Laser Therapy for Wound Healing, also known as Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) or Red Light Therapy for wounds, uses specific light wavelengths in the 600-800nm range of visible and invisible light (infrared and near infrared) to trigger a biological process of photobiomodulation, which generates energy at a mitochondrial level to intensify the healing process. Low Level Laser Therapy, or Therapeutic Laser is successfully used for:

• Post-operative wound care and healing, including C Section procedures.
• Scar prevention and reduction.
• Breast enhancement surgery and facial aesthetic surgery recovery.
• Rapid healing of pressure sores, also known as bedsores.
• Accelerated healing of ulcers.
• Burns and cuts.

How does Laser Therapy for Wound Healing work?

Red light therapy for wounds emits specific wavelengths into the skin, to create an increase in the production of ATP (energy) at a cellular level within the dermis. This process of photobiomodulation promotes the accelerated healing of damaged tissue. Light wavelengths in the 600nm range are particularly effective for skin and wound healing because these photons of light attach to melanin, which is found within the skin. 800nm wavelengths are also used to promote deeper healing of the wound.

Low Level Laser is non-thermal, which means that is does not create heat within tissue. A treatment is without sensation, and may relieve pain as the wound heals because of a uplift in endorphins and decreased pain receptors.

Our approach to Red Light Therapy for Wounds

Low Level Laser Therapy for Burns

We apply LLLT soon after a burn injury because Laser Therapy regenerates new skin cells at a much faster rate than under normal conditions. The process of photobiomodulation within the mitochondria increases the production of ATP (energy) which promotes new tissue growth. At the same time, Photobiomodulation Laser Therapy releases endorphins into the blood stream, which helps the patient to benefit from natural pain relief. Red light therapy is responsible for these major effects:

1. Anti-inflammatory – LLLT produces an anti-oedema effect. It promotes vasodilation and activates the lymphatic drainage system . Therefore, swelling caused by trauma and / or inflammation is reduced.
2. Analgesic – LLLT positively affects pain receptors, increases pain tolerance and reduces pain stimuli to the brain. Pain is also reduced because of the anti-inflammatory and anti-oedema effect.
3. Improved vascular activity – Low Level Laser Therapy for Burns recovery significantly increases the formation of new capillaries, thus accelerating the healing process of damaged tissues, which quickly heals wounds and reduces the damaged area. LLLT also increases angiogenesis which causes vessels to dilate temporarily with the augmentation of the blood vessels diameter. This increased supply of blood in the damaged area facilitates the healing process and reduces pain. (Initially patients may experience a warming sensation in the affected area as a direct result of increased vascular activity, which is a normal response and not an indication of further injury).

Laser Therapy to resolve pain.

Red light therapy for wounds accelerates tissue repair, and often resolves or manages the pain from surgical procedures and skin / tissue injuries.

1. Low Level Laser helps to improve the functionality of the lymphatic system. It encourages the distribution of white blood cells to the necessary areas of the body, healing to heal the injury or trauma in a more efficient way, and allow the body to heal naturally.
2. Endorphins are naturally released into the blood stream, providing natural pain relief. Many patients report long term pain relief as the wound heals. Red Light Therapy is used to manage pain for fibromyalgia, neuralgia, arthritis, and chronic injuries.
3. Therapeutic Laser increases the production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) at a cellular level, which is known to speed up the healing process within soft tissue. Laser Therapy also triggers a process called angiogenesis which is the formation of new blood capillaries. An increased flow of blood to the site of the wound helps to accelerate healing.

Laser Therapy for post-operative wound healing and wound care.

To prevent a wound from scarring it needs to heal within three weeks. Most wounds (including surgical wounds) take 4-8 weeks depending on the depth and size. Therapeutic Laser applied to a wound helps with accelerated healing, and can prevent infection and complications during the healing process.

Scar prevention for wound healing and scar tissue reduction.

There is a greater chance of wounds not healing in sensitive areas where skin is more delicate and less robust. Red light therapy for wounds is particular effective for C Section scars, which may stay inflamed or lumpy months after the C Section operation. Similarly, breast enhancement surgery and aesthetic facial surgery can leave unsightly scars. Therapeutic Laser is often effective to help heal skin post surgery, reduce the size and prominence of the scar during healing, and can help with redness and raised scarring, even if the wound is several years old.

Laser Therapy to heal pressure sores.

Pressure sores (also known as bed sores) are formed as a result of poor circulation, or a a loss of blood flow, when someone spends too much time on the same part of their body without movement. In cases such as a long time in bed from illness or injury, the person must be turned regularly to prevent pressure sores from developing.

Pressure sores after a spinal cord injury are of particular concern because a lack of sensation in parts of the body creates a lack of awareness that the injury or pressure sore has formed. The main source of pressure sores for people with spinal cord injuries is an excessive pressure on the skin without periods of relief. Blood flow is restricted to areas experiencing pressure, resulting in tissue damage. Another cause is when the skin becomes sheared. This can occur if someone is slouching, during transfers when sliding instead of lifting, and extended sitting at an angle in bed.

We have found pressure sores to respond well to Laser Therapy for wound healing, which helps prevent the sore from becoming worse or infected. We have worked with paraplegic patients for several years and we are familiar with the impact that pressure sores can have for a paraplegic / tetraplegic person if not treated as quickly as possible.

Courses of Laser Therapy treatments for wound healing and burns

Every wound is treated individually. We suggest a course of 3 sessions as a starting point, during which time many wounds resolve and do not require further attention.

Our Fees

Please refer to our payment terms for details of our Fees.

Clinical Studies: Laser Therapy for Wound Healing and Burns

• Analgesic effect of Photobiomodulation Therapy: An in vitro and in vivo study
• Low-Level Laser Therapy Facilitates Superficial Wound Healing in Humans: A Triple-Blind, Sham-Controlled Study
• Low-level laser therapy with pulsed infrared laser accelerates third-degree burn healing process in rats
• Low-level laser therapy with a pulsed infrared laser accelerates second-degree burn healing in rat: a clinical and microbiologic study
• Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) as an Effective Therapeutic Modality for Delayed Wound Healing
• Photobiomodulation as potential novel third line tool for non-invasive treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa

Please Call Us to discuss your specific requirements.