Photobiomodulation as an adjunctive treatment for complications of a surgical orofacial harmonization: case report

Authors

  • José Rafael Fermín Ureña University of São Paulo, Bauru School of Dentistry. Bauru, SP, Brazil.
  • Omar Andrés Zamorano Castro Faculdade do Centro Oeste Paulista. Piratininga, SP, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2208-3676
  • Ángel Terrero-Pérez University of São Paulo, Bauru School of Dentistry. Bauru, SP, Brazil.
  • Renato Yasutaka Faria Yaedú University of São Paulo, Bauru School of Dentistry. Bauru, SP, Brazil. | University of São Paulo, Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies. Bauru, SP, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2576-7887
  • Eduardo Sant’Ana University of São Paulo, Bauru School of Dentistry. Bauru, SP, Brazil. | Faculdade do Centro Oeste Paulista. Piratininga, SP, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5994-5453
  • Mariela Peralta-Mamani Faculdade do Centro Oeste Paulista. Piratininga, SP, Brazil. | University of São Paulo, Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies. Bauru, SP, Brazil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0243-9194

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20453/reh.v36i3.7257

Keywords:

cervicoplasty, photobiomodulation, low-level light therapy, ambulatory surgery, adverse event

Abstract

Face lifting and cervicoplasty are aesthetic surgical procedures that may be associated with postoperative complications requiring timely management. This case report describes a 46-year-old woman who developed an extensive postoperative hematoma, edema, and subsequent sensory disturbance following face lifting and cervicoplasty. On postoperative day five, her physiotherapist identified a subcutaneous accumulation of blood in the cervical region. Management included surgical reintervention to drain the hematoma, antibiotic therapy, physiotherapy, and low-level laser photobiomodulation (PBM). The PBM protocol was effective in rapidly resolving the extensive hematoma and edema. During follow-up, the patient reported paresthesia in the chin region. An additional PBM protocol was applied, and the paresthesia resolved completely after only two sessions. PBM may be an effective adjunctive tool for managing complications related to orofacial aesthetic procedures, such as extensive hematomas, edema, and paresthesia, contributing to the patient’s functional and aesthetic recovery.

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Author Biographies

José Rafael Fermín Ureña, University of São Paulo, Bauru School of Dentistry. Bauru, SP, Brazil.

Master’s Degree in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery – Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP)

 

Omar Andrés Zamorano Castro, Faculdade do Centro Oeste Paulista. Piratininga, SP, Brazil.

Resident in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

 

Ángel Terrero-Pérez, University of São Paulo, Bauru School of Dentistry. Bauru, SP, Brazil.

Specialization in Radiology, Implantology, and Periodontology. Master’s and PhD degrees in Radiology and Stomatology.

Renato Yasutaka Faria Yaedú, University of São Paulo, Bauru School of Dentistry. Bauru, SP, Brazil. | University of São Paulo, Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies. Bauru, SP, Brazil.

Professor at the Department of Surgery – Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP)

 

Eduardo Sant’Ana, University of São Paulo, Bauru School of Dentistry. Bauru, SP, Brazil. | Faculdade do Centro Oeste Paulista. Piratininga, SP, Brazil.

Professor at the Department of Surgery – Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP)

 

Mariela Peralta-Mamani, Faculdade do Centro Oeste Paulista. Piratininga, SP, Brazil. | University of São Paulo, Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies. Bauru, SP, Brazil.

      

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Published

2026-09-19

How to Cite

1.
Fermín Ureña JR, Zamorano Castro OA, Terrero-Pérez Ángel, Yaedú RYF, Sant’Ana E, Peralta-Mamani M. Photobiomodulation as an adjunctive treatment for complications of a surgical orofacial harmonization: case report. Rev Estomatol Herediana [Internet]. 2026 Sep. 19 [cited 2026 Oct. 13];36(3):e7257 . Available from: https://revistas.upch.edu.pe/index.php/REH/article/view/7257

Issue

Vol. 36 No. 3 (2026): Julio-septiembre

Section

CASE REPORTS

License

Copyright (c) 2026 José Rafael Fermín Ureña, Omar Andrés Zamorano Castro, Ángel Terrero-Pérez, Renato Yasutaka Faria Yaedú, Eduardo Sant’Ana, Mariela Peralta-Mamani

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