The Leading Light in LED Phototherapy
What is Scarring?
A scar is a mark from replacement skin tissue during wound healing. Scars may be raised (hypertrophic), rough and pitted (ice pick) or fibrous and lumpy (keloid). Scar tissue may appear smooth and shiny or form a depression in the surface of the skin.
If the skin is damaged above the germinating layer of the epidermis it will heal without scaring, this is due to the fact that the germinating layer is constantly dividing (mitosis) and replacing the layers of cells above it.
However if damage penetrates beyond the germinating layer into the dermis the body responds by forming a haematoma at the site of the injury to close off the wound. The inflammatory response to the injury then begins. Within twelve hours of the injury the macrophages move in to clear the way for peripheral cells to begin the process of mitosis and Fibrocytes begin the process of fibroplasias.
Tissue repair overlaps the inflammatory process as the damaged skin within the epidermal layers begins to regenerate, the deeper soft tissues will replace damaged cells with scar tissue. The fibroblasts release collagen, elastin and reticular fibres forming a mesh network to reconnect tissues.
Both scar tissue and normal tissue contain collagen proteins. Visually they differ because of the way the collagen is arranged. In normal tissue the collagen proteins overlap in many random directions, however in scar tissue, they generally align in one direction. This results in a different skin texture than the surrounding area.
Scar tissue is not as flexible as normal skin and can contract over time causing puckering. The blood supply is impaired and there are no sweat glands or hair follicles present.
How does LED Phototherapy treat and prevent Scarring?
During an LED Phototherapy treatment, Red and Near Infra-red wavelengths are absorbed by the fibroblast cells stimulating the energy producing mitochondria (the cells power producer) into producing more ATP. This stimulates fibroblasts to increase production of dermal fibres:
· Collagen, which increases dermal thickness and re-joins the damaged tissues.
· Elastin levels which increases skin elasticity and helps reduce the over contraction of scar tissue which can occur, this will reduce the likelihood of puckering.
· Reticulin which provides greater support within the dermis.
The overall result will be less scar tissue forming at the injured site.
Application of Red LED light or combination Red with Near Infra-red light can be used in advance of an invasive or ablative procedure that may result in scar tissue formation or where scarring is a high risk factor. This will strengthen the skin and prepare it for a better healing response.
Dermalux Treatment Recommendation
Scar Treatment 12 combined Red and Near Infra-Red LED treatments, up to 3 sessions per week for 3 weeks and then once weekly. For best results combine with Skin Needling or selected resurfacing procedure.
Maintenance treatments are recommended twice a month as required.
Scar Prevention 6 combined Red and Near Infra-Red LED treatments, up to 3 sessions per week in advance of invasive treatment.
Dermalux to treat and prevent Scarring