You may have heard about Red Light Therapy (RLT) as it is an increasingly popular treatment. It is offered at a variety of facilities from clinics and medspas to dental and medical offices. Red Light Therapy is used for a variety of purposes, including pain relief, facial sculpting, wrinkle reduction, and acne.
Due to a wide variation in the quality of equipment used for RLT and lack of consistent, reliable research, there are many misconceptions about this treatment. But in this article we seek to identify and debunk the myths associated with Red Light Therapy so that you can make a fully informed decision on whether or not this treatment may be right for you.
What is Red Light Therapy?
Red Light Therapy is a treatment that uses low wavelength red light to target specific areas of the face and neck. It stimulates cellular processes by increasing energy to the mitochondria, which increases collagen and elastin production and reduces inflammation. RLT can even eliminate fat cells by creating small holes in fat cells that allows the cells to shrink and slough away.
It is applied using a contoured panel that wraps around the face. Because the panel is able to mold to the shape of the head and neck, it can get closer to the face allowing more light to reach the skin and provide benefits. RLT may take anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes a session depending on your individual needs and goals. It is commonly used as an add-on treatment after a cosmetic procedure such as botox, filler, or microneedling- but it can also be used as a standalone treatment.
Common Myths About Red Light Therapy
Myth 1: RLT is a miracle cure for everything.
Fact: RLT is supported by research for specific benefits such as wound healing, reducing lines and wrinkles, acne treatment, and pain relief. It can’t and shouldn’t take the place of other treatments for certain medical conditions that require more complex intervention.
Myth 2: RLT is unsafe or harmful to the skin.
Fact: One of the biggest benefits of RLT is that it is completely non-invasive. The equipment doesn’t even need to come in contact with your skin. When it is used correctly by a trained professional and a medical grade, FDA approved machine like Celluma, the risks and side effects are few to none.
Myth 3: Results are instant and permanent.
Fact: Results vary from patient to patient. Most will need multiple treatments before they see results. The type of treatment and the targeted area will affect how long the effects of RLT will last.
Myth 4: RLT is like tanning or UV light therapy.
Fact: The light used in UV light therapy or tanning is a completely different type and wavelength of light. As you may know, UV rays like those from the sun can damage skin and increase the risk of skin cancer. The red and near-infrared light used in RLT is not harmful.
How To Ensure You Get Quality RLT
Not all Red Light Therapy is the same. There are many different brands of equipment and not all are made with the same level of quality. At Cosmetic Family Dentistry of West Milford, we use Celluma Red Light Therapy, a trusted brand that is FDA approved and proven to provide results. Our qualified professionals are fully trained and highly capable of delivering medical-grade RLT that is safe and effective.
Now that you know more of the facts about RLT, if you’re considering this state-of-the-art treatment for yourself, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Red Light Therapy
Will the red light harm my eyes?
You will be given eye protection to wear during your treatment to prevent any damage to your eyes. This also increases your comfort throughout the application of your therapy.
Can RLT make me look younger?
RLT can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen and elastin production in the cells of the face. It can also restore lost volume in the facial tissues. These effects can often result in a more youthful appearance.
At Cosmetic Family Dentistry of West Milford we provide a variety of services that range from general dentistry to cosmetic treatments. Dr. Jamrozek leads a team of professionals that are dedicated to delivering an advanced level of care that meets the individual needs of each patient through personalized treatment. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a consultation.