Burn injuries can be painful, slow to heal, and often leave lasting scars that affect both physical comfort and self-confidence. While traditional treatments like dressings, creams, and surgery remain important, an additional therapy is showing great promise in improving recovery: low-level laser therapy (LLLT), also called cold laser therapy or photobiomodulation.
How Laser Therapy Works for Burns
LLLT uses safe, non-thermal light energy that penetrates the skin and interacts with cells. Instead of heating tissue, it stimulates natural healing processes by:
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Boosting cellular energy (ATP production), helping damaged skin repair more effectively.
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Increasing microcirculation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to healing tissue.
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Reducing inflammation, calming redness and swelling common in burns.
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Regulating collagen production, which plays a key role in scar formation.
This means LLLT doesn’t just speed up wound closure—it also helps improve the long-term cosmetic and functional outcomes.
Evidence from Research
A number of studies support laser therapy’s role in burn recovery. For example, research published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Europe PMC:15145195 found that LLLT accelerated tissue repair and reduced scarring in burn patients.
Other findings highlight that laser therapy can:
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Promote faster epithelialisation (new skin growth).
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Reduce hypertrophic scar formation (raised, thick scars).
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Relieve pain and itching, which are common during burn healing.
Benefits for Scar Healing
Scars are formed when the body lays down collagen to repair skin. Sometimes this process goes into overdrive, leading to tight, raised, or discoloured scars. LLLT helps by:
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Encouraging more organised collagen fibres, leading to smoother scars.
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Improving elasticity and softness of the healed skin.
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Supporting cosmetic appearance, making scars less noticeable.
For many patients, these benefits not only improve function but also boost confidence and comfort in daily life.
Practical Use of Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is gentle and non-invasive, making it suitable for both clinical and at-home use. With devices such as the Pulsed Low Level Laser Therapy device, individuals can support their recovery consistently without relying solely on clinic visits.
Typical applications involve targeting the affected burn or scar tissue several times per week, although exact protocols may vary depending on severity and stage of healing.
A Gentle Path to Recovery
Recovering from a burn is not just about closing the wound—it’s about restoring skin health and quality of life. By accelerating tissue repair, reducing inflammation, and minimising scarring, low-level laser therapy offers a valuable complement to standard care.
If you or a loved one is managing burn recovery, exploring laser therapy could be a meaningful step towards better healing outcomes.
✨ Want to learn more? Discover how the Pulsed Low Level Laser Therapy device can support at-home recovery and scar care.
References:
Gaida K, Koller R, Isler C, et al. Low Level Laser Therapy--a conservative approach to the burn scar? Burns : Journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries. 2004 Jun;30(4):362-367. DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2003.12.012. PMID: 15145195.
