Photobiomodulation Improved the First Stages of Wound Healing Process After Abdominoplasty: An Experimental, Double-Blinded, Non-randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background Photobiomodulation is widely studied for its potential benefits in the wound healing process. Numerous scientific studies have highlighted its effect on various phases of wound repair, but clinical validations are few. This comparative trial aims to evaluate the influence of photobiomodulation on the post-abdominoplasty healing process. Methods Seventeen Caucasian women (aged 18-55) who underwent an abdominoplasty were enrolled in this doubleblinded, controlled clinical trial. The postoperative scars were divided into two areas; the right side of the scars was treated with ten sessions of photobiomodulation (consisting in three types of wavelengths). The other part of the scars was used as control and did not receive any additional treatment. Clinical assessments of both parts of the scars were scheduled at 1, 6 and 12 months postoperative. Results Within six months following surgery, significantly improved quality of the scars on the treated side compared with the untreated side was reported by patients and experienced professionals according to Vancouver Scar Scale, Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (p \ 0.05) and standardized photographs (p \ 0.05). At 1 year of follow-up, patients observed no differences between the treated and untreated sides of the scars. This suggests that photobiomodulation appears to play an early role in the wound healing process, accelerating the first stages of cicatrization. Conclusion This study statistically validates the positive impact of photobiomodulation treatment on the first stages of the postoperative healing process. Carried out on Caucasians participants only, this study should, however, be performed on a more heterogeneous population to definitively confirm these effects on an international population. Clinical trial registry Registro Brasileiro de ensaios clı ´nicos: http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br,Trial RBR-49PK78.

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“…In this context, photobiomodulation (PBM) is widely known for its therapeutic benefits in the protection and regeneration of tissues [18][19][20][21][22][23]. Studies have demonstrated that PBM can reduce pain and inflammation [23][24][25], improve cancer management [26], and stimulate healing and tissue repair [20][21][22][27][28][29][30][31]. PBM is defined by the use of visible light to stimulate biological functions in a non-thermal and non-cytotoxic manner.…”

“…Fluorescence biomodulation (FB), a form of PBM that uniquely employs fluorescence light energy (FLE), has been demonstrated to advance healing of both acute and chronic wounds [22,[29][30][31]33]. A study has demonstrated that acute incisional wounds have reduced inflammation, as well as more physiologic re-epithelization and collagen remodelling, resulting in better quality and less visible scars [21]. In a multicenter, observational, uncontrolled trial, patients with hard-to-heal chronic ulcers experienced accelerated healing and improved quality of life [22].…”

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“…Although there was a lack of randomization, the authors were able to minimize other biases affecting the internal validity of the study by blinding the patients and outcome assessors to the patient's treatment allocation. 23 On the other hand, external validity refers to the generalizability of the results to the population, which evaluates the ability to apply a study's conclusions outside of the context of that study. 13 Therefore, to present evidence that is generalizable, authors of EBM articles should aim to include results from studies with clear eligibility criteria and large sample size.…”

Botulinum Toxin Type A Injection for Mammoplasty and Abdominoplasty Scar Management: A Split-Scar Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Study

“…So the prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids is still a considerable problem for cosmetic surgeries [4]. Mammoplasty and abdominoplasty are widely performed plastic surgeries worldwide with high level of patients' satisfaction, but associated with serious and sometimes cosmetic complications like hypertrophic scars and keloids, principal causes of patient and surgeon dissatisfaction [5].…”