Red Light Therapy and Surgical implants

Red light therapy is gaining popularity for its remarkable therapeutic benefits, offering effective relief for a wide range of conditions. From reducing pain to promoting healing and improving skin health, people are experiencing the transformative power of this treatment both in clinical settings and at home. However, safety concerns regarding the use of red light therapy with surgical implants—such as metal plates, pacemakers, or breast implants—have raised questions, which we’ll address in detail to ensure you can use this therapy confidently. 

Scientific studies have shown that both red and near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths have profound effects on the body, aiding in everything from enhanced cellular repair to reduced inflammation. Our devices are designed with multiple wavelengths, many of which fall within the spectrum of light naturally found in sunlight, providing optimal biochemical benefits to the body. While some wavelengths are visible to the naked eye, most operate beneath the surface, working at the cellular level to stimulate healing and energy production. 

It’s essential to consider the safety of using red light therapy if you have surgical implants or devices, as the interaction between light wavelengths and these materials may vary. Understanding the potential contraindications and ensuring safe usage with these implants is crucial. In the following sections, we’ll explore these concerns and provide clear guidance on how to safely incorporate red light therapy into your health routine. 

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Post implant surgery

The good news is that red light therapy is completely safe for use around areas with surgical implants. In fact, low-level laser therapy, a form of red light therapy, has been widely used in joint replacement rehabilitation and to ease post-operative discomfort. The implants themselves aren’t affected by the therapy; in fact, red light therapy is often used to address post-surgical issues like scars and swelling, promoting faster healing and reducing complications.

A randomized control study, titled “Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on acute pain and inflammation in patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty”, demonstrated that photobiomodulation is effective in reducing post-op inflammation in patients with hip replacements. Importantly, the study found no contraindications when using this therapy with artificial implants. Essentially, when low-level laser therapy interacts with metal implants, the light reflects off the surface and redirects through the surrounding tissue—its effectiveness depending largely on the implant type, such as cerclage wire or intramedullary (IM) pins. 

Further research supports the safety of photobiomodulation around implants, including a 2021 review, “Effect of photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) on mini-implant stability: a systematic review and meta-analysis”. The study confirmed that PBM can enhance mini-implant stability and accelerate healing by boosting ATP production, improving blood vessel growth (angiogenesis), and reducing inflammation.

Red light therapy has been proven to be safe for individuals with both saline and silicone breast implants, providing peace of mind for those concerned about potential risks. Contrary to some misconceptions, red and near-infrared (NIR) light, when applied at standard and reasonable power densities, does not interfere with or damage silicone breast implants. In fact, a study by Hamblin (2021) confirms that these wavelengths of light are completely safe for use on silicone implants, ensuring no adverse effects on their integrity. Additionally, silicone prosthetics used in the nose, ear, or other body parts are also safe for exposure to red light therapy.

One of the main concerns people have regarding silicone implants and red light therapy is the possibility of overheating or causing damage to the material. While it’s true that infrared light can warm silicone, the temperatures generated during typical red light therapy treatments are far below the threshold needed to cause harm—silicone melts at over 200°C. This means there is absolutely no risk of compromising the structural integrity of the implants during red light therapy, allowing individuals to experience the therapeutic benefits without any worries about adverse effects.

Whether you’re seeking relief from pain, inflammation, or just enhancing overall healing, red light therapy offers a non-invasive, effective treatment that can be safely integrated into your wellness routine. With its growing popularity and proven safety record, individuals with implants can confidently benefit from its regenerative effects, supporting both overall health and recovery.

Pacemaker

Red light therapy is not only safe for individuals with pacemakers but may also offer therapeutic benefits for heart health. The effects of red and near-infrared (NIR) light are similar to those of natural sunlight, providing positive impacts on cardiovascular health without posing any risk to pacemaker functionality. Studies have shown that red light therapy can benefit individuals with various heart conditions, including those recovering from myocardial infarction (heart attack) and managing congenital heart disease, by promoting cellular repair, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation.

