Laser Therapy Research Articles

Background Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin disease involving the follicular epithelium that significantly impairs quality of life. Treatment varies by stage and includes antibiotics, immunosuppressants, biologics, and surgery for severe tissue damage. Laser therapies like CO2, Nd:YAG and IPL offer non-invasive options. Objective This systematic review evaluates the efficacy and safety of procedural treatment, including IPL, CO2, and Nd: YAG, in the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa. Methods preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Studies published from 2010 to 2025 were searched in Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases using predefined terms. Inclusion criteria comprised English-language studies investigating laser therapies, including IPL, CO2, and Nd: YAG lasers, for hidradenitis suppurativa in comparative and randomized controlled trials. Data extraction covered study characteristics, patient demographics, laser parameters, and treatment outcomes. Quality assessment was performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias (ROB 2) tool. Results Out of 2,833 initially retrieved records, 8 studies involving a total of 181 patients met the inclusion criteria. The studies investigated multiple laser-based interventions: 2 focused on Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), including one study using IPL alone and another combining IPL with Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL); 2 studies examined LAight® therapy (a combination of IPL and radiofrequency), including comparisons with topical clindamycin 0.1%; and 4 studies investigated Nd: YAG laser, including combined protocols with CO₂ laser, benzoyl peroxide, and clindamycin. IPL monotherapy achieved a 67% hidradenitis suppurativa clinical response (HiSCR) rate and reduced median modified severity scores from 8.5 to 4.5 (p = 0.006). LAight® combined with topical clindamycin produced a - 60.0% ± 6.7% reduction in IHS4 versus - 17.8% ± 5.6% with clindamycin alone (p < 0.001), with HiSCR responses of 63% versus 36% at week 16. Nd: YAG laser yielded a mean HS-LASI score decrease of 31.6% after two sessions (p < 0.001) and, in a randomized within-patient trial, a 72.7% ± 13.0% lesion score reduction versus 22.9% ± 38.9% with topical therapy (p < 0.001). Fractional CO₂ + Nd: YAG combination therapy achieved 90% ± 20.5% improvement versus 70.7% ± 23.6% with Nd: YAG alone, with 80% of treated sides rated "clear" on physician global assessment at two weeks (55% maintained at three months). IPL-PDT using NMB gel led to a 77.3% ± 18.9% lesion reduction versus 44.1% ± 28.2% with FMB gel (p < 0.01). Adverse effects-including erythema, mild burns, transient pain, and tenderness-were generally mild and self-limited, with no severe events reported. Conclusion Laser and light-based therapies, including long-pulsed Nd: YAG, fractional CO₂, IPL combined with radiofrequency (LAight®), and photodynamic therapy, offer effective and safe options for managing hidradenitis suppurativa. Hair follicle-targeting lasers, particularly Nd: YAG, show sustained reductions in inflammatory lesions and lower recurrence compared to medical treatments alone. Ablative approaches like fractional CO₂ and IPL-RF complement these effects by improving scarring and accelerating lesion resolution. Photodynamic therapy shows potential but requires further validation in larger controlled trials. Adverse effects are generally mild and transient. Nonetheless, the heterogeneity of current studies and limited follow-up underscore the need for standardized protocols and robust randomized trials. Future research should aim to refine treatment strategies and integrate laser/light modalities with systemic and topical therapies to enhance long-term outcomes and quality of life.

