Meet Our Doctors
Board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jerold Olson and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Katherine Orlick blend their skills for your optimal well-being and comfort.
Meet Dr. Olson Meet Dr. Orlick
Foothills Dermatology & Facial Plastic Surgery
7418 North La Cholla Boulevard
Tucson, AZ 85741
Phone: (520) 731-1110
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
In the field of dermatology, light energy is highly valuable—especially when customized to a patient’s specific needs. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a favorite dermatologist-approved skincare procedure and acne treatment for our Tucson patients from the Green Valley, Sierra Vista, Saddlebrooke, and Sahuarita, AZ, areas. This light-based procedure uses powerful red light to clear acne and also reduce some signs of sun damage.
The “photo” in “photodynamic therapy” refers to a special type of red light emitted by the advanced BF-RhodoLED® device. The light can provide a variety of benefits, which include:
PDT is an effective acne treatment because it kills the bacteria that cause acne breakouts and shrinks the oil-producing sebaceous glands.
PDT with the BF-RhodoLED device is appropriate for many people and can be used to treat a number of skin conditions. You might be a candidate for treatment with PDT if you’re bothered by:
During your consultation with Dr. Orlick, you’ll discuss your own personal medical history to determine whether PDT is likely to be safe and effective for you.
Board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jerold Olson and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Katherine Orlick blend their skills for your optimal well-being and comfort.
Meet Dr. Olson Meet Dr. OrlickEverything you need for a healthy glow is in our Tucson Office
Your PDT treatment takes place here in our office, administered by Dr. Orlick. Once your skin has been cleansed, she places special protective eyewear over your eyes. She then places the BF-RhodoLED device over your skin (the device does not touch your skin). It emits light for a prescribed amount of time, depending on the condition you’d like to treat.
If you undergo PDT to treat actinic keratoses, Dr. Orlick will also apply a special chemical to your lesions before treatment. The chemical is “activated” by the PDT light and can break down and eliminate the lesions.
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Learn MoreMost PDT sessions don’t require a special recovery period. When you undergo PDT to treat acne or a cosmetic concern, you can return to your normal activities as soon as you feel comfortable doing so. When you undergo PDT to treat actinic keratoses, you’ll need to take special precautions to avoid unprotected sun exposure for several days after treatment. This is because the chemical used during treatment causes your skin to be very sensitive to light. Don’t rely only on sunscreen, either. In the immediate days after your procedure, you’ll need to cover up with long pants and sleeves as well as a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
Depending on the condition you have treated, your PDT results can last for a long time. The procedure is considered an effective treatment for actinic keratoses; often, a single session is all that’s required to eliminate a lesion. People who undergo PDT for acne may need regular maintenance visits.
Would you like to learn more about PDT or try it for yourself with a dermatologist in Tucson, AZ? Please request a consultation online or call us at (520) 731-1110.