Low-level light therapy (LLLT) with Healite II involves the therapeutic use of light emitting diodes to enhance cellular function, improve healing time, relieve pain and promote skin rejuvenation. This treatment can be used as a standalone therapy or to assist the healing after other procedures.
Low-level light therapy (LLLT), also known as photobiomodulation or phototherapy, is the therapeutic use of light to enhance cell recovery. It reduces healing times, helps relieve pain and bruising, and results in better long-term cosmetic outcomes after procedures. LLT is painless, non-invasive and there is no downtime following treatment. It can be used as a standalone treatment or as part of a treatment combination such as photodynamic therapy or to speed healing and improve results after cosmetic radiofrequency mole removal, microneedling or surgical excision of skin cancers and suspicious moles.
We use the Healite II which allows precise control of treatment parameters such as wavelength, intensity and total dose to obtain optimal results.
How low-level light treatment works
Light emitting diodes (LEDs) give off light which is absorbed by skin and other cells.
Photons of red and near-infra red wavelengths are absorbed by mitochondria – structures within cells that control energy production. This stimulates several processes associated with cell growth, tissue repair and regeneration (Avci 2013).
As a result, there is:
- production of growth factors (Glass 2021)
- reduction of inflammation, improved circulation in the treated area, and stimulation of collagen production and growth of skin cells: keratinocytes, fibroblasts and melanocytes (Glass 2021)
- faster growth of the epithelium (the tissue that lines the body's organs including the epidermis skin layer) (Avci 2013)
Results from low-level light treatment
LLLT is effective for managing multiple skin conditions such as acne, hair loss, dermatitis and psoriasis. (Ablon 2018)
At Spot Check Clinic, we mainly use LLLT in combination with other treatments in the management of skin cancers, mole removal and skin repair.
Wound healing and scar development
Low-level light enhances wound healing after skin procedures
Surgical wounds (for example after excision or radiofrequency removal of a mole or skin cancer) heal significantly faster with LLLT. (Min 2013) Crusting, exudate, and swelling resolve in half the time. (Ablon 2018)
Patients treated with LLT experience less pain, and it resolves faster (Mosca 2019)
Healing times following facial surgery
(Calderhead 2015)
Low-level light results in better cosmetic outcomes and less scarring
Results after skin procedures are generally better when LLLT is used. (Calderhead 2015)
In the days and weeks following treatment, there is less redness (Avci 2013)
After a course of treatment, the scar is stronger and the appearance is better (Glass 2021)
Low-level light helps prevent keloid scarring
Keloid and hypertrophic (overgrown) scars are less likely to develop if the skin is treated with LLLT following an injury or surgery (Avci 2013, Barolet 2018).
Cosmetic and skin rejuvenation effects
LLT can result in softening of the skin and reduction in fine lines (Avci 2013). Treated skin is more elastic (Glass 2021).
In general, a long course (several months) of repeated treatments is required to achieve results (Jagdeo 2018). For treatment of wrinkles and skin discolouration due to ageing and sun damage, we normally recommend other treatments such as:
When LLLT is used in combination with microneedling, results are achieved faster (Calderhead, year not stated) and the effects are far superior to those achieved by either microneedling or LLLT on its own (Calderhead 2014).
What to expect
Healite II low-level light treatment is comfortable and soothing. Most patients find it relaxing.
Treatment is administered from an array of LED globes, positioned a few centimetres away from the area to be treated. The Healite head “wraps around” the treatment area. For facial treatments, this can feel a little claustrophobic at first, but this feeling usually settles very quickly.
The Healite gives off a bright light, either red or yellow depending on the treatment wavelength. The light is not bright enough to require eye protection.
The light itself does not feel hot, but after a few minutes of treatment the skin feels warm as energy is delivered to the cells.
Each treatment session usually lasts 15-20 minutes.
Treatment course
When LLLT is used in conjunction with another treatment, the optimal treatment course is:
- Pre-treatment 1-2 days before the procedure
- Treatment immediately following the procedure
- 2-3 treatments, 2-3 days apart, following the procedure
For a planned procedure such as cosmetic mole removal or excision of a suspicious skin lesion, LLLT administered 1-2 days before the procedure conditions the cells. It has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation after the procedure (Agrawal 2014). Treatment with LLLT immediately following skin procedures reduces downtime and adverse effects of the procedure. (Calderhead 2015)
Side effects
There are no significant known negative effects of low-level light therapy.
When LLLT is used by itself, there is no downtime, redness, peeling, blistering or pain. (Ablon 2018) There may be downtime as a result of other treatments administered at the same time as LLLT.
Contraindications
LLLT is not recommended if you have a condition or are taking medications that make you sensitive to bright or flashing lights.
Conditions that cause photosensitivity
- epilepsy
- metabolic conditions such as porphyria
- light-induced rashes
- autoimmune conditions such as lupus erythematosus
- albinism
- light-induced migraine
Photosensitising medications and other products
- amiodarone
- azapropazone
- azathioprine
- chlorpromazine
- demeclocycline
- doxycycline
- nalidixic acid
- certain essential oils, such as lavender, sandalwood, bergamot and many citrus fruit oils
Also known as
Conditions treated
How it’s performed
Clothing is removed or adjusted to expose the area to be treated. The Healite II light head is positioned approximately a hand width away from the treatment area. The light emitted by the device is safe for eyes, but the red light is bright, so some patients may prefer to wear block-out goggles or tinted glasses. Our operator selects the appropriate Healite II settings for the condition being treated and turns the device on. Each treatment typically last 10-15 minutes. After treatment, the patient dresses and is ready to go.
Preparing for
Low-level light therapy
Do not wear any cosmetics, tinted moisturiser or sunscreen on the day of treatment. Wear clothing such as singlet and shorts, that allow easy access to treatment areas.
Side effects and complications
There are no known significant side effects to low level light therapy. Some people find the light very bright or irritating and may prefer to wear protective glasses during treatment.
Follow-up
A series of at least 3-4 treatments is usually recommended. Otherwise there is no follow-up required.
Aftercare
Contraindications
Photosensitivy is the main contraindication for Healite II procedures. This may be due to a medical condition such as migraine or epilepsy, photosensitising topical compounds or medication (for example, doxycycline).
Warnings
Pregnancy
News/blog articles
Web links
Healite II
Lutronic Australia
Information about the Healite II LED device used at Spot Check CLinic.