Combined visible light and infrared light-emitting diode (LED) therapy enhances wound healing after laser ablative resurfacing of photodamaged facial skin
March 11, 2025
The study conducted by Mario A. Trelles, Inés Allones, and Esther Mayo examines the effects of light-emitting diode (LED) phototherapy on wound healing and postoperative recovery following laser ablative resurfacing, a procedure often used to rejuvenate severely photoaged facial skin. The research involved 28 female patients who underwent ablative Er:YAG/CO2 laser resurfacing followed by LED therapy with 830 nm and 633 nm wavelengths. The LED therapy was applied to one side of the face, while the other side was left untreated. The results showed that the LED-treated side of the face healed about 50% faster and experienced fewer postoperative complications compared to the untreated side. The study also found that while wrinkle improvement was similar between the treated and untreated sides after six months, the skin on the LED-treated side appeared younger and healthier overall.
These findings suggest that LED phototherapy can significantly accelerate wound healing and reduce the adverse effects typically associated with laser resurfacing treatments. Infrared light, particularly the wavelengths used in LED therapy (similar to those found in infrared saunas), appears to stimulate healing by enhancing tissue repair processes, improving circulation, and reducing inflammation. This makes infrared saunas potentially beneficial for wound healing in general, as they can help improve blood flow and promote cellular regeneration. The study highlights how infrared therapies, such as those used in saunas, could offer a non-invasive way to accelerate recovery and enhance the appearance of the skin, making them a useful adjunct in both post-procedural care and for chronic wound management.
