PDT Acne Treatment London | Real Results & Fast Recovery

Severe Acne Cleared with Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): Real Patient Results from Our London Clinic

By Dr Mohammad Ghazavi, MD FRCP MRCP (Derm) — Consultant Dermatologist, Skinhorizon Clinic (Maida Vale, serving Central London, West London, St John’s Wood, Paddington, Hampstead, North London & North West London). Evidence‑basedConsultant‑led

Updated 30 Sep 2025 • ~9–11 min read

When very inflamed acne doesn’t respond to routine options (topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, oral antibiotics, or carefully selected hormonal therapy), Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) can provide a rapid, consultant‑delivered solution. In this real case from our Maida Vale clinic, the skin shows an expected inflammatory reaction at ~48 hours after PDT, followed by swift recovery and near‑complete clearance in less than a week. The images below document the journey from severe inflammation to clear, calm skin under a structured, safety‑first pathway.

Consultant‑Led PDT for Severe Acne in London

Seen in Maida Vale for Central & West London, St John’s Wood, Paddington, Hampstead, North & North West London. Same‑week availability.

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At‑a‑Glance Summary

Indication: Very inflamed, treatment‑resistant acne not settling with standard medical options.
Therapy: Consultant‑supervised Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) using medical‑grade equipment.
48h response: Short‑lived inflammatory flare (redness, crusting, tenderness) — expected and managed with a written aftercare plan.
Outcome: Rapid settling with near‑complete clearance by day 7 in this case.
Why PDT: Targets acne bacteria and sebaceous activity when antibiotics/retinoids fail or aren’t tolerated.
Fees: Starts from £500 per session (final plan tailored to severity and treatment area).
Where: Skinhorizon Clinic, Maida Vale — easy access from Central London, West London, St John’s Wood, Paddington, Hampstead, North London & North West London.

Real‑World Timeline: Before, 48 Hours After, and One Week After PDT

All photographs are real‑world examples taken under consistent lighting, with patient consent. They demonstrate the healing phases that are typical after a well‑delivered PDT session for inflammatory acne.

Severe inflammatory acne on the chin before photodynamic therapy (PDT) at Skinhorizon Clinic London — **Before:** Very inflamed acne not responding to standard therapies.

Inflammatory reaction 48–72 hours after PDT for severe acne, expected healing phase — **48 hours after PDT:** Marked inflammatory reaction — a short‑lived healing phase we carefully prepare you for.

Clear skin one week after PDT for severe acne at Skinhorizon Clinic Maida Vale — **One week after PDT:** Quick recovery with near‑complete clearance.

What Is Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for Acne?

PDT combines a photosensitising agent with a controlled light source to precisely target the drivers of inflammatory acne. The activated agent helps to:

Reduce Cutibacterium acnes bacterial load
Calm inflammatory cascades within the pilosebaceous unit
Down‑regulate overactive sebaceous activity (oil production)

At Skinhorizon, PDT is delivered within a consultant‑supervised pathway using GME PDT technology and protocolised timings. Every decision — from incubation timing to light dose — is made with safety, efficacy and pigment awareness in mind.

Who Benefits When Standard Options Haven’t Worked?

PDT is especially helpful for patients whose acne is inflammatory, nodulocystic or antibiotic‑refractory, or for those who cannot take or tolerate oral isotretinoin. It can also help when rapid improvement is needed (for example, an upcoming life event) or where topical regimens cause repeated irritation.

Good candidates

Inflammatory acne with frequent flares
Poor response to antibiotics/retinoids
Isotretinoin unsuitable or declined
Need for predictable timelines

We also consider

Skin of colour protocols and PIH risk
Triggering conditions such as seborrhoeic dermatitis
Differentials such as rosacea, bacterial folliculitis or Malassezia folliculitis

Top concerns people search for:

PDT acne treatment London cost
How fast does photodynamic therapy work for acne?
PDT for severe acne not responding to antibiotics
PDT downtime and side effects
Best clinic for PDT in Central/West London, Maida Vale, St John’s Wood, Paddington, Hampstead

We address each of these below so you can make a confident decision.

How PDT Works — Step by Step

Consultation & Diagnosis: We confirm acne subtype and rule out mimics (e.g., rosacea, bacterial folliculitis, Malassezia folliculitis). Triggers like barrier damage or post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation risk are discussed.
Baseline Imaging (when helpful): We may document with digital skin analysis or examine lesion patterns via dermatoscopy to track change accurately.
Preparation: Skin conditioning and cleansing protocols reduce irritation risk and optimise outcomes.
Photosensitiser Application: The agent is applied to affected zones and allowed to incubate for a protocolised interval.
Light Activation: Controlled illumination activates the agent, driving a photochemical effect on the pilosebaceous unit and acne bacteria.
Immediate Aftercare: Cooling measures, barrier support and strict light avoidance guidance are provided for the first 48–72 hours.

