Effects of photobiomodulation with 940 Nm diode laser on post-rhinoplasty nasal tip swelling: A randomized controlled trial.

Rhinoplasty, while effective for nasal reshaping, frequently results in postoperative edema and delayed recovery. This randomized controlled trial evaluated photobiomodulation (PBM) using a 940 nm diode laser (4 J/cm² energy density, 0.1 W power, 2.27 cm² spot size) for managing nasal swelling in 20 patients following open rhinoplasty. Participants were allocated to laser (16 sessions over 8 weeks) or control groups, with standardized photogrammetric measurements of nasal width and tip rotation preoperatively and at 1, 4, and 8 weeks postoperatively. The intervention group demonstrated a mean nasal width reduction of 2.5 mm (p = 0.08) and a 3-degree improvement in tip rotation (p = 0.12) compared to controls, though statistical significance was not achieved. Qualitative assessments revealed marked edema reduction in 70 % of treated patients versus 30 % of controls. While limited by sample size, these findings suggest 940 nm PBM may accelerate resolution of post-rhinoplasty swelling through anti-inflammatory mechanisms, warranting further investigation in larger cohorts.