Red Light (Infrared) Therapy in C-Section Scar Recovery

A Caesarean (C-Section) is a major abdominal surgery, and many women experience lingering tightness, discomfort, or changes in skin texture during recovery. In recent years, red light therapy (infrared light therapy) has gained popularity as a non-invasive tool that may support scar healing and overall tissue recovery.

What Is Red Light Therapy?

Red and near-infrared light therapy uses specific wavelengths (630–660 nm (red light) and 810–880 nm (near-infrared)) to penetrate the skin and underlying tissues. These wavelengths are absorbed by the mitochondria in cells, where they help support energy production (ATP) which is key in tissue repair (Hamblin, 2017).

Benefits for C-Section Scar Healing

1. Enhanced Tissue Repair and Collagen Remodeling

Photobiomodulation (red light therapy) has been shown to stimulate fibroblasts and collagen synthesis, which is essential in scar repair and remodeling. This may help improve scar flexibility, texture, and appearance over time (Avci et al., 2013).

2. Improved Local Circulation

Red and near-infrared light can increase blood flow to healing tissues through vasodilation and stimulating the growth of blood vessels. Improved circulation supports oxygen and nutrient delivery necessary for wound repair and scar maturation (Chung et al., 2012).

3. Reduction of Inflammation and Pain

Low-grade inflammation may persist beneath surgical scars long after the skin has healed. Red light therapy has been shown to reduce inflammatory markers and pain-related biomarkers, potentially easing scar tenderness and sensitivity (Hamlin, 2017).

4. Support for Nerve Healing and Sensory Recovery

Altered sensation, numbness, or hypersensitivity around C-section scars is often related to nerve disruption during surgery. Red light and near-infrared light has demonstrated neuroprotective and nerve-regenerative effects, suggesting potential benefit in supporting nerve recovery in scar tissue (Chung et al., 2012).

5. Safe and Non-Invasive

When used appropriately, red light therapy is painless and does not damage tissue, making it a suitable to use alongside postpartum scar massage.

Guidelines for C-Section Scar Care

Red light therapy can be used alongside professional c-section massage under medical guidance. Treatment guidelines include:

• Timing: Only begin red light therapy after the incision is fully closed, scabs have resolved, and there are no signs of infection. This is typically 6-8 weeks postpartum but should be confirmed with your healthcare practitioner.

• Wavelengths: Our Red light lamps provide both wavelengths of 660 nm supporting superficial skin healing, and near-infrared light of 850 nm to penetrates deeper tissues and may be more beneficial for underlying fascia and nerve recovery.

• Session Duration and Frequency: Typical sessions range from 5–15 minutes per treatment area, and is recommended once to twice weekly alongside massage (up to 3-5 times a week).

• Consistency: Benefits are generally observed with consistent use over several weeks to months, in line with the natural phases of scar remodeling.

• Integration With Other Therapies: Red light therapy works best when combined with evidence-based scar care, such as gentle scar mobilisation and massage (once appropriate), topical silicone use, hydration, adequate protein intake, and overall postpartum support.

  
  

Conclusion

Red light therapy works well as a complementary treatment to traditional scar massage and is effective at supporting C-section scar healing. By enhancing cellular energy production, circulation, collagen remodeling, and nerve recovery, red and near-infrared light therapy may help improve long-term scar comfort and function when used appropriately. Please contact us for further information or appointment enquiries.

References

Avci, P., Gupta, A., Sadasivam, M., Vecchio, D., Pam, Z., Pam, N., & Hamblin, M. R. (2013). Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: Stimulating, healing, restoring. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 32(1), 41–52.

Chung, H., Dai, T., Sharma, S. K., Huang, Y.-Y., Carroll, J. D., & Hamblin, M. R. (2012). The nuts and bolts of low-level laser (light) therapy. Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 40(2), 516–533.

Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophysics, 4(3), 337–361.