Can I do red light therapy after surgery?

Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy, has become an increasingly popular treatment option for a variety of conditions. It involves exposing the body to red and near-infrared light for therapeutic benefits. Some common uses of red light therapy include wound healing, pain reduction, and anti-aging effects. For many patients recovering from surgery, red light therapy may seem like an appealing additional treatment to help facilitate healing. However, it is important to consider the potential risks and discuss options with your surgeon before beginning treatment.

How Red Light Therapy Works

Red light therapy delivers wavelengths of natural red and near-infrared light to the skin and cells. These wavelengths are thought to stimulate cellular energy production, increase blood flow, and accelerate tissue repair processes. The light is generated by LEDs or lasers and delivers a precise wavelength and energy dose. Typically, treatment sessions involve sitting or lying beneath a light panel for 10-20 minutes one to three times per week. The light can penetrate up to 8-10mm below the skin, allowing it to reach joints, muscles, and other deeper tissues.

Benefits of Red Light Therapy

There is evidence that red light therapy provides the following benefits:

• Increases blood flow and circulation
• Reduces inflammation and swelling
• Stimulates collagen production and tissue regeneration
• Eases joint and muscle pain
• Speeds recovery from injuries and wounds
• Improves skin health and appearance

These benefits make red light therapy appealing for surgical recovery. By reducing inflammation, improving blood flow, and speeding up healing, it has the potential to complement conventional postoperative care.

Using Red Light Therapy After Surgery

While red light therapy has promising benefits, it also carries some risks when used after surgery. Some key considerations include:

• Timing – Most surgeons recommend waiting until incisions are fully closed and healed before starting light therapy. Beginning too early can disrupt delicate healing tissues.
• Location – It is best to avoid treating directly over fresh incisions or implants. The light can be scattered to reach tissues under the skin while avoiding the surface.
• Dosage – Start with lower frequencies and gentler doses until it is clear how your body responds post-surgery. Too much too fast can backfire.
• Heat – Red light can generate gentle heat, which is normally beneficial. But this could impact surgical sites, so monitor skin temperature.
• Medications – Photosensitizing drugs may cause side effects when combined with light exposure. Check with your surgeon about medication interactions.

Safety Recommendations Post-Surgery

If you are considering red light therapy after having a surgical procedure, it is essential to discuss safety precautions with your treatment provider and surgeon. General guidelines include:

Timeline	Treatment Guidance
0-2 weeks after surgery	Avoid red light therapy entirely during the initial healing period.
2-6 weeks after surgery	Begin with 5-10 minute sessions at low intensity every 2-3 days. Treatment duration and frequency can be gradually increased as tolerated.
6+ weeks after surgery	Treatment sessions can be lengthened to 15-20 minutes with higher intensity 2-3 times per week. Avoid treatment directly over healing incisions.

Every patient will respond differently during the postsurgical period. Carefully listen to your body and stop light therapy if you experience any discomfort or side effects.

Precautions with Implants

Patients who have undergone surgical procedures involving implants or devices require extra precautions with red light therapy. The following implants may carry risks with light exposure:

• Breast implants
• Pacemakers or defibrillators
• Cardiac stents
• Metal pins, screws, or plates
• Artificial joints
• Dental implants

Light therapy could potentially damage, disrupt, or heat these devices. Carefully follow all surgeon and manufacturer guidelines on allowing time for implants to fully adhere, integrate, and heal before introducing external light treatments.

Seeking Guidance From Your Surgeon

It is always best to consult with your surgeon before pursuing any supplementary therapies after a surgical procedure. When discussing red light therapy options, be prepared to provide details such as:

• The type of light device you plan to use
• Treatment parameters like wavelength, fluence, duration, frequency, etc.
• The bodily location you intend to treat
• Your goals and reasons for wanting light therapy

This will allow your surgeon to provide personalized recommendations concerning safety, timing, dosing, and any necessary precautions based on your specific surgery and medical history.

Complementing Postoperative Care

With proper safety measures in place, red light therapy can be a beneficial complement to standard postoperative care. Possible advantages include:

• Accelerating healing and recovery
• Reducing pain and stiffness
• Minimizing swelling and bruising
• Improving lymphatic drainage
• Increasing blood flow to surgical sites
• Stimulating regeneration and rejuvenation

By stimulating restorative biological processes, red light therapy can support your body’s natural healing mechanisms and help you bounce back faster after surgery.

Finding a Reputable Light Therapy Provider

It is essential to pursue red light therapy only with experienced providers who use high-quality devices. Factors to consider when choosing a provider include:

• Medical oversight – Many work directly with doctors and surgeons.
• Training and certification – Look for therapists certified in photobiomodulation.
• Customized protocols – They should tailor treatments to your needs.
• Quality devices – Medical-grade LEDs and lasers are best.
• Track record – Choose an established clinic with many positive reviews.
• Specialization – Seek those focused specifically on light therapy.

Reputable providers will help ensure you receive effective treatments safely and appropriately after surgery.

At-Home Use of Red Light Therapy

There are also at-home red light therapy devices available, but extreme caution is urged for postoperative use:

• Do not start therapy without your surgeon’s approval.
• Closely follow all provided instructions.
• Start with lower intensities and short durations.
• Avoid directing light onto incisions or implants.
• Stop immediately if you have concerns or experience discomfort.

Professional in-clinic therapy is strongly recommended for most postoperative patients. At-home use should only be considered under the guidance of your treatment provider and surgeon.

The Bottom Line

Red light therapy offers an array of benefits that can aid the postoperative recovery process and help patients heal faster. However, surgery sites require delicate care, and light exposure risks interfering with this healing if not done cautiously. By waiting until incisions have closed, avoiding direct treatment over sensitive areas, starting with lower intensities, and heeding your surgeon’s specific recommendations, red light therapy can be safely added to your recovery plan at the appropriate time. Open communication with your treatment providers is key to maximizing benefits while avoiding potential adverse effects.