Dr. WillCosmetic surgeons should consider using low level light therapy to improve surgical patients’ recoveries, according to Michael J. Will, D.D.S., M.D., who presented yesterday on “A Novel Application of Low Level Laser Therapy use in Cosmetic Surgery” at the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery’s (AACS’s) 2017 annual scientific meeting in San Diego, Calif.
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The novel use involves a patent-protected post-surgical “lighted garment” with an integrated light source of either ultra-bright LED or low level diode laser. The lighted garment is self-retained and can be used with most post-operative compression wear. It automatically provides direct light energy to the wound, with cycles of treatment programmed by the light source, says Dr. Will, a cosmetic surgeon practicing at Will Surgical Arts, in Urbana, Md.
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“This device is designed to decrease bruising, swelling and pain associated with cosmetic surgery and ultimately allow a quicker and more smooth recovery,” Dr. Will tells Cosmetic Surgery Times. “From my experience, the device decreases post-surgical pain and often eliminates the need for post-operative narcotic medications. I have seen minimized bruising and swelling after a facelift, abdominoplasty and lipoplasty with the device. Other surgeons have documented improvement to the appearance of surgical incisions with known keloid patients.”
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Dr. Will uses the therapy device called Post-op 110 (Accellas; www.accellas.com).
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His top tip for achieving ideal outcomes:
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“Apply the device to the surgical site immediately upon completion of the surgery and use the device for as long as possible — a minimum of three to five days and longer if possible,” Dr. Will says.
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Disclosure: Dr. Will participated in the clinical development and trials for the use of the device.
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