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Light emitting diode‐red light for reduction of post‐surgical scarring: Results from a dose‐ranging, split‐face, randomized controlled trial
Author(s) -
Kurtti Alana,
Nguyen Julie K.,
Weedon Jeremy,
Mamalis Andrew,
Lai Yi,
Masub Natasha,
Geisler Amaris,
Siegel Daniel M.,
Jagdeo Jared R.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of biophotonics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.877
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1864-0648
pISSN - 1864-063X
DOI - 10.1002/jbio.202100073
Subject(s) - randomized controlled trial , medicine , reduction (mathematics) , red light , ranging , surgery , biology , computer science , mathematics , telecommunications , botany , geometry
Abstract Scarring has significant esthetic and functional consequences for patients. A need exists for anti‐scarring therapeutics. Light emitting diode‐red light (LED‐RL) has been shown to modulate skin fibrosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of LED‐RL to reduce post‐operative scarring. Cutaneous Understanding of Red‐light Efficacy on Scarring was a randomized, mock‐controlled, single‐blind, dose‐ranging, split‐face phase II clinical trial. Starting 1 week post‐surgery, patients received LED‐RL irradiation and temperature‐controlled mock therapy to incision sites at fluences of 160, 320 or 480 J/cm 2 , triweekly for 3 weeks. Efficacy was assessed at 1, 3 and 6–12 months. The primary endpoint was difference in scar pliability between LED‐RL‐treated and control sites. Secondary outcomes included Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, collagen and water concentration, and adverse events. There were no significant differences in scar pliability between treated and control scars. At certain fluences, treated scars showed greater improvements in observer rating and scar pliability, reflected by greater reductions in induration, from baseline to 6 months compared to control scars. Treatment‐site adverse events included blistering (n = 2) and swelling (n = 1), which were mild and resolved without sequelae. LED‐RL phototherapy is safe in the early postoperative period and may reduce scarring.