Wound Care & Laser Therapy
How red light wavelengths can support wound management, with important caveats about FDA clearance and realistic expectations.
Cold laser therapy is not FDA cleared specifically for wound healing, but lasers are FDA cleared for reducing inflammation, reducing pain, and increasing blood flow. For wound support, shallow red wavelengths around 630 to 670nm at low power (2W or less) are preferred because wounds are shallow and thermally sensitive. Results may vary and this is not a guaranteed application.
Content Warning: This page contains images of severe wounds that may be disturbing to some viewers.
Important: Results may vary. The case study below showed positive results, but that does not mean everyone will get the same outcome. Lasers are not specifically FDA cleared for accelerating wound repair. Lasers are FDA cleared for reducing inflammation, reducing pain, and increasing blood flow.
Case Study: Diabetic Wound
The following was submitted by a customer who purchased a system in mid-2021. The patient is 83 years old with severe diabetic wounds that would not respond to treatment. They had been doing traditional wound management for more than 6 months on this wound, and it continued to get worse.
It was an urgent situation, so we expedited a laser and asked them to take pictures so we could track any changes. They did not change any other factors in the care plan other than adding laser therapy.
Day before laser therapy started
One week later
What Wavelengths Are Best for Wound Care?
Unlike deep structural problems that are best treated with 810nm to boost ATP production, wounds are very shallow. 810nm is not the first choice for this application.
Recommended: 630–670nm (Visible Red)
Because we want as much energy absorbed right at the surface, visible red light is preferred, just like in other shallow applications such as skin rejuvenation. Different manufacturers offer slightly different wavelengths in this range, and while they interact with tissue in slightly different ways, they all produce similar results.
Alternatives
810–915nm
If a laser doesn't offer 630–670nm, these are acceptable alternatives. Much of the light energy will pass through the target area as it's slowly absorbed, but it can still be effective.
980–1250nm
Generally too hot and can cause irritation. Avoid for wound care applications.
The key: Red laser in the 600nm range provides shallow penetration, so energy goes only where it's needed. If you don't have a red laser, you can still use IR, but efficiency will be lower.
What Power Level Is Appropriate?
Wound management is very different from treating deep structural damage. This application does not require a lot of power. Because wounds are shallow, we don't have to worry about losses as light travels deep into tissue.
Class 1–3B Often Best for This Application
Because dosages are very low for wound care, Class 1–3B lasers can be as effective as Class 4 systems, with less chance of unwanted heating. Heating during therapy can be very painful for wound patients, so Class 4 practitioners should turn their systems way down.
What About LEDs for Wound Care?
Yes, LED therapy systems can be used for wound management. However, because LEDs produce non-coherent light and often don't pulse effectively, they're considered a secondary option.
Laser
~2 watts effective for wound care
LED
May require 200+ watts for comparable effect
LED systems have much different power level requirements. 2 watts of LED is nothing like 2 watts of laser due to coherence and efficiency differences.
Key Takeaways
Use red wavelengths (630–670nm) for shallow penetration where energy stays at the wound surface.
Keep power low (≤2W). Wounds are thermally sensitive and don't require deep penetration.
Class 1–3B lasers work well for this application. Class 4 users should reduce power significantly.
LEDs are a secondary option. They work but require much higher wattage than lasers.
This is not an FDA cleared application. Results vary and lasers are only cleared for pain, inflammation, and blood flow.
Wound Care Laser Therapy FAQ
Is laser therapy FDA cleared for wound healing?
No. Lasers are not specifically FDA cleared for accelerating wound repair. They are FDA cleared for reducing inflammation, reducing pain, and increasing blood flow.
What wavelength is best for wound care?
Visible red light in the 630 to 670nm range is preferred because wounds are shallow and you want energy absorbed right at the surface. 810 to 915nm is an acceptable alternative if red is not available.
What power level should be used for wounds?
Keep power low, no more than 2W for emitters larger than a 1 by 1 inch area, with an energy delivery rate of 2 J/sec or less. Wounds are thermally sensitive.
Are cold lasers better than Class 4 for wounds?
Because dosages are very low for wound care, Class 1 to 3B lasers can be as effective as Class 4 systems with less chance of unwanted heating. Class 4 users should turn their systems way down.
Can LEDs be used for wound care?
Yes, LED systems can be used, but they are considered a secondary option. LEDs produce non-coherent light and may require 200 or more watts to match the effect of about 2 watts of laser.
Does laser therapy work for diabetic wounds?
One case study of an 83 year old patient with severe diabetic wounds showed positive results after adding laser therapy. Results may vary and this is not a guaranteed outcome.
Questions about laser therapy for wound support?
We can help you find the right wavelengths and power levels for your specific situation.