Does red light therapy help with wound healing?
⚠️ When to contact your surgeon right away
Red light therapy does not treat wound infections or serious complications. If your wound shows increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, an unpleasant smell, or if you develop a fever, contact your surgeon promptly or seek urgent care. These can be signs of infection that need medical treatment.
Short answer
Yes, there is meaningful evidence that red light therapy (also called photobiomodulation) can support wound healing by boosting cellular energy production and reducing inflammation. An international expert consensus panel confirmed it is effective for wound ulcers from multiple causes. However, the ideal dose and treatment settings are still being worked out, so results can vary.
What the research shows
Red light therapy, formally known as photobiomodulation (PBM), uses low levels of red or near-infrared light to stimulate healing in tissue. At the cellular level, it appears to boost energy production in mitochondria, improve cell signaling, support growth factor release, and reduce oxidative stress [5]. These effects have been studied for over 50 years [1].
A 2025 international consensus panel of 21 experts reviewed the literature and formally agreed that PBM is an effective treatment option for wound ulcers caused by multiple different conditions, including diabetic foot ulcers and pressure sores. They also confirmed that red light PBM does not cause DNA damage, supporting its safety profile [2]. A broader review of low-level laser and light therapy noted that wavelengths ranging from roughly 400 to 1,000 nm, including red light, show benefits across a range of chronic wounds [1].
In dental settings, a scoping review of 22 randomized controlled trials found that PBM applied after tooth extraction showed promise for improving wound healing outcomes, with no adverse events reported [7]. Reviews covering craniofacial wounds similarly highlight PBM's potential to reduce pain, ease inflammation, and speed tissue regeneration [8].
What this means for you
If you are recovering from a cosmetic procedure or managing a wound, red light therapy may be a safe, non-invasive option to discuss with your care team. It is generally well-tolerated with no serious side effects reported in the studies reviewed [2][7]. It can be delivered through lasers or LED devices, and both types have been studied [4][5].
That said, not all devices or treatment sessions are equal. The benefit depends on the wavelength, the energy dose applied, and how often treatments are given. There is currently no single universally agreed-upon protocol, which means your results may differ depending on the device and provider [1][5].
Caveats
While the expert consensus is encouraging, some reviews note that many studies are small, vary in how they measure outcomes, and are sometimes funded by industry [5]. A meta-analysis on LED light therapy specifically found high variability (heterogeneity) in wound healing studies, making it harder to draw firm conclusions compared to other uses like acne treatment [3]. Larger, independently funded, well-designed clinical trials are still needed to establish the best protocols [1][5].
Red light therapy is best viewed as a complement to, not a replacement for, standard wound care. Always discuss it with your surgeon or wound care specialist before starting.
What to ask your surgeon
- Is red light therapy appropriate for my specific type of wound or procedure recovery?
- What wavelength and dose would be used, and how many sessions are recommended?
- Is the device you use cleared by a regulatory body for wound healing?
- Are there any reasons it might not be suitable for me, such as certain medications or skin conditions?