Photobiomodulation therapy and postoperative recovery after abdominoplasty: a non-randomized pilot study

Abstract Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been proposed as a non-invasive therapeutic strategy to support wound healing and modulate oxidative and inflammatory responses. However, clinical data evaluating its effects in the postoperative period of abdominoplasty remain limited. This non-randomized clinical trial included 31 female patients undergoing abdominoplasty, divided into two groups: PBM intervention ( n = 15) and control ( n = 16). Salivary samples were collected at three time points: preoperative (T0), 48 h postoperative (T1), and 7 days postoperative (T2). Inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-10), oxidative stress indicators (TBARS, nitrites), and pain scores were assessed. PBM was applied once using an 808 nm infrared laser (100 mW, 3 J/point) before hospital discharge. Statistical analyses included the Shapiro-Wilk test, Friedman test, Mann–Whitney U test, Spearman’s correlation, and multiple linear regression. PBM did not produce statistically significant changes in TNF-α, IL-10, nitrites, or pain scores compared to the control group. However, a statistically significant reduction in TBARS levels was observed at 48 h postoperatively in the unadjusted analysis ( p = 0.040), although this effect was not maintained after adjustment for baseline variability. Physical activity was associated with lower nitrite concentrations ( p = 0.047), indicating a modulatory interaction between exercise and nitric oxide metabolism. Although a single session of PBM did not significantly alter most inflammatory and oxidative markers, the intervention was well tolerated during the postoperative period. These preliminary findings support the safety of PBM during postoperative recovery after abdominoplasty, although larger randomized trials are required to confirm its potential clinical benefits. Limitations include small sample size, single-session PBM, lack of sham control, and no correction for multiple comparisons. Further randomized studies with larger sample sizes and multiple applications are warranted to better elucidate its therapeutic potential.