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Photobiomodulation Improved the First Stages of Wound Healing Process After Abdominoplasty: An Experimental, Double-Blinded, Non-randomized Clinical Trial

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  • Body Contouring
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Abstract

Background

Photobiomodulation is widely studied for its potential benefits in the wound healing process. Numerous scientific studies have highlighted its effect on various phases of wound repair, but clinical validations are few. This comparative trial aims to evaluate the influence of photobiomodulation on the post-abdominoplasty healing process.

Methods

Seventeen Caucasian women (aged 18–55) who underwent an abdominoplasty were enrolled in this double-blinded, controlled clinical trial. The postoperative scars were divided into two areas; the right side of the scars was treated with ten sessions of photobiomodulation (consisting in three types of wavelengths). The other part of the scars was used as control and did not receive any additional treatment. Clinical assessments of both parts of the scars were scheduled at 1, 6 and 12 months postoperative.

Results

Within six months following surgery, significantly improved quality of the scars on the treated side compared with the untreated side was reported by patients and experienced professionals according to Vancouver Scar Scale, Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (p < 0.05) and standardized photographs (p < 0.05). At 1 year of follow-up, patients observed no differences between the treated and untreated sides of the scars. This suggests that photobiomodulation appears to play an early role in the wound healing process, accelerating the first stages of cicatrization.

Conclusion

This study statistically validates the positive impact of photobiomodulation treatment on the first stages of the postoperative healing process. Carried out on Caucasians participants only, this study should, however, be performed on a more heterogeneous population to definitively confirm these effects on an international population.

Clinical trial registry

Registro Brasileiro de ensaios clínicos: http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br, Trial RBR-49PK78.

Level of Evidence II

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

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Acknowledgements

There was no funding from either public, private or third sector sources. The company Biolux Medical—France granted the LED devices, and they did not participate in the research protocol, patient’s selection or surgical procedures.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Plastic Surgery Division of São Lucas Hospital of Pontificia, Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil

    Renato Matta Ramos, Lauren Marquardt Burman, Leticia Manoel Debom & Carlos Oscar Uebel

  2. Biolux Institute, Phare de la méditerranée, 34250, Palavas Les Flots, Montpellier, France

    Marion Burland & Jean Michel Bec

  3. Inserm U1051, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France

    Marion Burland & Jean Valmier

  4. Hand and Reconstructive Microsurgery Division of São Lucas Hospital of Pontificia, Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil

    Jefferson Braga Silva

  5. School of Medicine, PUCRS University, Montpellier Cedex 5, Montpellier, France

    Jefferson Braga Silva

  6. Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, San Isidro, Lima, Peru

    Marco Smiderle Gelain

  7. Inserm U1051., INM, Hôpital St Eloi, University Hospital Center of Montpellier, 80 rue Augustin Fliche, 34091, Montpellier Cedex 5, France

    Mohsen Alirezai & Jean Valmier

  8. Bliss Plastic Surgery, Private Clinic, Libertadores Street. 125. Postal Code: Lima 14, San Isidro Lima, Peru

    Renato Matta Ramos

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  1. Renato Matta Ramos
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  2. Marion Burland
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Correspondence to Renato Matta Ramos.

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Ramos, R.M., Burland, M., Silva, J.B. et al. Photobiomodulation Improved the First Stages of Wound Healing Process After Abdominoplasty: An Experimental, Double-Blinded, Non-randomized Clinical Trial. Aesth Plast Surg 43, 147–154 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-018-1271-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-018-1271-2

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