The role of photodynamic therapy in cosmetic dermatology

The use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cosmetic indications is growing in popularity. This increased interest is due in large part to studies indicating that incubation times with 5-aminolevulinic acid can be reduced without affecting results. The effective use of PDT with alternative light sources such as intense pulsed light and pulsed dye laser has made the procedure even more attractive to physicians who already use these devices. Cosmetic applications of PDT, as well as potential side effects and treatment algorithms, are reviewed in this article.