One of the biggest concerns for people with pacemakers is whether external therapies like red light therapy might interfere with their devices. Fortunately, extensive research indicates that wavelengths between 660nm and 850nm, commonly used in most red light therapy panels, do not emit electromagnetic signals that would interfere with pacemakers. In fact, LED lights used in red light therapy have been tested on individuals with pacemakers without any reported negative effects, ensuring that this non-invasive treatment remains a safe option for those with implanted cardiac devices.

For individuals seeking additional support for heart health, red light therapy offers a gentle, non-invasive way to enhance circulation and promote cellular regeneration, which may indirectly benefit overall cardiac function. As with any therapy, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider, but the existing body of research suggests that red light therapy is both safe and beneficial for people with pacemakers. 

Photobiomodulation and dental implants

Photobiomodulation (PBM), commonly known as red light therapy, has become a widely accepted treatment in modern dental practices due to its powerful effects on tissue healing and regeneration. Research has demonstrated that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) plays a significant role in improving the attachment of human oral fibroblasts onto titanium surfaces, a key factor in the success of dental implants. This means that PBM not only accelerates healing but may also enhance the integration of titanium implants with surrounding biological tissue, making it a valuable tool in restorative dentistry.

One study specifically examined how laser therapy influences the attachment process, using animal models to better understand its effectiveness in human applications. The results showed that red and near-infrared light can promote cellular adhesion, reduce inflammation, and stimulate tissue regeneration around titanium implants. These findings provide strong validation for the use of PBM in dental procedures, supporting its role in improving implant stability and post-surgical recovery.

As dental professionals continue to seek advanced, non-invasive methods for optimizing patient outcomes, red light therapy stands out as a promising solution. By enhancing the body’s natural healing mechanisms, it offers a safe and effective way to improve implant integration and overall oral health.

Healthy cellular function

Considering you may be using red light therapy for deep muscle discomfort relief, hair rejuvenation, energizing your mitocondriaa, benefiting the texture and tone of the skin, know that the overall the goal always results in healthier cellular function. Primarily, there is strong positive feedback that red light can relieve discomfort from swelling or improve scaring that was a result from surgical implants.

We can now understand that using red light and NIR are generally safe with surgical implants. Nevertheless, a person should always consult with their physician or surgeon before starting any new therapies. Feel free to explore our blog to learn more about the benefits, use of our panels and much more!

Sources:

Langella LG, Casalechi HL, Tomazoni SS, Johnson DS, Albertini R, Pallotta RC, Marcos RL, de Carvalho PTC, Leal-Junior ECP. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on acute pain and inflammation in patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty-a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Lasers Med Sci. 2018 Dec;33(9):1933-1940. doi: 10.1007/s10103-018-2558-x. Epub 2018 Jun 16. PMID: 29909435.

Tang E, Arany P. Photobiomodulation and implants: implications for dentistry. J Periodontal Implant Sci. 2013;43(6):262-268. doi:10.5051/jpis.2013.43.6.262

Palhares A, Schellini SA, Pellizzon CH, Padovani CR, Dorsa P. Evaluation of low intensity laser's action on silicone mammary implant pseudocapsules in rats. Acta Cir Bras. 2009 Jan-Feb;24(1):7-12. doi: 10.1590/s0102-86502009000100003. PMID: 19169535.

Zhang B, Huang X, Huo S, Zhang C, Cen X, Zhao Z. Effect of photobiomodulation therapy on mini-implant stability: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lasers Med Sci. 2021 Oct;36(8):1557-1566. doi: 10.1007/s10103-021-03281-6. Epub 2021 Mar 4. PMID: 33660109.

Tuner J, Hode L. The Laser Therapy Handbook. Prima Books. Sweden. 2007. p 292.

Hamblin M, Agrawal T, Sousa M. Handbook of low-level laser therapy. Jenny Standford Publishing. Massachusetts. 2021