In the medical field LED has been used increasingly in recent years to help improve problems of the skin, for the treatment of acute and chronic pain, to treat SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and in wound healing. Invisible red light at the optimal wavelength of 830nm penetrates all the way to bone, stimulating blood circulation and the formation of new capillaries; increases lymphatic activity: and stimulates collagen production, making it an excellent adjunct therapy after any surgical procedure, or treatments of any kind (eg skin peels and dermal fillers).
There is a lot of evidence showing that treatment with LED prior to surgery will help get the skin and underlying tissues in optimal condition to encourage immediate and more efficient healing, following your surgery. Treatments twice weekly in the first 2- 3 weeks post-surgery has shown to significantly cut healing time by half. LED is also used in the treatment of pain, oedema (swelling) and erythema (redness).
We were looking for a non-invasive treatment that would aid the healing process for our surgical clients and to rejuvenate the skin as so many Sunshine Coast locals are severely sun-damaged. As with everything we do, we have researched light therapy treatments thoroughly before deciding to purchase a machine.
The Lutronic Healite II LED stood out from the crowd. R.Glen Calderhead is the industry leader in LED technology, having been part of the team that discovered the benefits of Low Level Light Therapy LLLT, now known as LED (Light Emitting Diode).
LED Overview
LED photons are units of electromagnetic radiation, absorbed by the skin cells to produce a reaction. With its high content of blood and water, the skin and muscular layers easily absorb the invisible red light and the following benefits are achieved:
- Wound healing in both hard and soft tissues, including the donor and recipient sites of skin grafts.
- Collagen production is stimulated, the most important component of wound healing.
- Blood flow is increased, delivering oxygen and nutrients to accelerate natural tissue healing processes.
- Increased lymphatic activity, which helps to reduce swelling and the discomfort / pain associated with swelling.
- Increased lymphatic drainage means more efficient toxin removal.
- Stimulates cellular reproduction and the replacement of damaged cells.
- Stimulates tissue granulation and the formation of connective tissue
- Stimulates acupuncture points and immune responses.
- Stimulates and increases the production of endorphins from the brain which in turn elevate your mood and help to reduce pain.
- Attenuation of pain in chronic and acute instances.
- All of these processes have the added benefit of creating healthier, and more plump and hydrated skin.
Laboratory studies have found that skin cells grow 150-200% faster when exposed to the correct wavelength of LED light. It is thought that light photons which have been absorbed by the skin and its underlying tissue trigger biological changes within the body in a process known as photo-bio modulation.