Laser therapy, specifically low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is becoming a popular tool in dermatology for promoting skin healing and reducing scars. By stimulating cellular processes, LLLT can help repair damaged skin tissue, support wound healing, and reduce the appearance of scars. This non-invasive approach is especially beneficial for post-surgical recovery, injury scars, and other skin concerns, offering a safe and effective way to promote healthier, smoother skin.
In this guide, we’ll explore how laser therapy can be used for skin healing, scar reduction, and post-surgical skin recovery.
How Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) Works for Skin Healing
LLLT, also known as cold laser therapy, uses low-intensity light to penetrate the skin and reach damaged tissues. This light energy boosts cellular function, increases blood circulation, and reduces inflammation—all essential factors for effective skin repair. LLLT does not produce heat or damage tissue, making it a gentle option for sensitive skin recovery.
The Pulsed Low-Level Laser Therapy Device and IASO Cold Laser Massager are designed to deliver targeted light therapy, making them ideal for addressing skin healing and scar reduction at home or in a clinical setting.
Applications of Laser Therapy in Dermatology
1. Wound Healing
LLLT can significantly enhance the body’s natural wound healing process. Whether for minor cuts, abrasions, or more severe wounds, laser therapy accelerates cell repair and regeneration.
How LLLT Supports Wound Healing:
- Increases Cellular Repair: LLLT boosts the production of ATP, the energy source for cells, enabling faster cell turnover and regeneration.
- Reduces Inflammation: By reducing inflammatory responses, LLLT minimises swelling around the wound, which supports more efficient healing.
- Improves Blood Flow: Enhanced circulation brings oxygen and essential nutrients to the wound site, aiding in tissue repair and reducing recovery time.
Using a device like the Pulsed Low-Level Laser Therapy Device can help target wounds and promote faster healing, reducing discomfort and the risk of infection.
2. Scar Reduction
Laser therapy is particularly effective for scar reduction, including hypertrophic (raised) scars, acne scars, and surgical scars. By promoting tissue repair and collagen production, LLLT can improve skin texture and make scars less noticeable over time.
How LLLT Reduces Scars:
- Stimulates Collagen Production: Collagen is essential for smooth, even skin texture. LLLT encourages collagen production, helping to fill in scar tissue and smooth raised scars.
- Softens Scar Tissue: By increasing blood flow and promoting cellular turnover, LLLT softens hardened scar tissue, making it more pliable and less visible.
- Reduces Pigmentation: LLLT can help reduce redness and discoloration in scar tissue, making it blend more seamlessly with the surrounding skin.
For scar treatment, the IASO Cold Laser Massager provides a gentle, effective way to treat small or sensitive areas, such as facial scars or smaller post-surgical scars.
3. Post-Surgical Skin Recovery
After surgery, managing scarring and supporting smooth skin recovery is often a priority. LLLT is highly beneficial in the post-surgical healing process, as it helps minimise scar formation and enhances the skin’s ability to heal smoothly.
How LLLT Supports Post-Surgical Recovery:
- Speeds Up Tissue Repair: By stimulating the cellular repair processes, LLLT accelerates the healing of surgical incisions and supports uniform skin recovery.
- Minimizes Swelling and Discomfort: LLLT’s anti-inflammatory effects reduce swelling and pain around the surgical area, making recovery more comfortable.
- Prevents Thick Scarring: LLLT improves collagen distribution, reducing the risk of thick, raised scarring, which is common in surgical wounds.
Many people choose to incorporate the Pulsed Low-Level Laser Therapy Device not only into their post-surgical recovery routine to support quicker healing and reduce scar formation effectively but also as part of their "prehab"—a proactive approach to strengthen tissues, reduce inflammation, and prepare the body for surgery. Prehab with LLLT can optimise the surgical area’s condition, improving circulation and cellular health, which may contribute to better outcomes and a faster overall recovery.
Benefits of Laser Therapy for Skin Healing and Scar Reduction
- Non-Invasive and Gentle: LLLT provides a pain-free alternative for skin healing and scar management, making it suitable for sensitive or newly healed skin.
- Safe for Repeated Use: Laser therapy is gentle enough for regular use, allowing consistent application for optimal results.
- Convenient and Targeted Treatment: With devices like the Pulsed Low-Level Laser Therapy Device and the IASO Cold Laser Massager, users can treat specific areas at home, making it easy to incorporate LLLT into daily routines.
Integrating LLLT with Other Skin Healing Strategies
- Topical Creams and Gels: Scar-reducing gels, particularly those containing silicone, can be used alongside LLLT to further improve skin texture and reduce discoloration.
- Gentle Massage: Regularly massaging the affected area helps break up scar tissue. The IASO Cold Laser Massager combines light massage with LLLT, providing an ideal way to soften scars and support collagen distribution.
- Moisturising and Sun Protection: Keeping the skin moisturised supports skin health, while protecting scars from sun exposure prevents discoloration. Applying a moisturiser before or after LLLT keeps skin supple.
- Physical Therapy for Surgical Scars: Physical therapy exercises can help improve movement and flexibility around surgical scars, especially after joint surgeries. LLLT can help relieve post-surgical stiffness and make these exercises more comfortable.
Research Backing LLLT for Skin Healing
A study by Mansouri et al. (2020), published in the Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences, highlights the efficacy of LLLT in enhancing skin repair and reducing scar tissue. The authors found that LLLT effectively modulates cellular pathways critical for wound healing, with significant benefits in pain relief and inflammation control.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I use LLLT for skin healing or scar reduction?
For best results, daily sessions are often recommended initially, especially for fresh wounds or recent scars. As the skin improves, 3-4 sessions per week may be sufficient for ongoing management.
2. How soon will I see results with LLLT?
While initial effects like reduced redness and discomfort may be noticeable within a few sessions, scar texture and appearance may take a few weeks or months of consistent use to improve significantly.
3. Can LLLT be used on sensitive or freshly healed skin?
Yes, LLLT is generally safe for sensitive skin and can even be used on freshly healed skin. However, it’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before using LLLT on recent surgical sites.
Customer Review: Handy Pulse Laser
"I initially bought the Handy Pulse laser to treat a wound on my rescued greyhound’s back after a sebaceous cyst burst and a drainage tube was inserted. After the tube was removed, there was some skin die-off and a nasty wound. Greyhound skin is extremely delicate, and we were really pleased with how quickly the wound healed. We continue to use it on him whenever he has tight muscles or sore spots on his paws.
I’ve been using the Handy Pulse Laser on myself for general joint and muscle pain. I especially find it provides relief on my (mouse) elbow and neck after too many hours on the computer (40+ hours a week for work)." – Jodie C.
Final Thoughts
LLLT offers a reliable, natural way to heal wounds, minimise scars, and improve skin health. With devices like the Pulsed Low-Level Laser Therapy Device, you can easily integrate this powerful technology into your skincare routine for visible, long-lasting results.
References:
Mansouri V, Arjmand B, Rezaei Tavirani M, et al. Evaluation of Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy. J Lasers Med Sci. 2020 Fall;11(4):369-380. doi: 10.34172/jlms.2020.60. Available at PMC7736953