Healite II LED therapy

The Lutronic Healite II is a light-emitting diode (LED) phototherapy system. It delivers light at precise wavelengths, without heat and without breaking the skin.

The principle is photomodulation: light of particular wavelengths is absorbed by cells and influences their activity - supporting repair, reducing inflammation and improving blood flow to the treated area. It is described as low-level light therapy (LLLT).

This is a gentle, comfortable treatment. That is both its appeal and its limit: it does not resurface, remove or restructure anything.

The wavelengths

Blue, 415-470nm - absorbed by porphyrins produced by acne bacteria. Used for active acne.
Near infrared, 830nm - penetrates deeper. Used for wound healing, reducing inflammation and swelling, and supporting recovery.

Because it uses no heat, the risk of burning or thermal damage is very low compared with laser and IPL.

What it is used for

As a stand-alone treatment

Active acne - reducing the bacterial component and the inflammation with it
Inflamed or reactive skin
General skin rejuvenation, as part of a wider plan

Alongside other treatments - where it is most useful

Healite II is most often used as an adjunct: before and after laser or IPL, after skin needling, after deeper peels, and before and after cosmetic or plastic surgery. In that role it is used to:

Support wound and cellular healing after laser or surgery
Reduce swelling and redness
Increase blood flow to the healing area
Reduce bruising
Shorten recovery time
Reduce discomfort
Support better scar formation

Shortening recovery after an aggressive resurfacing treatment is a genuinely useful thing, and it is where most people get the value from this device.

The protocol

Typically twice a week over four weeks - both for post-surgical recovery and as a combination treatment alongside peels, laser or needling.

Each session lasts 13 to 22 minutes, with the panel positioned over the area being treated - face, abdomen or elsewhere. There is no anaesthetic, no needle and no downtime.

What it feels like

Painless. The skin feels slightly warm; most people find the session relaxing. Eye protection is worn. You can return to normal activity and wear make-up immediately.

What results are realistic

Healite II is a supportive treatment. Used alongside other procedures, it can measurably speed recovery and reduce swelling and redness. Used alone for acne, it can reduce inflammation and active lesions - as part of a plan, not instead of one.

It will not resurface skin, remove pigmentation, lift laxity, treat scarring or produce the kind of change a laser or needling course produces. Anyone offering LED alone as a substitute for those is overselling it. Results build over a course rather than appearing after one session, and individual results vary.

Who it does not suit

Photosensitivity, or a condition made worse by light exposure
Current photosensitising medication - tell your practitioner everything you take
A history of seizures triggered by light
Active skin infection in the area
Pregnancy - discuss with your practitioner

Risks

Temporary redness or warmth
Mild headache or eye strain, uncommon, and reduced by proper eye protection
Photosensitivity reaction in susceptible people or on certain medications
Temporary dryness
Incomplete or no visible response

Risks with LED are low compared with most other skin treatments. See risks and complications.

Cost

As at September 2024 and including GST, a skin assessment is $50. Dermal skin treatments start from $130. LED is often included in a package with the treatment it supports - ask how it is priced in your plan. Not covered by Medicare.

Booking

Me Clinic, 4 Burke Road, Malvern East VIC 3145. Phone 1300 852 050 or (03) 9569 3511, or use the online consultation form.

Individual results may vary. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.