The 48‑Hour Inflammatory Phase: What to Expect

The 48‑hour response — redness, warmth, swelling and temporary crusting — is expected and signals effective activation. It typically peaks between 48 and 72 hours and then recedes quickly. We prepare each patient with clear written aftercare and check‑in guidance so this stage is comfortable and predictable.

Self‑care tips (Days 0–3)

Strict light avoidance; high‑quality broad‑spectrum SPF if exposure is unavoidable
Cool compresses for comfort in the first 24–48 hours
Bland, fragrance‑free emollient 2–4× daily
Pause acids/exfoliants until peeling settles

What is normal?

Redness, warmth and swelling
Tightness or mild stinging
Light crusting/peeling
Improvement typically visible by Days 5–7

Results, Durability & Scar Prevention

Many patients notice rapid improvement within a week and a quieter skin pattern thereafter as sebaceous drivers settle. For patients at risk of scarring, we consider staged care: once inflammation is controlled, we may address acne scars with fractional CO₂ laser or Dermapen 4 microneedling, sometimes supported by LED phototherapy for recovery and redness modulation.

Safety, Suitability & Contraindications

Skin types: We employ pigment‑aware protocols to minimise post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation risk (see hyperpigmentation advice).
Photosensitivity: We check medications and medical conditions that increase sensitivity.
Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Generally deferred; alternatives are discussed.
Combined therapies: We time topicals/orals around PDT for safety and synergy, re‑introducing actives when the barrier is stable.

Costs & What Influences the Plan

At Skinhorizon Clinic, PDT for acne starts from £500 per session. The exact plan depends on the size of the treatment area, acne severity and whether a short series is recommended for durability. You will receive a clear, itemised plan during your consultant assessment — no surprises, and no hidden fees.

If you require additional diagnostic steps (e.g., skin swab test or Wood’s lamp assessment), these will be discussed and agreed in advance.

When PDT Isn’t Enough (and What We Add)

For the most recalcitrant cases, we integrate medical acne pathways, targeted short courses of antibiotics where appropriate, and careful skincare re‑introduction. The aim: clear inflammation fast, protect against scarring, and restore confidence. We also plan maintenance to prevent relapse, tailored to your triggers and skin behaviour.

Explore Our Consultant‑Led Acne Pathway

See how we combine PDT with medical treatments for lasting control. Clear inflammation, prevent scars, and get confident skin.

Call Us Visit Main Acne Treatment Page

Frequently Asked Questions on PDT Acne Treatment (London)

Is photodynamic therapy effective for severe, inflamed acne?

Yes — particularly when standard options have failed or are unsuitable. PDT reduces acne bacteria and sebaceous activity, helping calm inflammation quickly. In our case, inflammation peaked at ~48 hours and cleared by day 7.

How quickly will I see results after PDT for acne?

Most patients notice visible improvement within 5–7 days after a short inflammatory phase. Some may need a short series for durability; your consultant will advise based on severity and pattern of relapse.

What are the side effects and downtime of acne PDT?

Common, short‑lived effects include redness, swelling, warmth and temporary crusting around 48–72 hours post‑treatment. Light avoidance and sun protection are essential during this window; we provide written aftercare to make this stage comfortable and predictable.

Can PDT be combined with other acne treatments?

Yes. We often integrate PDT into a wider plan that can include topicals (re‑introduced when skin settles), LED phototherapy, targeted antibiotics, and — later — scar‑focused therapies like fractional CO₂ laser or microneedling.

What does PDT acne treatment cost in Central/West London?

Our photodynamic therapy for acne starts from £500 per session. The exact cost depends on area, severity and whether multiple sessions are recommended. You’ll receive a full breakdown during your consultant consultation. Transparent pricing with no hidden fees is part of our approach.

Is PDT suitable for darker skin tones?

Yes, with pigment‑aware protocols. We assess PIH risk, optimise parameters, and tailor aftercare. Where appropriate, we add measures to reduce inflammation swiftly and support barrier function.

Will I need time off work or study?

Some patients prefer a long weekend because of the 48–72 hour inflammatory phase. Most resume routine tasks quickly with sun protection and gentle skincare as advised.

Next Step: Personalised Plan with a Consultant Dermatologist

If you’re struggling with very inflamed, treatment‑resistant acne, a consultant‑led assessment is the fastest route to a safe, effective plan. Review our main acne treatment page for a full overview or book directly below for a tailored consultation in Maida Vale, convenient for Central London, West London, St John’s Wood, Paddington, Hampstead, North London and North West London.

Book Your PDT Acne Consultation in Maida Vale

Consultant‑led care, transparent plans and support through every step — serving Central London, West London, St John’s Wood, Paddington, Hampstead, North London & North West London.