54yo PDT for AK

I've had several treatments(6-8) over a 4 year period, usually 2 times ~2months apart on both my face and on my arms. If you have more AKs than you want to go through the process of cold freezing, this is the ticket. it's like getting a sunburn, followed by a few days out of the sun, followed by a peeling face or arm, followed by skin that looks ten years younger than your age. I was a builder and outdoor sports kinda guy and this really works for me. Think of it as large scale AK removal in minimum time. My insurance covers it in California, both ACA and medicare. I recommend it.

Yes, you need cooling cortizone cream, vaseline , flexible ice packs (be sure to take them with you to your appt in cooler, so you will have on way home).. Do NOT stop and run any errands on your way home, its not just the sun that can cause you to have more severe reaction, but also the bright lights in most grocery stores etc. My 1st session only had a mid to moderate reaction and red spots, but the 2nd time (probably because the first time brought the skin cancer cells to to top more, AND it was VERY sunny the day I had my 2nd treatment, and I had a 45 minute drive home). Make sure to take an allergy pill and Ibuprophen, if you can take, before the blue lit treatment. This will help a lot!!. I was supposed to have another procedure 2 days after my treatment, and could not take ibuprofen. Ending up cancelling my other procedure, because I was so swollen by end of the first day and in so much pain, that I decided I needed to take allergy pill and anti-inflammatory meds. I knew that I had a lot of sun damage and skin cancer cells on my face, because had already had 3 skin cancers, basal on my nose, then 12 years later a squamous skin cancer on my cheek, then only 6 months later, another squamous one on other side of my nose. I had MOHS surgery on all 3, and would do it again. That is the ONLY way to get rid of all of the cancer, without taking more tissue than needed!!!. I started having the basal cells when I was 27, and have had numerous ones over the years. My dermatologist did NOT think that I had THAT much sun damage, just by looking at my face, but I knew I did and talked her into the photo dynamic treatments. After the swelling and pain eased off, my face was red for over a week, and it peeled like 4 times....but it DID peel off several stubborn age spots, I'm guessing had skin cancer cells in them, since it only targets pre- and skin cancer in the skin. So obviously, THAT part thrilled me,l but I was more concerned with getting rid of the skin cancer cells, so not to have to have my face but on again!!!.. I am planning to ask for a 3rd treatment on my face, because I am sure , after my reaction to the 2nd treatment and extensive peeling etc. that there is still much sun damage on my face. I've had on 2 different areas and only mild reactions.

Okay, so I just realized the date on above post. However, leaving my post because someone else who might be going to have the treatment, might want to read my experience.

I am so glad you posted a "before" photo - no one seems to remember to do that - thank you!

Thank you for posting

Let us know how you’re doing

I am amazed at the no pain experience. Mine was of high to excruciating pain levels. And I have had it done a few times due to on going SK and BCCs.

how did you deal with the pain???