The association of low and high laser treatments on self-inflicted lip injury: a case report

Photomed Laser Surg. 2010 Aug;28(4):565-8. doi: 10.1089/pho.2009.2594.

Abstract

Objective: Report a clinical case of surgical lip lesion removal owing to self-injury in a 9-year-old male quadriplegic, spastic cerebral palsy (CP) patient using low and high lasers in association.

Background: Various management methods for oral trauma have been suggested, depending on the severity, frequency, and cause of injury, including medication, behavioral techniques, and oral appliances or dental extractions.

Methods: Initially, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) was used on the injured labial tissue measuring 2.2 cm externally and 3.4 cm in the internal mucosal, followed by surgical removal using a CO(2) laser. After 30 days, a significant reduction in injury to the oral tissues was observed, and the region presented normal color and good healing conditions.

Conclusion: The association of different laser therapies to remove and heal a lip lesion owing to self-injurious behavior was effective and promoted improvement in the patient's quality of life by establishing painless mastication.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Humans
  • Lasers, Gas*
  • Lip / injuries*
  • Lip / surgery*
  • Low-Level Light Therapy*
  • Male
  • Wound Healing / radiation effects