ObjectiveCleft lip scars can significantly impact patients' facial esthetics and psychological well-being. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of various non-surgical interventions in reducing cleft lip scars.MethodsA systematic search was performed across PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases up to May 21, 2024. Inclusion criteria encompassed human studies with cohort or randomized controlled trial (RCT) designs that assessed non-surgical interventions for reducing cleft lip scarring following surgery. Articles in any language, regardless of publication date, were considered. Eligible studies underwent quality assessment, and data were extracted for an inverse variance random-effects meta-analysis.ResultsOf 1664 initially identified articles, 14 met the inclusion criteria for review, with 8 included in the meta-analysis. The reviewed studies primarily focused on botulinum toxin type A (BTA) and laser treatments as non-surgical approaches. Meta-analysis revealed significant improvement in scar appearance with laser therapy (P < .001) but not with BTA (P = .15) when the assessment was conducted by the Vancouver scar scale (VSS). BTA also had no significant effect on scar width reduction (P > .05), but improved scar appearance based on the subjective visual analogue scale (VAS) assessment (P < .001).ConclusionsBased on the VSS index, laser therapy improved scar appearance more effectively than BTA. However, BTA enhanced esthetics as measured subjectively by VAS. These findings support non-surgical interventions as a viable approach for managing cleft lip scars.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the anatomical and functional outcomes of photobiomodulation (PBM) in patients with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (cCSC). In this retrospective study, ten eyes from nine patients with cCSC were treated with PBM. All patients had persistent subretinal fluid (SRF) for ≥ 6months and no history of prior laser therapy. PBM was delivered once a week for 4weeks, then monthly for two additional months using a dual-wavelength (590 and 625nm) protocol delivered through the eye-light® device. Anatomical and functional outcomes were assessed at baseline and 6months through multimodal imaging and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Mean patient age was 45.37years. At 6months, mean BCVA improved significantly from 67.12 (±4.96) to 77.87 (±7.77) ETDRS letters (p = 0.0053). SRF completely resolved in 70% of eyes, partially improved in 10%, and remained unchanged in 20%. Among five eyes with serous avascular pigment epithelial detachment (PED), two PEDs resolved, one partially regressed, and two were unchanged. No adverse events were reported. PBM may be beneficial in improving retinal anatomy and visual function in cCSC, with an excellent safety profile. These findings support PBM as a promising noninvasive treatment modality in patients with cCSC. Prospective controlled trials are warranted to validate its efficacy and durability.

Low-Level Laser Therapy and Photobiomodulation for Tinnitus and Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review

Background/Objectives: The aim of this literature review is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic success of various types of lasers used in pulpotomy procedures for primary teeth. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and Web of Science databases, with no time limits applied. Keywords included various types of lasers (e.g., diode, Nd:YAG, Er:YAG, LLLT, CO2) and terms related to pulpotomy in primary teeth. The search was performed in August 2025. Studies were screened for eligibility based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing on clinical trials and studies assessing long-term outcomes of laser pulpotomies. Results: The review included 36 studies, categorized by laser type. Diode lasers were the most commonly used laser and showed high clinical success rates (&gt;85%) with various dressing materials. Nd:YAG lasers demonstrated positive long-term outcomes, while Er:YAG lasers had inconsistent results. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and CO2 lasers also showed high clinical and radiographic success. The studies highlighted the variability in laser specifications and clinical protocols, making direct comparisons challenging. Conclusions: Laser pulpotomy offers a viable alternative to traditional methods, with diode and Nd:YAG lasers showing particularly high success rates. However, the lack of standardized protocols and the variability in study methodologies call for further research to establish clear guidelines for clinical practice.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different therapeutic options currently used to treat and relieve the pain of Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS), in order to provide better clinical guidance for future practice. A systematic qualitative synthesis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted, grouping evidence by intervention type. Twenty-one RCTs were included, assessing pharmacological, topical, systemic, physical, and combined interventions. Studies were selected if they directly evaluated treatments in patients diagnosed with BMS; non-randomized trials were excluded. Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scielo using the MeSH terms: "Burning Mouth Syndrome," "Oral Burning," "Treatment," and "Randomized Controlled Trial." Outcomes focused on symptom relief, adverse effects, and comparisons with placebo or other treatments. Methodological quality was assessed using risk of bias criteria. Data extraction followed a systematic, cross-validated protocol. Due to substantial clinical and methodological heterogeneity, only a qualitative synthesis was performed. Fourteen interventions were identified, including alpha-lipoic acid, topical/systemic clonazepam, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), capsaicin, melatonin, gabapentin, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Topical clonazepam, alpha-lipoic acid, and LLLT consistently demonstrated the most significant symptom improvement with few mild adverse effects. While topical clonazepam, alpha-lipoic acid, and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) emerged as potentially effective options in several RCTs, the overall strength of evidence is limited. These therapies appear promising, but further high-quality, larger randomized trials are needed before firm first-line recommendations can be made. This study provides evidence-based guidance for clinicians in selecting effective treatments for BMS, emphasizing tailored therapeutic approaches and the potential benefits of topical clonazepam, alpha-lipoic acid, and low-level laser therapy as first-line options.

