Pilot Study: Blue Light Photobiomodulation for the Treatment of Complicated Wounds in Breast Surgery

Blue light photobiomodulation has demonstrated efficacy in accelerating the healing process of chronic ulcers and various dermatologic conditions. Yet, its application in enhancing the healing of complicated postsurgical breast wounds, particularly in reconstructive surgery, remains unexplored.

This pilot study included female patients who developed complicated wounds after reconstructive breast surgery at our institution between March 2022 and September 2023. All patients were treated with blue light therapy (EmoLED) in addition to standard wound care. We examined healing times, the number of EmoLED sessions required, and complication severity.

Among 27 female patients (median age 54 y), 74.1% underwent mastectomy with implant-based reconstruction, whereas the remaining patients underwent contralateral second-stage reduction mammaplasty. Over a 19-month median follow-up, 35 complications were recorded: 18 skin necroses, 9 partial nipple-areolar complex necroses, and 8 wound dehiscences. The median number of EmoLED sessions required was 5, typically administered weekly. A higher body mass index (P = 0.075), smoking (0.093), Wise-pattern incision (P = 0.007), thin mastectomy skin flaps (P = 0.034), and subpectoral implant placement (P = 0.033) were associated with an increased number of EmoLED treatments required and longer healing times. The development of Clavien-Dindo grade III complications was associated with diabetes mellitus (P = 0.001), body mass index greater than 30 kg/m² (P = 0.029), smoking habit (P = 0.037), and thinner flap thickness (P = 0.052). Notably, no implant loss was reported.

The use of blue light therapy accelerated and optimized the healing process in complicated postsurgical breast wounds. Larger prospective studies are warranted to further validate these findings.