ARTICLE | PHOTOTHERAPY | Baltimore, Maryland, writes: ÔThis the first
time that the destruction of collagen is slowed and its production is stimulated at the same time, without pain or redness, and without any side-effectsÕ 38, 39
.
LED phototherapy and stretch marks In phototherapy, in order that light will produce a biological effect, it must first be absorbed by a molecule. Only photons corresponding to certain wavelengths can be absorbed by this molecule. Each molecule, therefore, corresponds with the absorption spectrum, which comprises characteristic bands. When the molecule is irradiated in good conditions, it acquires a surplus energy, and is called ÔexcitedÕ, which allows it to trigger a series of biochemical reactions. Thus, the waves emitted by the LED can stimulate all the mechanisms of cell regeneration.
Photobiomodulation on stretch marks LED photomomodulation has the effect of changing a number of cellular processes, particularly by stimulating fibroblast cells, allowing them to return to a normal metabolism, and often a physiological neosynthesis of collagen and elastin. This influences the gradual repair of connective tissue, which is an interesting aspect to the treatment of stretch marks38
.
Important parameters in phototherapy The correct use of phototherapy cannot be accomplished without knowledge of the effects of light, which are based on the basic principles established in photobiology, have been described in scientific and clinical studies40
. Therefore, critical and precise
parameters must be met to obtain a photobiomodulation of the fibroblasts to maximise the secretion of collagen and elastin. These parameters are: ■ The precision of the wavelength required to penetrate different depths, in order to reach all layers of connective tissue and be well absorbed by all fibroblasts
It is the perfect combination of these carefully
selected parameters, in addition to the positioning of the treated area at the right distance from the LED, which will release the maximum amount of photons without
causing a discontinuation of the irradiated area. An accurate and precise dose of light will serve to maximise the clinical benefits. Unfortunately, the importance of these
parameters remains underestimated by new users of LED generators. The authors of this study learned, through the comments of some subjects who received treatment of light therapy without any results on their stretch marks, that this technology was used in some centres, or maintained by some aestheticians, without any knowledge of
photobiology or of the importance of choosing appropriate parameters. One should never forget that the manner of releasing
photons has a considerable impact on the effectiveness of photobiomodulation. Consequently, the dose of light released in the right wavelength on each cell of the treated area is an important criterion, as opposed to the power of LED that can only help to reduce the processing time. It is important that the therapist has a perfect
Critical and precise parameters must be met to obtain a
photobiomodulation of the fibroblasts to maximise the secretion of collagen and elastin.
■ The mode, type and sequence of light pulses must be carefully selected to activate the DNA of the cell and prevent cell depletion to enable fibroblasts a rest time between trains of light pulses during treatment
■ The total dose of energy released during a given period with minimum and maximum thresholds of irradiance. The fluency and irradiance are variables that should be respected to obtain the desired physiological effect. Therefore, an inadequate dose will have no physiological benefit because the cell will not be sufficiently stimulated and, conversely, if the exposure is too high, the effects that were obtained before exceeding the required dosage will be reduced accordingly, or will vanish completely if the exposure doubles the planned time
■ Power density. 46 ❚ March 2012 |
prime-journal.com
knowledge of LED phototherapy in photobiology. It is also important to have the latest technological advances and documentation to ensure effectiveness and success in the treatment of stretch marks. Some LED devices of high quality can be found on the market and used as preferred light sources based on treatment protocols currently being considered. This therapeutic technology is now recognised by many scientists, dermatologists and other therapists around the world, and benefits from a number of indisputable publications on the treatment of pathologies and aesthetic problems, other than stretch marks. To the knowledge of the authors, to date
there are few published studies on the use of LED therapy in the treatment of stretch marks.
However, one study from 2006 was conducted on 20 patients at the hospital of La Piti• Salp‘ tri’ re in Paris, and concluded that Ôa significant improvement of about 50% of the appearance of the skin to stretch marks with decreased level of depth, the appearance of wrinkled surface and expandability. Sixteen subjects out of 20 showed improvement in their stretch marksÕ 41
.
Radiofrequency In recent years, a range of new devices of bipolar RF for non-invasive aesthetic treatments were introduced. Bipolar RF devices generate an alternate electric field oscillating from positive to negative at high frequency, penetrates the skin from one electrode to another, causing ionic agitation. The resistance of the tissue to the passage of RF energy that penetrates the skin induces collisions between
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