Question In canine patients undergoing tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) surgery for unilateral cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CCLR), is LLLT (low-level laser therapy (less than 200 mw)) treatment effective at reducing time to radiographic bone healing compared to no LLLT treatment? The category of research question was: Treatment. The number and type of study designs that were critically appraised were: Three studies (study 1: randomised, blinded, prospective clinical study, study 2: randomised, double blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial and study 3: randomised controlled trial). Critical appraisal of the selected papers meeting the inclusion criteria collectively provide zero/weak/moderate/strong evidence in terms of their experimental design and implementation: Weak. The outcomes reported are summarised as follows… In all three studies the authors compared the use of LLLT to a control and concluded that LLLT treatment did not make a significant difference in improving radiographic bone healing. Therefore, the evidence which suggests LLLT improves radiographic bone healing in dogs recovering from TPLO surgery is weak. In view of the strength of evidence and the outcomes from the studies the following conclusion is made… There is a lack of conclusive evidence surrounding the use of LLLT treatment in dogs who underwent TPLO surgery. Based on current data it is difficult to say whether LLLT is beneficial and this demonstrates the requirement for further study to truthfully determine whether the laser device is effective for radiographic bone healing. One of three studies suggests that LLLT is beneficial to canine patients undergoing TPLO surgery for CCLR, radiographic bone healing in dogs was not the focus of that review.

KTP Laser Therapy for Refractory Chronic Myringitis: A Case Series and Comparative Outcomes.

ABSTRACT Retinal laser therapies assume a critical function within the field of ophthalmology, since the human eye is exposed to a multitude of ocular disorders, and diabetics and individuals with prolonged hypertension levels are at significant risk of developing retinal disease. Accurate modeling of the thermal behavior of ocular tissues is critical to optimizing treatment efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. In this paper, a novel finite element model is studied for the analysis of the thermal effects of two types of laser therapies on the retina. Two common laser wavelengths used in ophthalmology are simulated: 532 nm for pan‐retinal photocoagulation and 810 nm for transpupillary thermotherapy. The effects of optical properties, such as absorption, scattering, and anisotropy index are incorporated. Also included are melanin granules in the retinal pigment epithelium, vascular networks in the neural retina and choroid, and fluid dynamics in the posterior segment of the eye. Some of the key limitations of previous approaches are overcome by the model. In addition, a comparative analysis is carried out between two intensity profiles: Top‐Hat and Gaussian beams. The results show that Gaussian and Top‐Hat laser beam profiles significantly affect thermal distributions, underscoring the critical role of beam shape and laser parameters in optimizing therapeutic outcomes. Sensitivity analysis showed that changes in perfusion of shifted the peak temperature by less than 0.2 . Therefore, while perfusion helps to dissipate heat, it remains secondary to the beam profile and vitreous convection.

The article presents a review of contemporary bioquantum methods proposed for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, with focused attention on laser therapy, plasma therapy, and proton–plasma therapy. The analysis examines the physical and biological mechanisms of action for each modality, including modulation of neuroinflammation, reduction of oxidative stress, stabilization of mitochondrial function, regulation of microglial and astrocytic activity, and potential restoration of blood–brain barrier integrity. Advantages and limitations are evaluated with respect to technical feasibility, accuracy of energy delivery, biological specificity, safety profile, and scalability for routine clinical practice. The review compares clinical and paraclinical outcomes, including relapse dynamics, lesion burden and tissue integrity measured by magnetic resonance imaging, levels of neurofilament light chain as a marker of neuroaxonal injury, validated fatigue and disability scales, and patient-reported quality-of-life indices. Attention is paid to candidate selection across relapsing–remitting and progressive phenotypes, parameterization of treatment protocols, and interactions with established disease-modifying therapies. Ethical and regulatory considerations are examined, including device classification, adherence to Good Clinical Practice, independent oversight, transparent adverse event reporting, and strategies to minimize publication bias. Health-economic aspects, workforce competencies, and pathways for technology adoption are addressed. The synthesis of current evidence supports cautious optimism: bioquantum interventions may offer adjunctive neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects; however, the existing literature remains insufficient for firm conclusions. The field requires rigorously designed, adequately powered, multicenter, sham-controlled trials with standardized protocols, pre-registered analyses, validated outcome measures, and long-term follow-up to determine effectiveness, safety, durability of benefit, and generalizability to real-world clinical settings.

Paronychia is a common side effect of anticancer therapies, particularly epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs). Standard treatments often provide limited relief. Pulsed dye laser (PDL) therapy at 595 nm, with vascular-targeting and anti-inflammatory effects, may serve as an effective adjunctive treatment. To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of adjunctive 595-nm PDL therapy in the treatment of paronychia induced by anticancer drugs, particularly EGFRIs. This prospective pre-post study included 70 digits with anticancer drug-induced paronychia, Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events [CTCAE] grade 1-2, from ten patients. After a 2-week run-in with standardized treatment, participants received 4 weekly sessions of 595-nm PDL therapy. Outcomes-assessed at baseline, each visit, and 2 weeks posttreatment-included erythema index (EI), modified Severity of Paronychia Assessment Tool (SPOT) score, pain, edema, Physician Global Assessment (PGA), patient satisfaction, and adverse events. PDL therapy significantly reduced the EI from 1.63 to 1.42 (p < 0.001) and edema from 1.67 to 1.45 (p < 0.001). Modified SPOT scores improved from 3.61 to 1.99 (p < 0.001), with early pain relief observed (4.40-1.25; p < 0.001). PGA improved by Week 3, and patient satisfaction increased from 0 to 100 by Week 5 (p < 0.001). PDL adjuvant therapy significantly improves both clinical signs and patient-reported outcomes in anticancer drug-induced paronychia.

