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Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Clear problem skin, eliminate precancerous cells, and restore healthy radiance with light-activated treatment—a powerful, targeted solution for sun damage, acne, and skin renewal.

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Understanding Photodynamic Therapy

How Photodynamic Therapy Works

Photodynamic therapy combines a topical photosensitizing medication (Levulan) with targeted light activation to eliminate damaged skin cells. The medication is applied to treatment areas and selectively absorbed by problem cells—precancerous lesions, acne bacteria, overactive oil glands, and sun-damaged tissue. After a 1-3 hour incubation period, Blu-U blue light activates the medication, triggering a reaction that destroys targeted cells while leaving healthy skin intact.

PDT delivers visible skin transformation—smoother texture, refined pores, reduced redness, and a clearer, more radiant complexion. It’s particularly effective for patients seeking comprehensive skin renewal without surgery or extended downtime. With over 20 years of laser medicine experience, Dr. Verebelyi customizes every PDT treatment to your unique skin goals, ensuring both safety and beautiful, lasting results.

What You Need to Know

  • Targeted Problem Cells: Eliminates problem cells without harming healthy tissue
  • FDA-Approved: Proven safe and effective for precancerous lesions
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Treats visible and hidden damage simultaneously
  • Dual Action: Addresses current concerns while preventing future issues
  • Minimal Invasiveness: No incisions or injections required
What PDT Treats

What Conditions Does PDT Treat?

Photodynamic therapy delivers powerful results for multiple skin concerns, from precancerous damage to stubborn acne and visible aging. Our treatments target problem cells at their source while promoting healthier, clearer skin.

  • Sebaceous Hyperplasia: Flatten enlarged oil glands causing small yellow bumps.
  • Sun Damage: Reverse UV damage, fade brown spots, and improve texture.
  • Oily Skin & Enlarged Pores: Suppress oil production to refine pores and minimize shine.
  • Actinic Keratosis (Precancerous Lesions): Eliminate rough, scaly spots before they become skin cancer.
  • Treatment-Resistant Acne: Clear stubborn breakouts unresponsive to traditional treatments.
  • Rosacea: Reduce facial redness, visible vessels, and inflammatory flare-ups.
The PDT Process

Your Photodynamic Therapy Journey

Our comprehensive approach ensures optimal outcomes and comfort throughout your PDT journey. With over 20 years of laser treatment expertise, Colorado Skin & Vein delivers personalized care at every stage.
before laser hair removal

Before Treatment

Consultation and preparation ensure optimal results and safety.

  • Personalized Consultation: Comprehensive skin assessment and customized treatment plan development
  • Minimize Sun Exposure: Minimize UV for one week before treatment
  • Arrive Clean: Freshly cleansed skin, no makeup or skincare products

During Treatment

Quick, comfortable procedure combining medication application with light activation.

  • Medication Application: Levulan applied for 1-3 hours incubation
  • Light Activation: 16 minutes of Blu-U blue light exposure
  • Mild Sensation: Warm, tingling feeling during activation; cooling fan available
  • Immediate Protection: Sunscreen applied post-treatment

After Treatment

Results develop as damaged cells clear, revealing healthier skin.

  • Strict Sun Avoidance: No sunlight or bright lights for 48 hours
  • Expected Healing: Redness and peeling days 3-7, resembles moderate sunburn
  • Recovery Timeline: Full healing 1-2 weeks; optimal results visible at 4-6 weeks
  • Multiple Sessions: Additional sessions may be recommended

Photodynamic Therapy Before & After

While every skin concern is unique, these transformations showcase the dramatic improvements achieved through our two decades of photodynamic therapy expertise and precision protocols.
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Questions About PDT? Ask Ava.

Get instant answers about photodynamic therapy anytime. Ava provides personalized guidance on treatment candidacy, expected results, preparation requirements, recovery timelines, and whether PDT is right for your skin concerns—available 24/7.

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Our Team

20+ Years of Aesthetics Excellence

Laser Vein Treatments

The team at Colorado Skin & Vein, led by David Verebelyi, MD, RVT, and Christina Jordan, FNP, CANS, has been treating vein conditions for over two decades, earning a reputation as leaders in advanced vascular and laser medicine.

Dr. David Verebelyi serves as Chief of Laser Surgery at Colorado Skin & Vein, bringing over 20 years of specialized experience in venous care and minimally invasive vein treatments.

  • Double board-certified physician
  • Registered Vascular Technician with advanced diagnostic imaging expertise
  • Fellow & Instructor, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery
  • Personally performs all vein procedures using state-of-the-art technology
  • Holds honors MD and B.S. in Science & Psychology
Common Questions

Photodynamic Therapy FAQ

What does PDT treat?

Actinic keratosis (precancerous lesions), treatment-resistant acne, rosacea, sebaceous hyperplasia, sun damage, oily skin, and photoaging.

Most patients experience warmth, tingling, or mild stinging during light activation. Cooling fans help manage discomfort. The sensation is temporary and well-tolerated.

Total appointment time is 2-3 hours: medication application and incubation (1-3 hours), followed by 16 minutes of light activation.

Expect sunburn-like redness, swelling, and peeling for 5-7 days. Strict sun avoidance required for 48 hours post-treatment. Full healing takes 1-2 weeks.

Avoid makeup for 24-48 hours post-treatment. Once initial redness subsides and skin isn’t actively peeling, mineral makeup is acceptable.

Most patients require 2-3 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart for optimal results. Maintenance treatments may be recommended annually for sun damage prevention.

Peeling typically begins days 3-4 and lasts 5-7 days. This is normal and indicates damaged cells are being cleared. Do not pick or force peeling.

Yes. By eliminating actinic keratosis (precancerous lesions) and treating hidden sun damage, PDT significantly reduces skin cancer risk in treated areas.

