Does LED light therapy really work?

The power of light therapy is harnessed in many aspects of dermatology.  LED light therapy, also referred to as phototherapy or Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) refers to the use of Light Emitting Diodes (LED’s) to stimulate an effect on the body.  This technology has been around for many years and was originally researched and harnessed by NASA scientists.  Numerous studies have demonstrated the ability of LED lights to exert a therapeutic effect on the skin.  There has been a recent resurgence in the interest in LED light therapy and photobiomodulation in medicine, especially in the field of medical and cosmetic dermatology.

At Melbourne Skin & Dermatology, we use the Healite II device for our LED treatments, delivering red and yellow light.  The Healite II is considered the most reliable and precise LED device.  Healite II is TGA registered and delivers high energy pure light in precise wavelengths.  We use blue light for acne using the Hydrafacial Elite MD system.  This system is also TGA approved.

 

What can LED light treatment be used for in dermatology?

There are many uses of LED therapy in dermatology.

• General rejuvenation
• Increased collagen and elastin formation
• Reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
• Improve elasticity of the skin
• Photoageing (sun related ageing)
• Modest decrease in pigmentation
• Smoothening the appearance of skin
• Acne
• Enhanced healing and pain reduction after laser procedures
• Enhanced healing and pain reduction after surgical procedures
• Skin cancer (when used with a medicated cream; referred to as photodynamic therapy)

The article in this link (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5843358/) is a good read for those interested in further information.

 

What can I expect during treatment?

During your treatment session, you are welcomed to our treatment suite where you will be asked to lie on our treatment couch.  Your face may be cleansed and the LED headlamp is positioned to reach the treated area.  Once the treatment has commenced, you will feel a warm sensation on the skin, even though the LED’s do not produce much heat.  The treatment is comfortable, pleasant and relaxing with no recovery time required.  Treatments take between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on the settings used.  At Melbourne Skin & Dermatology, LED treatments are usually used after laser or surgical procedures or in combination with other rejuvenating treatments.

 

How often should you have LED light therapy?

The frequency of treatments depends on what the LED therapy is being used for.  For example for rejuvenation purposes the red or yellow light can be used twice weekly for 4 weeks followed by monthly maintenance treatments.  In skin cancer treatment, one to two treatments are required over 2 weeks.  In the treatment for acne using photodynamic therapy with aminolevulinic acid, treatments are performed once a fortnight.

 

How much do treatments cost?

Treatments for LED therapy can cost anywhere from $60-$100 at many salons and laser clinics.   At Melbourne Skin & Dermatology, LED treatments are often provided as a complimentary treatment when combined with specific cosmetic procedures.  At the end of the day, our primary focus is on achieving results for you in a safe and comfortable environment.  When treatments are not combined with other procedures, costs can vary between $40 and $60 for single session for the purposes of rejuvenation.  When a pre-medicated cream is used for photodynamic therapy, prices are higher, especially when used for the treatment of skin cancer.

 

How do I book an appointment?

Call 03 8595 4288