Laser applications in peri-implantitis therapy: A narrative review.

French Societies of Rheumatology and of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine recommendations for the Management of people living with Hand Osteoarthritis.

The standard Port Wine Stains (PWS) treatment involves using single pulse high fluence (SPHF) laser therapy, which often leads to discomfort and requires multiple sessions. According to the Arrhenius theory, employing multiple pulses with low fluence (MPLF) that have lower peak power could potentially reduce pain while still achieving the therapeutic goals. This study aims to explore the potential of MPLF at 530 nm in achieving the desired clinical endpoints in treating PWS. Additionally, it seeks to validate the predictions of the Arrhenius theory regarding thermal denaturation against empirical data, utilizing established kinetic parameters. We evaluated vascular responses to SPHF and MPLF approaches using the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model and a 530 nm customized fiber laser. Vascular changes were observed with a digital microscope, and temperature was monitored with a thermal camera during irradiation through a 3 × 3 mm spot at 9-10 ms pulse durations, targeting stable coagulum and vessel collapse. First, we established the SPHF threshold, then applied MPLF at 20%-75% of this fluence with a pulse duration of 9-10 ms and a repetition rate of 0.1 or 0.2 Hz (corresponding to 1 pulse every 10 or 5 s, respectively). Additionally, we used the Arrhenius theory with specific kinetic parameters to predict and validate thermal damage. We observed that both SPHF and MPLF approaches effectively achieved clinical endpoints. Stable coagulum formation was successful at a fluence of 4.2 J/cm² with a pulse width of 10 ms under SPHF. Similarly, MPLF achieved stable coagulum at a lower fluence of 2.2 J/cm², with the thrombus forming after 16 pulses and enlarging by the 32nd pulse. Vessel collapse was also noted at a fluence of 10.8 J/cm² in the SPHF regime and at 5.9 J/cm² with MPLF, with early closure observed after the fourth pulse and completion by the sixteenth. Surface temperature measurements indicated a minor rise following laser exposure, which quickly returned to near baseline levels. Using two sets of activation energies, the Arrhenius model predicted the extent of vessel denaturation and informed the number of pulses required to reach the damage threshold, indicating a lower slope and thus easier damage accumulation with MPLF below the SPHF threshold. This study provides evidence that using MPLF laser treatment at 530 nm with fluences ranging from 50% to 70% of the SPHF threshold can effectively induce stable coagulum and vessel collapse within the CAM model while maintaining baseline temperatures.

Efficacy of photobiomodulation therapy in reducing dental injection pain in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Low-level laser therapy for the treatment of oral manifestations in a patient with toxic epidermal necrolysis: a case report.

Background: Alveolar osteitis, or dry socket, is a painful postoperative complication following tooth extraction, commonly associated with clot disintegration, bacterial colonization, and excessive local inflammation. Conventional dressings such as Alvogyl® provide temporary pain relief but do not consistently accelerate tissue healing. Therefore, biologically active agents like Nigella sativa, honey, and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) have gained attention for their potential synergistic effects in promoting socket healing. Objective: This review aims to synthesize existing evidence on the therapeutic effects of Nigella sativa, honey, and LLLT in dry socket management and to evaluate the rationale for their combined application to enhance pain control, antimicrobial action, and tissue regeneration. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar (2019–2025) using Boolean keywords related to “dry socket,” “Nigella sativa,” “honey,” and “low-level laser therapy.” Eligible studies included clinical and experimental research evaluating at least one of the three modalities with outcomes on pain reduction, inflammation, or healing progression. Discussion: Findings indicate that Nigella sativa reduces pain and inflammation via thymoquinone’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions, honey accelerates granulation through osmotic and enzymatic antibacterial activity, and LLLT enhances cellular metabolism and angiogenesis. Collectively, these complementary mechanisms suggest a strong biological rationale for multimodal therapy. Conclusion: Combined use of Nigella sativa, honey, and LLLT may offer superior pain relief and accelerated wound healing in alveolar osteitis compared with single-agent treatments. Future standardized randomized trials are required to confirm efficacy, optimize dosages, and validate clinical safety.

