Effects of low-level laser therapy on reduction of the soft tissue swelling in patients with cleft lip and palate after alveolar bone grafting

Objective To investigate the reduction effects of low-level laser therapy on soft tissue swelling in patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate after alveolar bone grafting, and to bring non-invasive treatment options. Methods Thirty-three unilateral cleft lip and palate inpatients who need alveolar bone grafting were included. The samples were divided into laser group (n=18) and control group (n=15) randomly. The patients in laser group were irradiated one time a day for 5 times in the grafting area immediately after surgery. Five sites were selected in each grafting area, and each site was irradiated for 2 minutes. The extent of soft tissue swelling before and at 1, 3, 5 days after surgery was recorded with 3D facial images by 3DMD, and the images were superimposed for further analysis by Geomagic Studio 2013 and Geomagic Qualify 2013 software. Results The extent of swelling was less in laser group than in control group at each time point. In laser group, the swelling was reducing as early as from day 1. In control group, the swelling increased from day 1 to day 3, and then start to reduce. There was significant difference in the third day after surgery between two groups [laser group (0.674±0.174) vs. control group (1.430±0.485), P 0.05]. Conclusions Low-level laser therapy can reduce the degree of the soft tissue swelling after alveolar bone grafting of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate. Key words: Low-level laser therapy; Soft tissue; Cleft lip and palate patients; Bone graft