How Soon After Surgery Can You Use Red Light Therapy?

Surgery places significant stress on the body, triggering inflammation, tissue damage and a complex healing process that unfolds over weeks or months. As a result, many people recovering from surgery explore supportive therapies that may help reduce discomfort, promote tissue repair and support recovery without interfering with medical care. 

One question comes up repeatedly: how soon after surgery can you use red light therapy?

Red and near-infrared light therapy has been widely studied for its effects on wound healing, inflammation, and cellular repair. While it is not a substitute for medical treatment, research suggests it may be a useful complementary tool when introduced at the right time and used appropriately.

This article explains what the science says about red light therapy post surgery, when it may be safe to start, what benefits it may offer and how Maysama LED devices can be integrated responsibly into a recovery routine.

How the Body Heals After Surgery

Understanding when to introduce red light therapy begins with understanding the stages of post-surgical healing.

After surgery, the body typically moves through three overlapping phases:

• Inflammatory phase, where swelling and redness occur
  
• Proliferative phase, where new tissue forms
  
• Remodelling phase, where tissue strengthens and matures

Red light therapy interacts with cellular processes involved in all three stages, which is why it has been studied extensively in wound healing and post-procedure recovery.

What the Research Says About Red Light Therapy After Surgery

Photobiomodulation, the scientific term for red and near infrared light therapy, has been studied in surgical and post-injury contexts for several decades.

A systematic review of photobiomodulation for wound healing published in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery found that red and near infrared light supported faster tissue repair, reduced inflammation and improved healing outcomes across a range of wound types. Surgical wounds were included among the models examined.

Additional insight comes from a review, which showed that red light therapy can help modulate inflammatory responses rather than suppress them completely. This distinction is important because controlled inflammation is necessary for healing, while excessive inflammation can delay recovery.

Together, these findings suggest that red light therapy may support the body’s natural healing processes when used at appropriate stages following surgery.

How Soon After Surgery Can You Use Red Light Therapy?

The answer depends on the type of surgery, the location of the incision and your surgeon’s guidance. However, general evidence-based guidance can be outlined.

Immediately After Surgery (First 24 Hours)

In many clinical settings, LED light therapy is used very soon after surgical procedures. Hospitals and clinics often apply red or near infrared light shortly after surgery to help manage inflammation and support early healing.

Research into red light therapy post-surgery suggests that early application may help reduce swelling and support cellular repair, provided the device does not generate heat or apply pressure to the wound.

However, at home, it is essential to follow medical advice and avoid placing devices directly over fresh incisions unless cleared by a healthcare professional.

2 to 7 Days Post Surgery

This is when many people begin at-home supportive therapies. During this stage, inflammation is still present, but tissue repair is actively underway.

A review examining the role of photobiomodulation in tissue regeneration reported improved collagen organisation, angiogenesis and cellular energy production when red and near infrared light were applied during the early healing window.

At this stage, red light therapy may be used:

• Near, but not directly on, closed incisions
  
• On surrounding muscles to reduce stiffness
  
• On areas experiencing post-surgical discomfort

Always ensure wounds are closed and not actively bleeding or infected before using light therapy nearby.

Weeks After Surgery

Once the incision has healed and the remodelling phase begins, red light therapy can be used more freely to support tissue quality, comfort and long-term recovery.

A clinical review of photobiomodulation for post-surgical recovery highlighted benefits such as improved scar quality, reduced chronic inflammation and enhanced tissue resilience when light therapy was used consistently during later recovery stages.

At this point, red light therapy is often incorporated into rehabilitation and wellness routines.

Benefits of Red Light Therapy Post Surgery

Reduced Inflammation and Swelling

Red light therapy helps regulate inflammatory cytokines, supporting a balanced healing response without suppressing necessary immune activity.

Improved Cellular Energy

Photobiomodulation increases ATP production, which fuels tissue repair and regeneration.

Enhanced Circulation

Red and near infrared wavelengths promote microcirculation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to healing tissues.

Scar Quality Support

Studies suggest that red light therapy may help improve collagen alignment, which can support healthier scar formation over time.

Gentle and Non-Invasive

Unlike heat-based or mechanical therapies, red light therapy does not disrupt healing tissue when used correctly.

When Red Light Therapy Should Be Avoided

Even though red light therapy is generally safe, it should be avoided or delayed if:

• The incision is open, bleeding or infected
  
• You have not been cleared by your surgeon
  
• The device applies pressure to the wound
  
• You experience increased pain or redness after use

Red light therapy should always complement, not replace, medical follow-up.

Using Red Light Therapy Devices Safely After Surgery

Red light therapy devices designed for cosmetic and general wellness use are not medical devices and are not intended to treat surgical wounds or replace post-operative care. 

However, once a healthcare professional has confirmed that light exposure is appropriate, some people choose to incorporate gentle red and near infrared light into their recovery routine as part of broader self-care.

The key is how and where light therapy is used. Devices should never be applied directly to open incisions or used without medical approval. Instead, light therapy may be used cautiously on surrounding areas to support relaxation, comfort and circulation during recovery.

For example, some people recovering from facial or dental procedures choose to use a full-face LED mask as part of a calming routine once swelling has reduced and the skin barrier has closed. 

A device such as the PRANA LED Light Therapy Mask delivers even red and near infrared light across the face without applying pressure, which may feel soothing when used correctly and at the appropriate stage of healing.

Similarly, for surgeries involving the body, hips or lower back, a flexible wrap-style LED device is sometimes used on nearby muscle groups rather than directly over surgical sites. 

The LED Light Therapy Silicone Belt can be positioned around surrounding areas to encourage relaxation and ease muscular tension, provided it does not compress or irritate healing tissue.

For the neck and upper chest, some people prefer a targeted LED device that sits comfortably without tight contact. The Chin2Chest LED Light Therapy Device may be incorporated into a wellness routine once cleared by a clinician, particularly when tension or stiffness builds up during recovery.

In all cases, red light therapy should be viewed as a supportive wellness practice, not a post-surgical treatment. Timing, placement and duration matter, and guidance from a healthcare professional should always take priority.

How to Use Red Light Therapy Safely After Surgery

• Always confirm timing with your surgeon
  
• Start with short sessions of 5 to 10 minutes
  
• Avoid placing devices directly on incisions unless approved
  
• Use once daily initially
  
• Monitor the skin and stop if irritation occurs

Consistency and moderation are more important than intensity.

Final Thoughts

So, how soon after surgery can you use red light therapy? In many cases, red light therapy can be introduced very early in recovery, sometimes within the first few days, provided wounds are closed and medical guidance is followed. Research supports its role in reducing inflammation, supporting tissue repair and improving recovery outcomes when used responsibly.

As part of a broader recovery plan, red light therapy post-surgery may offer meaningful support without disrupting healing.

Maysama’s LED devices provide practical, non-invasive options for integrating therapeutic light into your post-surgical routine once cleared by your healthcare provider. If you are considering red light therapy after surgery, explore Maysama’s range and choose the device best suited to your recovery needs.