The joint syndrome in rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by pain severity and duration, the presence of prolonged morning stiffness, and the underlying pain mechanisms, which often necessitate reconstructive surgery on the affected joint. Currently, thetechniques of physiotherapeutic laser treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis are widespread, however, the authors' data in the effectiveness of treatment of joint syndrome are controversial, which requires study and search for effective techniques to improve the quality of life in patients. The aim of this work is to study the use of low-intensity laser therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis International databases from 2015-2025 were analyzed. Original articles and systematic reviews were studied. A total of 37 articles were analyzed. Currently, numerous studies focus on the cellular and intracellular mechanisms of laser therapy, supporting its pathogenetic role in the treatment of joint apparatus damage. The key points mechanisms through which laser therapy influences the inflammatory process towards regression are reflected, which determines the use of laser therapy in patients with joint syndrome as an additional therapy. Along with the application of this physical factor can be used and combined methods (for example, the combined use of laser therapy and exercise, laser therapy and magnetotherapy), which also indicate a positive effect on the musculoskeletal system in the form of reducing the severity of pain syndrome, increasing the amplitude of movement in the joint. However, there are ambiguous data on the use of laser therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and its effectiveness, as a result of which the effect on the severity of pain syndrome and duration of morning stiffness iscontroversial, which requires further research to develop standardized treatment parameters, taking into account individual aspects of the course of the disease. Keywords:rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, low-intensity laser, laser acupuncture, photomagnetotherapy.

Asuri Chikitsa, an esoteric branch of Ayurveda, involves mystical and ritualistic therapies used primarily for diseases of divine or supernatural origin. This review examines the application of Asuri Chikitsa in the management of Arshas (haemorrhoids), an ailment described in Ayurvedic texts as a condition arising from imbalances in the body's Doshas, particularly Vata. The article explores the historical and cultural significance of AsuriChikitsa, with a focus on its use in Arshas when conventional treatments failed. It details the therapeutic methods, including the use of Mantras, Yantras, herbal combinations, and rituals, all aimed at restoring balance in the body and mind. Additionally, the review draws parallels between traditional Ayurvedic surgical procedures (ChedanaKarma, Kṣārakarma, and Agnikarma) and their modern counterparts in proctology, such as haemorrhoidectomy, sclerotherapy, and infrared coagulation. The article also highlights how modern technological advancements, such as laser therapy and Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation, are aligning with Ayurvedic principles. The integration of modern techniques with Ayurvedic wisdom underscores the relevance of Asuri Chikitsa in contemporary healthcare, offering a holistic approach to treating Arshas. Further research is essential to validate the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatments in modern medical practice.

Acne is a common skin condition that often leads to atrophic scars, a major concern for patients. Treatments for these scars include fractional CO2 laser, subcision, and regenerative therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid injections. PRP, which concentrates platelets from the patient's blood to release growth factors for enhanced healing, is prepared through centrifugation. Hyaluronic acid products provide hydration and have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant benefits. This study investigates the effectiveness of PRP, non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid, and their combination in treating acne scars, addressing the significant impact of these scars on patients' quality of life. Between 2023 and 2024, a double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted involving 15 patients aged 18 to 65 with atrophic acne scars at a dermatology clinic. Participants were divided into three groups: one group received a combination of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid on one side of the face, while the opposite side received either PRP alone, hyaluronic acid alone, or normal saline as a placebo. Two therapy sessions were held, with evaluations conducted at baseline, one month after the first session, and three months later, using biometric and ultrasound measurements to assess treatment efficacy. Results indicated that while no significant differences were found in colorimetry, tewametry, and corneometry across groups, the PRP group had higher erythema and melanin indices in the third evaluation (three months after the first treatment session) compared to the PRP+non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) group. Conversely, the non-cross-linked HA group demonstrated superior scores in tewametry and melanin index compared to the PRP+HA group. In post-treatment evaluations, both patients and physicians reported higher satisfaction rates for the PRP+HA group compared to the PRP alone or the non-cross-linked HA group, highlighting a preference for the combination treatment. The combination of platelet-rich plasma and non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid presents a promising approach for the treatment of atrophic acne scars, demonstrating enhanced satisfaction rates and biometric improvements over individual treatments. Further studies are warranted to solidify these findings and refine treatment protocols. Therapeutic study 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 .