Shurrab K. et al. - Photobiomodulation for Wound Healing and Scar Improvement

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This single clinical trial—not a meta-analysis—reports an improvement in scar color and size among 60 participants treated with a 660-nm continuous-wave red laser. No adverse effects were reported, but the abstract does not describe any randomization or control group.

What this study measured

The stated objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of photobiomodulation for wound healing and scar appearance, and then to adjust the treatment parameters according to the type of scar. Sixty participants were divided into three groups based on the type and age of their scars.

Group A consisted of patients with recent scars less than six months old, Group B consisted of patients with old scars more than one year old, and Group C consisted of patients with acne scars. The sessions were conducted two to three times a week, depending on the group to which the patient belonged.

Key Findings

The authors report significant improvements in skin color, scar size, and participant satisfaction across all groups.

60 participants divided into 3 groups
660-nm continuous-wave red diode laser, power density of 15.6 mW/cm²
Old and surgical scars: 6 minutes per area, dose of 5.6 J/cm²
Recent scars and acne scars: 4 minutes per area, dose of 3.7 J/cm²
Group A, scars less than 6 months old: 3 to 8 sessions, up to 15 sessions for recent surgical scars
Group B, scars older than one year: 12 to 15 sessions
Group C, acne scars: 8 to 10 sessions
Improvements in color, size, and satisfaction across all groups: p < 0.01
No adverse effects or complications were reported during the study

Recent scars are described as having the most favorable appearance and texture. The abstract does not provide numerical scores before and after treatment, nor does it provide confidence intervals.

How photobiomodulation works for this indication

The proposed mechanisms remain hypothetical. Red light is thought to be absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, which could increase ATP production in exposed skin cells. This excess energy could promote fibroblast proliferation, collagen organization, and angiogenesis in remodeling tissue. A modulation of local inflammation is also suggested. None of these mechanisms was measured in this study.

Limits You Should Know

This is a single clinical trial involving a small sample size, not a systematic review or meta-analysis. The abstract does not describe randomization, a placebo group, or blinded assessment, making it difficult to distinguish the effect of the laser from the natural course of the scars, which often improve spontaneously over time. Participant satisfaction is a subjective measure. Finally, the duration of follow-up after the end of the sessions is not specified.

What This Means in Practice

These results are encouraging but are not sufficient to establish proven efficacy. Above all, they provide guidance on the doses used by the authors. Any application to a recent scar, an open wound, or a surgical site requires prior medical consultation. A skin lesion that changes in appearance, bleeds, or does not heal should first be examined by a doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many sessions were included in this study?

The number varied depending on the type of scar: 3 to 8 sessions for recent scars, up to 15 for recent surgical scars, 12 to 15 for scars older than one year, and 8 to 10 for acne scars. The treatment frequency was two to three sessions per week. These figures describe the authors’ protocol and do not constitute a recommendation.

Can photobiomodulation remove a scar?

No. The study reports improvements in color and size, not a disappearance. According to the authors, recent scars showed the most favorable responses. A scar remains a lasting change in skin tissue.

Did this study report any adverse effects?

The authors note that no adverse effects or complications were reported during the study. This observation is based on only 60 participants, which is insufficient to detect rare events. Therefore, it does not replace the need for medical advice before applying the product to damaged skin.

Reference

Shurrab K, Wael Aoida N. Photobiomodulation therapy for enhanced wound and scar healing: visual and statistical evaluation. Lasers Med Sci, 2025;40(1):334. PMID 40802060. DOI 10.1007/s10103-025-04587-5. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-025-04587-5

This summary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Photobiomodulation is not a substitute for prescribed treatment. Consult a healthcare professional.