At Home LED Therapy After Cosmetic Surgery Explained

LED therapy, also known as Light Emitting Diode therapy, has become a valuable post-operative treatment for cosmetic surgery patients. In this video, Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Medicine Nurse Deborah Sieb-Daniell explains the use of at-home LED infrared devices, available in our clinics.

Dr. David Sharp is an experienced plastic surgeon in South Brisbane who frequently performs cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, abdominoplasty and facelift surgery, among others. He has observed the positive impact of LED therapy on the healing process, particularly in minimising scarring, bruising, and swelling. This non-invasive treatment utilises specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin, stimulating cellular activity and enhancing the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

Scarring is a common concern following cosmetic surgery. Despite advanced surgical techniques, scars are permanent and visible in varying degrees, and the degree to which they are visible can be dependent on the body’s individual healing response, genetics, and lifestyle factors.

LED therapy, especially in the red and near-infrared spectrum, has been shown to accelerate wound healing and improve scar appearance. The LED light energy stimulates fibroblast activity, crucial for collagen production, a key component in healthy skin repair. By boosting collagen synthesis, LED therapy helps smooth and soften scar tissue, making scars less noticeable over time, as explained by Nurse Deborah in this video.

Bruising, another post-operative issue, can be effectively treated with LED therapy. Bruises form when blood vessels are damaged during surgery, causing blood to pool under the skin. Blue LED light is particularly effective in reducing bruising, as it helps break down the bilirubin in the bruise, allowing the body to reabsorb the blood more quickly. Patients undergoing cosmetic surgery with Dr. Sharp in our Brisbane clinic who also receive daily LED therapy experience significantly reduced severity and duration of bruising.

Swelling, or oedema, is a natural inflammatory response following surgery. While it is a normal part of the healing process, excessive swelling can be uncomfortable and delay recovery. LED therapy helps reduce swelling by enhancing lymphatic drainage and improving blood circulation. Infrared light penetrates deeper into the tissues, promoting vasodilation and reducing inflammation, leading to quicker resolution of swelling and a smoother, more comfortable recovery.

At our Brisbane cosmetic surgery practice, Dr. David Sharp incorporates LED therapy into the post-operative care regimen for all our patients, offering it as a complimentary therapy for 12 months after surgery. This can be conducted in our Brisbane or Ipswich plastic surgery and cosmetic medicine clinics. It is a safe, painless, and effective adjunct treatment that complements surgical techniques, providing additional support during the healing process. The natural scar maturation process takes approximately 24 months, and by integrating LED therapy, we find that patients experience less swelling, while experiencing the benefits of proactively participating in their cosmetic surgery recovery process..

For patients unable to visit our clinics in Brisbane and Ipswich for LED therapy, we offer the option of purchasing at-home handheld LED devices.

The benefits of LED therapy in post-cosmetic surgery care are well-supported by clinical evidence and patient testimonials. For those undergoing cosmetic surgery in Brisbane, incorporating LED therapy into the recovery plan can significantly enhance the healing process, leading to improved satisfaction and overall results. It is important to discuss all available treatment options with your surgeon to tailor the best post-operative care plan for your individual needs.

Call our patient support team at 3202 4744 to learn more.