Ameluz® Red Light PDT Treatment

Ameluz® Red Light Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) in Buffalo, NY

Ameluz® Red Light Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a non-surgical treatment that combines a prescription topical medication with specialized red light to target abnormal skin cells.

At Lisa S. Ball, FNP PLLC at the Neiman Dermatology Building in Buffalo, NY, we offer Ameluz® Red Light PDT for the treatment of actinic keratoses (AKs), a common precancerous skin condition caused by prolonged sun exposure.

This treatment provides an option for patients with individual precancerous lesions or multiple affected areas on the face and scalp.

What Is Ameluz® Red Light PDT?

Ameluz® Red Light PDT is a treatment that combines Ameluz® (aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride) topical gel with a specialized red light device.

The medication is absorbed by the treated skin and converted into a light-sensitive substance. When activated by red light, it produces a reaction that damages targeted abnormal cells.

Ameluz® PDT is FDA-approved for treating mild-to-moderate actinic keratoses on the face and scalp in adults. It is also FDA-approved for treating superficial basal cell carcinoma in adults.

What Conditions Can Ameluz® PDT Treat?

Actinic Keratoses (Precancerous Skin Lesions)

Actinic keratoses are rough, scaly patches that develop from cumulative exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

They commonly appear on sun-exposed areas, including the face, forehead, ears, and scalp.

Although not every actinic keratosis progresses to skin cancer, some can develop into squamous cell carcinoma.

Ameluz® Red Light PDT can treat individual actinic keratoses or larger affected areas containing multiple lesions.

Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma

Ameluz® PDT is also FDA-approved for the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC), a type of skin cancer.

Whether PDT is appropriate depends on the diagnosis, location, characteristics of the lesion, and individual patient factors. Surgical treatment or other approaches may be more appropriate for certain skin cancers.

How Does Ameluz® Red Light PDT Work?

Treatment involves several steps:

  1. Skin preparation: The treatment area is cleaned and prepared to help the medication penetrate the affected skin.
  2. Ameluz® application: The prescription gel is applied to the designated treatment area.
  3. Medication absorption: The treated area is covered with a light-blocking dressing for approximately three hours.
  4. Red light activation: The dressing is removed, remaining gel is wiped away, and the skin is exposed to specialized red light for approximately 10 minutes.
  5. Healing: The treated skin undergoes a healing process as affected cells respond to treatment.

Your provider will explain the procedure and any necessary follow-up appointments.

What Are the Benefits of Ameluz® Red Light PDT?

Depending on the condition being treated, potential benefits include:

  • Non-surgical treatment of eligible skin lesions
  • Treatment of multiple actinic keratoses within an affected area
  • A treatment option for certain sun-damaged areas of the face and scalp
  • No surgical incision required
  • An alternative to some other treatment approaches for appropriately selected patients

Treatment results vary, and additional sessions may be necessary.

What Should I Expect After Treatment?

Following Ameluz® PDT, the treated skin may become red, swollen, irritated, or sensitive.

Common reactions include:

  • Redness and inflammation
  • Burning, stinging, or discomfort
  • Swelling and tenderness
  • Peeling, scaling, or crusting
  • Itching or temporary changes in skin appearance
  • Occasionally, blistering

Discomfort during red light exposure can be significant. Most reactions improve as the skin heals, although some may persist for several weeks.

Sun protection is especially important after treatment. Patients must avoid exposing treated areas to sunlight and prolonged or intense light for approximately 48 hours following Ameluz® PDT.

Your provider will give you specific aftercare instructions.

How Many Ameluz® PDT Treatments Will I Need?

The number of treatments depends on the condition being treated, the extent of the affected area, and how the skin responds.

Some patients with actinic keratoses may require additional treatment if lesions do not completely resolve.

Treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma follows a different protocol and requires multiple sessions and ongoing follow-up examinations.

Your provider will determine the appropriate treatment plan based on your individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ameluz® PDT

Is Ameluz® Red Light PDT painful?

Patients may experience burning, stinging, or discomfort during red light exposure. Pain can sometimes be severe. Your provider will discuss what to expect and ways to manage discomfort.

How long does Ameluz® PDT take?

The treatment typically includes approximately three hours of medication absorption followed by approximately 10 minutes of red light exposure, along with time for preparation and cleanup.

Is there downtime after Ameluz® PDT?

Patients may experience redness, swelling, peeling, or crusting following treatment. Healing time varies. Sunlight and prolonged intense light exposure must be avoided on treated areas for approximately 48 hours.

Can Ameluz® PDT treat multiple precancerous lesions?

Yes. Ameluz® PDT can be used to treat individual actinic keratoses or an affected field containing multiple lesions on the face and scalp.

Is Ameluz® PDT covered by insurance?

Insurance coverage varies depending on the diagnosis, medical necessity, and individual insurance plan. Our office can help patients understand applicable coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs.

Ameluz® Red Light PDT in Buffalo and Williamsville, NY

At Lisa S. Ball, NP PLLC at the Neiman Dermatology Building, we provide individualized dermatology care for patients throughout Buffalo, Williamsville, Amherst, Clarence, Orchard Park, East Aurora, and surrounding Western New York communities.

If you have rough, scaly, or persistent skin lesions, an evaluation can help determine whether Ameluz® Red Light PDT or another treatment option is appropriate.

Call 716-688-0020 to schedule an appointment and learn more about Ameluz® Red Light Photodynamic Therapy.