Initial redness and peeling occur within days. Optimal results—clearer, healthier skin—become visible 4-6 weeks post-treatment as new cells regenerate.

Insurance often covers PDT for actinic keratosis and precancerous lesions. Coverage for acne, rosacea, or cosmetic concerns varies. We verify benefits during consultation.

IPL uses light alone to target pigment and blood vessels. PDT uses medication activated by light to destroy specific problem cells. They treat different concerns.

Denver's Trust Vein Experts

20+ years of vascular treatment experience

Double board-certified physician

State-of-the-art laser technology

Most insurance plans accepted

Customized treatment plans

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Danielle Killingsworth, NCMA, Aesthetics Coordinator at Colorado Skin & Vein in Denver

Danielle Killingsworth

NCMA, Aesthetics Coordinator

Danielle is a Colorado native who brings more than 22 years of experience in the medical field. Throughout her career she has developed a diverse clinical background across infectious disease, general surgery, and pain management — giving her a well-rounded understanding of patient care and of what it takes to create a safe, comfortable, and personalized experience.

As Aesthetics Coordinator at Colorado Skin & Vein, Danielle combines that clinical knowledge with a genuine passion for aesthetics. She is dedicated to helping patients feel confident, informed, and supported throughout their aesthetic journey, from the initial consultation through treatment and follow-up care.

She believes one of the most rewarding parts of her career is building meaningful relationships with patients and helping them look and feel their very best.

Outside of work, Danielle enjoys spending time with her family, including her four boys, getting lost in a good book, and working in her garden. Fun fact: she is a dedicated Dallas Cowboys fan.

Nikki Moyta, Operations Director at Colorado Skin & Vein in Denver

Nikki Moyta

Operations Director

For over 26 years, Nikki has dedicated her career to the dermatology and aesthetics industry, building her experience from the ground up — starting in a patient scheduling call center, moving to the front desk, and rising to executive leadership overseeing multiple providers and locations.

Originally from Pittsburgh, she moved to Orlando before starting 10th grade and later attended Seminole State College of Florida. Her career in dermatology began in 2002, scheduling appointments for a multi-location practice. She grew quickly within the organization, moving into front-desk and checkout roles before being promoted to Office Manager in 2008. In 2012, her leadership and operational expertise led the CEO to seek her out for an expanded role overseeing multiple providers and locations — a position she held through 2022.

Outside of her professional career, Nikki is passionate about giving back to the community:

  • Community outreach
  • Voted “Cheerleader of the Practice”
  • 1st Place Winner — Miles for Melanoma

With a career built on leadership, dedication, and a genuine passion for patients and the aesthetics industry, she is excited to bring her experience and enthusiasm to the Colorado community. When she is not in the office, you can find Nikki with her Siberian husky, Compass, somewhere on top of a mountain.

Betina Lacson, RVT at Colorado Skin & Vein in Denver

Betina Lacson

RVT

Betina graduated from the Cardiovascular Technology Program at Grossmont College in California in 2020, and brings more than six years of experience in the duplex world of venous insufficiency. Much of her career has centered on superficial vein mapping and assisting in surgery while providing attentive patient care.

At Colorado Skin & Vein, she assists with venous ablation procedures as well as ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy. She is committed to quality care at every stage — from the initial consultation, through surgery, to post-operative appointments — making sure each patient feels fully supported.

In her free time, Betina loves Kizomba dancing with her Afro-Latin dance community, and can often be found at electronic dance music shows in different cities. If you are feeling generous, she will happily accept a karaoke room or an iced Thai milk tea.

Brooke Owens, PA-C, MPAS at Colorado Skin & Vein in Denver

Brooke Owens

PA-C, MPAS

Brooke Owens, PA-C, MPAS is a compassionate Physician Assistant who brings a strong clinical foundation, exceptional attention to detail, and a patient-centered approach to Colorado Skin & Vein.

Prior to joining the practice, Brooke spent several years in pediatric primary care, caring for patients with a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. She became known for her thorough evaluations, thoughtful clinical decision-making, and ability to build lasting relationships with patients and their families. That experience strengthened her diagnostic expertise while reinforcing the importance of listening carefully, educating patients, and creating individualized treatment plans.

Drawn to the unique blend of medicine, procedures, and patient transformation, Brooke was excited to move into vascular medicine and aesthetic care. She is passionate about helping patients improve not only their health but also their confidence — whether they are seeking treatment for vein disease, skin concerns, or cosmetic enhancements. By combining broad medical experience with advanced specialty training and a meticulous eye for detail, she delivers safe, effective, and personalized care.

Brooke believes the best outcomes begin with trust. She values taking the time to understand each patient’s goals, answer questions, and ensure they feel informed and comfortable throughout their care.

Angel Croce, Staff Manager at Colorado Skin & Vein in Denver

Angel Croce

Staff Manager

Angel has been in healthcare for more than 20 years. Her journey began in 2004, after her father suddenly passed away from a stroke. Losing him was a life-changing experience, and it inspired her to choose a career where she could help others and give patients and their families the care, compassion, and support they need during difficult times.

Throughout her career she has worked across cardiology, neurology, family practice, and urgent care — each experience helping her grow both personally and professionally. She now works in vascular care and aesthetics, where she enjoys building relationships with her patients, helping them understand their care, and making sure they feel comfortable and supported throughout their journey.

Outside of work, Angel is a proud mom of two. Family is incredibly important to her, and in her spare time she loves being outdoors with her husband and their two dogs — hunting, fishing, and enjoying Colorado.

For Angel, healthcare is more than a career — it is personal. What started as a way to honor her father’s memory has become more than two decades of caring for others, and she is grateful to keep doing something that means so much to her every day.