Photobiomodulation Therapy for Scar Quality After Facial Wound Closure

This prospective pilot randomized controlled clinical trial aims to investigate the effect of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on scar quality following traumatic facial wound closure. Traumatic facial wounds represent a common clinical challenge in oral and maxillofacial surgery, often leading to scar formation with aesthetic and psychological consequences. Despite advances in wound management, optimizing scar quality remains a significant concern.

Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has gained increasing attention due to its potential to promote tissue regeneration, enhance collagen organization, modulate inflammatory responses, and accelerate the healing process. In this study, eligible patients presenting with traumatic facial wounds requiring primary closure will be included. All wounds will be managed using standardized surgical protocols, including layered suturing techniques.

Following suture removal, participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: an intervention group receiving PBMT and a control group receiving sham treatment. PBMT will be applied using a diode laser with predefined parameters, including wavelength, power output, irradiation time, and energy density, ensuring consistency across all treatment sessions. The therapy will be administered over multiple sessions according to a standardized treatment protocol.

Scar quality will be evaluated using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), a validated tool that assesses multiple scar characteristics from both clinician and patient perspectives. Assessments will be performed at predefined follow-up intervals to monitor scar maturation and overall outcomes.

The primary outcome of this study is the improvement in scar quality as measured by POSAS scores. This study is designed as a pilot trial to generate preliminary data that may support the development of larger randomized controlled trials in the future. The results are expected to contribute to the growing body of evidence regarding the clinical applications of PBMT in soft tissue healing and scar management.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients presenting with traumatic facial wounds requiring primary closure with sutures.
• Superficial to partial-thickness wounds located in the facial region (including infraorbital/periorbital, cheek, chin, forehead, or perioral areas).
• Wound length ranging from 3.5 to 10 cm.
• Patients willing to participate and comply with all treatment sessions and follow-up visits.
• Written informed consent obtained from adult participants or from parents/legal guardians for participants under 18 years of age.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with uncontrolled systemic diseases that may impair wound healing (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, immunocompromised conditions).
• Patients receiving medications known to affect wound healing (e.g., corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs).
• Presence of infected wounds at baseline.
• Patients with a history of keloid or hypertrophic scar formation.
• Pregnant or lactating women.
• Patients who are unable or unwilling to comply with the study protocol or follow-up schedule.