Prevention of Thyroidectomy Scars in Asian Adults With Low-Level Light Therapy.

Background: Abnormal wound healing after thyroidectomy and a consequent scar is a common dermatologic consultation.Prevention of the possible hypertrophic scars and keloids is known to be challenging. Objectives: The objective of our study was to validate and confirm the efficacy and safety of low-level light therapy (LLLT) for the prevention of thyroidectomy scars on the neck. Methods: Fourty-one South Korean patients with linear surgical suture after thyroidectomy operation were treated with an 830/590nm light-emitting diode (Healite®). Each patient was treated daily of 60J/cm2(11 minutes) for a week starting on post-operation day one and treated 3 times per week for 3 more weeks. The control group consisted of 15 patients without any therapy except application of absorbent foam dressing. The scar prevention effects were evaluated at 1 month and 3 months after surgery.Colorimetric evaluation using a tristimulus color analyzer was done. The Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), Global Assessment Score (GAS) and a subjective score ranging 1 to 4 was also measured. Results: The L* value and a* value decreased significantly on the 3 month follow up visit in the the treated groupcompared to the control group. Also, the average VSS and GAS was lower in the treated group. However, subjective measure did not show significant difference. Conclusion: LLLT using a 830/590nm light emitting diode may efficiently suppress the formation of thyroidectomy scars, and can be safely without noticeable side effects.