Red Light Therapy (RLT) is an increasingly popular treatment offering significant benefits in skin rejuvenation, pain relief, accelerated healing, and more. This cutting-edge technology has a wide variety of cosmetic and health applications that make it a valuable part of our patient care.
If you’re interested in Red Light Therapy, this article aims to explain the science behind it for a better understanding of this technology and how it works.
Boosting Cellular Energy
Red Light Therapy reaches through the skin to underlying tissues, including muscle, fat, bone, and the connective tissues of the joints. The near-infrared light targets the cells, specifically the mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell. RLT stimulates the mitochondria to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which increases the energy production of the cell. As the cells begin to make more energy they can repair themselves more efficiently, resulting in faster healing, rejuvenation of the skin, and decreased inflammation.
Red Light Therapy also stimulates the mitochondria to produce more nitric oxide (NO), which aids in wound healing. By reducing inflammation and dilating blood vessels, it increases blood flow, especially to the areas that need repair.
Another benefit of RLT is the stimulation of collagen production, the protein that makes up the connective tissues of the body and gives cells volume. For cosmetic purposes, boosting collagen production helps to plump and firm the skin, reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
Red Light Therapy for Dentistry
In the dental field, Red Light Therapy has many key applications, including:
- Recovery after dental procedures. RLT can accelerate healing, shortening the recovery period following dental procedures and surgeries from tooth extraction to dental implant placement.
- TMJ treatment. RLT reduces inflammation to provide relief of TMJ disorder, a condition affecting the hinge joint of the jaw. This therapy can reduce pain and relax muscles to allow for increased range of motion.
- Oral ulcers and cold sores. RLT’s ability to reduce inflammation also aids in healing of oral ulcers and cold sores. By increasing blood flow to these areas, the cells are able to repair more quickly and effectively.
- Wound healing. Wounds from oral surgery or injuries can heal more quickly with the help of RLT, significantly reducing recovery times.
Cosmetic Applications for Red Light Therapy
Red Light Therapy can provide a variety of cosmetic enhancements, such as:
- Firming skin of the face and neck. The increased collagen production stimulated by RLT firms the skin, restoring lost volume in the face and neck tissues and creating a more youthful appearance.
- Acne. The blue light frequency of RLT is used to treat acne by eliminating the bacteria that causes breakouts and reducing inflammation and redness of breakouts.
- Jaw and neck sculpting. RLT shrinks fat cells and stimulates lymphatic drainage to sculpt the jaw and neck.
The Celluma CONTOUR Setting
For those who are looking for improved definition around the jaw and neck, the Celluma CONTOUR setting is a specialized form of Red Light Therapy. Specified wavelengths of red and near-infrared light activate the production of cytochrome C oxidase, a molecule found in oversized fat cells. As a result, pores form in the membranes of fat cells, allowing lipids to seep out that are naturally metabolized by the body and flushed out. The cells repair themselves with no permanent damage.
The CONTOUR light panel curves with the shape of your face and jaw for even distribution of light energy across the surface of the jaw and neck. The proximity of the light allows it to reach deep into the layers of tissue for optimal results.
Benefits of Red Light Therapy
- Non-invasive and painless treatment. RLT requires no injections and it is gentle on the skin and body. It is a completely non-invasive treatment.
- Faster recovery times and reduced discomfort. When RLT is used after dental or cosmetic procedures it helps speed up healing and prevents pain and downtime.
- Improved oral health outcomes. Patients have experienced significant improvements in oral health following RLT treatment.
Is Red Light Therapy Right for You?
You may be a candidate for Red Light Therapy if you are experiencing difficulties healing after oral surgery, or if you have other conditions such as TMJ. For those looking for cosmetic enhancements, RLT can rejuvenate the skin and reduce fat around the face and neck.
If you’re interested in RLT for any of its applications, schedule a consultation with Dr. Jamrozek at Cosmetic Family Dentistry of West Milford. During your consultation you will discuss your symptoms and goals so that Dr. Jamrozek can make the best recommendation for treatment. Contact us today to learn more and make an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Light Therapy
Is Red Light Therapy safe?
Celluma is FDA cleared, and medically credentialled with minimal side effects. When administered by trained, qualified medical professionals, it is safe and highly effective.
Will Red Light Therapy hurt my eyes?
Specialized eye protection is used during RLT to protect the eyes from the effects of the red light.
Cosmetic and Family Dentistry of West Milford: Dr. Agnezia Jamrozek DMD strives to be on the forefront of technology, providing the latest treatments to improve the oral health and quality of life of our patients. Your comfort and safety is always our top priority. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.