Accelerating Ablative Fractional Resurfacing Wound Healing Recovery by Photobiomodulation

Abstract

Ablative cosmetic procedures are almost inevitably followed by an acute healing phase resulting in discomfort, erythema, edema, and crusting. Since patients are constantly asking for no downtime procedures, a considerable challenge to health care providers has resulted. Recently, photobiomodulation (PBM) with light-emitting diodes has attracted attention in wound healing management via its anti-inflammatory effects and increase in skin collagen production. PBM has been shown to promote wound healing processes both in vitro and in vivo at the epidermal and dermal levels in the skin. The combined favorable anti-inflammatory and collagen metabolism effects enhance collagenesis and elastinogenesis. A growing body of clinical evidence is showing that PBM, using 600–1000 nm light wavelengths, as soon as possible post-procedure and thereafter, successfully accelerates the acute healing phase via faster wound healing so as to reduce patient downtime. This article reviews that evidence and shows that PBM applied pre- and post-ablative fractional resurfacing treatment minimizes postoperative downtime enhancing patient satisfaction. It will hopefully become part of our rapidly expanding treatment armamentarium in order to ultimately improve patient care.