Red light therapy, also known as low-level light therapy or photobiomodulation, is a non-invasive treatment. It uses red and near-infrared light to potentially promote tissue healing and reduce inflammation.
However, if you have recently undergone cosmetic surgery, knee surgery, or another one, you may be wondering if it is safe to use red light therapy and how soon you can start using it.
So, how soon after surgery can you use red light therapy? This is a question that many people ask, especially those who are looking for ways to speed up their recovery after a surgical procedure.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of red light therapy for post-surgical recovery and wound healing. Also, provide some guidelines on when it is safe to start using this therapy after surgery.
Source: thedoctorsmethod.com
How Soon After Surgery Can You Use Red Light Therapy?
Despite aiding the recovery process for post-surgery incisions, red light therapy offers many other benefits for post-surgical patients. It may significantly speed up the healing time for wounds and scars.
However, red light therapy must be cautiously used for it to work its magic. Timing can be crucial. So today, we’re going to reveal how soon after surgery you can use red light therapy.
Timing is vital for the therapy to be able to deliver the ultimate efficiency. According to experts, the best time to get started with red light therapy is shortly after the surgery.
If your conditions allow you to start with the treatment, it is preferable to begin the process 24 hours after surgery and continue with regular sessions for a couple of days.
However, the severity of the surgery you’ve gone through can significantly impact your ability to start with red light therapy right away.
Therefore, you have to consult your surgeon regarding precise tips about the best time for you to start using red light therapy after surgery.
Red Light Therapy Before and After Surgery
RLT before surgery
If you’re looking to get the most out of the treatment, you can start prepping your body long before the surgery. If you’re counting the days until the surgery, it is natural that you experience anxiety and stress.
Your physical and mental health is very important during the last few days before the surgery. Research shows that red light therapy before surgery might stimulate the mitochondria to produce more energy, giving you more strength to cope with the anticipation.
The rise of oxidative stress, which is very common before surgery, might significantly affect your body’s immunity and ability to detoxify harmful chemicals. Therefore, using red light therapy to reduce oxidative stress might turn out to be very beneficial.
Furthermore, inflammation might also increase the risk of surgery complications. Using red light therapy may reduce inflammation, which is another great plus for scheduling treatments before surgery.
Another advantage of using red light therapy before surgery is that it may help generate new healthy tissues in the muscles and organs, which is greatly appreciated before surgery.
RLT after surgery
Post-surgery scars and wounds can be very hard to manage. Reducing inflammation might be vital if you want to speed up the healing process. Therefore, red light therapy may be a great way to reduce inflammation in the operated areas and shorten the recovery process.
Led light therapy might also help you improve blood circulation for better oxygen and nutrient supply essential for the body tissues to heal.
It also may boost collagen production, which is vital for the structural integrity of the skin. When absorbed by the skin, this light may stimulate fibroblasts, producing healthy skin tissues.
You can use red light therapy to speed up the healing process after different types of surgical procedures. Red light therapy has been shown to be potentially effective after plastic surgery and cataract surgery.
Still, you should consult your surgeon to find out whether red light therapy will be beneficial for your specific situation.
How Does Red Light Heal Wounds and Diminish Scars?
Red light therapy is a natural, non-invasive treatment. It may expose your skin and cells to concentrated wavelengths of therapeutic natural light to reduce oxidative stress and stimulate cellular energy production.
Red light therapy might stimulate your body to power and regenerate itself, resulting in faster healing while also reducing post-surgical pain and inflammation.
The main benefit of RLT may be inflammation reduction. Whether you’ve had an injury or an operation, inflammation and swelling are bound to happen, producing pain, reducing activity, and significantly slowing down the recovery process.
Many red light therapy trials have shown that the treatment may be very promising for relieving acute and chronic inflammation.
Studies also show that exposure to natural red light might help the body to produce new blood vessels, fibroblasts, and new tissues, leading to faster and enhanced healing outcomes.
Are There Any Risks of Using Red Light Therapy After Surgery?
Red light therapy is generally considered safe to use. If you schedule a meeting at a professional salon or know how to perform red light therapy at home, there are very few risks of the treatment.
Some people have reported developing burns after red light therapy, but that’s mostly the result of extended exposure to the light or malfunctioning devices.
Conclusion
Based on the surgery you’ve just had, it might not be the best idea to go for a red light therapy session right away. If you’ve had major surgery, you might need to rest at the clinic without a chance of undergoing a red light therapy treatment.
So, how soon after surgery can you use red light therapy? The best way is to consult with a professional. They should be able to explain the benefits and potential downsides of using red light therapy in your situation, so following their advice is the best way to stay safe after surgery.
Red light therapy has displayed many promising results for after-surgery treatments, but there still isn’t enough consensus about the treatment in the scientific community. That’s why you should always check with your surgeon or dermatologist before using it.
Hello! I’m Nicky Rodgers.
Almost a decade ago, I got excited about the idea of employing alternative methods like red light therapy to create a healthier life.
To learn more about it, I did my Certified Light Therapist course from Photonic Therapy Institute and started looking into the intricacies of how light therapy influences several bodily processes. Before I knew it, my interest had become an obsession which resulted in this extensive blog.
Here, I offer countless well-researched articles to help you understand the benefits and uses of light therapy. I hope this information gives you a head start in your wellness journey.