in FDA trials validating this treatment for acne, precancerous actinic keratoses and superficial basal and squamous cell carcinoma.
Comprehensive, Customized Care
Every PDT treatment plan is personalized, whether you’re targeting acne, repairing UV damage, or preventing future skin lesions, for optimal results and lasting clarity.
Proprietary Treatment Protocols
We integrate Take10, Take5, and 3xFacial into select PDT sessions, combining multi-modality rejuvenation for smoother texture, balanced tone, and healthier skin.
Proven Safety and Results
Our precision-based approach minimizes downtime while delivering visible, clinically proven improvements in skin tone, texture, and overall radiance.
What to Expect from Photodynamic Therapy
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology is San Diego’s leader in light-based skin rejuvenation. By choosing us, you can:
Receive Expert Care and Customization
Your dermatologist will exfoliate the treatment area and apply Aminolaevulinic Acid (ALA) for 1–3 hours of incubation. The solution is then activated using targeted laser, light, and energy devices based on your individual needs.
Experience Comfort During Treatment
Cold air and cool mist are applied during therapy to enhance comfort. You may feel mild tingling or warmth as the light activates the medication. Some patients also use Pronox, nitrous oxide to further decrease pain.
Expect Temporary Redness and Peeling
After your treatment, redness and swelling typically peak within 48–72 hours, followed by light peeling or flaking as new, healthy skin emerges.
Enjoy Clearer, Healthier Skin
As inflammation subsides, you’ll notice fewer breakouts, improved tone and texture, and healthier, smoother skin. Follow-up treatments may be recommended for ongoing acne control or actinic keratosis management. Individual results may vary.
Our Renowned Dermatologists
We are proud to share that Dr. Goldman, Dr. Butterwick, Dr. Groff, Dr. Fabi, & Dr. Boen have once again been recognized as Castle Connolly Top Doctors in 2026!
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology has been voted Best Cosmetic Dermatology Practice in San Diego Magazine’s 2025 “Best of San Diego” readers’ poll!
Dr. William Groff was voted Best Cosmetic Dermatologist, Best Cosmetic Surgeon, and Best Dermatologist for 4 consecutive years by the San Diego Reader Best Poll.
Dr. Mitchel Goldman was voted #1 Cosmetic Dermatologist in America by Newsweek
Dr. William Groff was voted Best Cosmetic Dermatologist and Best Cosmetic Surgeon for 8 consecutive years by the San Diego U-T Best Readers Poll.
Drs. Goldman, Butterwick, and Fabi made the top 8 in Newsweek’s Best Cosmetic Dermatologists in America for the last two years in a row
Voted in the top 10% of Realself Doctors by achieving high patient satisfaction and getting favorable feedback on Q&A
Dr. William Groff was voted Best Dermatologist for 10 consecutive years and Best Cosmetic Surgeon for 9 consecutive years by the La Jolla Light Best Readers Poll.
Drs. Goldman, Butterwick, Groff, Fabi, and Boen were named Castle Connolly Top Doctors in 2025, making us one of the Top 3 Practices in California with the most Castle Connolly Top Doctors in Dermatology.
Dr. Boen has been recognized as a Top Doctor in 2023 and 2024 by San Diego County Medical Society.
Dr. Butterwick, is a distinguished facial cosmetic surgeon certified by the American Board of Facial
Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS).
Photodynamic Therapy FAQs
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) treats a variety of skin conditions, including acne, sun damage, actinic keratoses, superficial skin cancer and uneven texture. It helps clear pores, kill bacteria, and improve overall skin tone and quality.
During PDT, a photosensitizing solution (ALA) is applied to the skin and absorbed by abnormal skin cancer and oil-producing cells. When exposed to a special light or laser, these cells are destroyed, allowing new, healthy skin to regenerate.
Redness, mild swelling, and warmth are common immediately after treatment. Your skin may peel lightly for several days, similar to sunburn, as damaged cells shed. Avoid all direct sunlight for 24-48 hours post-procedure to prevent irritation.
Yes. PDT for acne effectively reduces oil production, shrinks sebaceous glands, and kills acne-causing bacteria—helping control breakouts and prevent future flare-ups.
Most patients recover within 5–7 days, with redness subsiding and smoother, clearer skin revealed. Sunscreen and gentle moisturizers are essential during healing.
The number of treatments varies based on your skin condition. Many patients see improvement after one session, while others benefit from a short series for optimal results. Individual results may vary.
Yes—when performed by a qualified dermatologist. At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, we adjust laser settings and light exposure to suit your skin type safely and effectively.
Absolutely. Our experts often combine PDT with light resurfacing, chemical peels, or Take10 for comprehensive skin rejuvenation and long-term results. We frequently combine PDT with, blue light, pulse-dye lasers, and IPL to maximize results.
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