Photobiomodulation Therapy Reduces Oxidative Stress and Modulates Postoperative Recovery in Abdominoplasty: A Pilot Study

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 hours 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 showed no 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 hours postoperative in the PBM group (p = 0.040), suggesting a potential antioxidant effect. 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, it appeared to reduce lipid peroxidation and was well tolerated. These preliminary results support the safety of PBM in the postoperative period of abdominoplasty. Further randomized studies with larger sample sizes and multiple applications are warranted to better elucidate its therapeutic potential.