The effects of 660 nm and 780 nm laser irradiation on viability of random skin flap in rats.

Abstract Background and Objective: Some studies have shown that laser phototherapy is able to increase skin flap viability by decreasing the necrotic area and increasing neoangiogenesis. However, the mechanism by which laser acts on cells is not fully understood. The present study investigated the effects of two different laser wavelengths at 30 and 40 J/cm2 on the viability of skin flap in rats. Material and Methods: Sixty male animals were used in this study. They were distributed into the following groups (n = 12 each group): control group, group irradiated with 660 nm at 30 J/cm2; group irradiated with 780 nm, at 30 J/cm2, group irradiated with 660 nm at 40 J/cm2; and group irradiated with 780 nm at 40 J/cm2. The skin flap was performed on the back of all animals studied, with a plastic sheet interposed between the flap and the donor site. Laser irradiation was done immediately after the surgery and on days 1, 2, 3, and 4 post-surgery. The percentage of the necrotic area of the flap was calculated at ...