What Xen LED Therapy Is
LED, or light-emitting diode therapy, uses specific light wavelengths to support cellular function. The mechanism is called photobiomodulation. Unlike lasers, which deliver focused thermal energy that creates controlled tissue damage to trigger a healing response, LEDs work without heat. There’s no burning, no ablation, no controlled injury. The light energises mitochondria (the energy-producing structures inside cells), which may improve the cell’s capacity for the repair work it’s already doing.
The Xen LED system is a medical-grade device. It uses Chip-On-Board technology with 10,500 diodes to deliver consistent, high-intensity coverage across the treatment area. Three wavelengths are used, each targeting tissue at a different depth:
- Blue light (415nm) reaches the skin surface and has antimicrobial properties.
- Red light (633nm) penetrates to the dermis where collagen-producing cells sit. May support skin texture and incision healing.
- Near-infrared light (830nm) reaches deeper tissues including fat, muscle, and fascia. May help manage swelling and support tissue repair.
Who LED Therapy Is For
Surgical recovery. LED therapy is most often relevant for patients recovering from facial procedures. Facelift, deep plane facelift, neck lift, blepharoplasty, brow lift, rhinoplasty, and facial fat transfer all involve work in tissue layers where photobiomodulation may support healing. For facelift patients at the Manly clinic, LED sessions are built into the post-operative care pathway.
General skin maintenance. You don’t need to be a surgical patient to use LED therapy. Some people use sessions as part of an ongoing skin maintenance routine, or to support recovery from non-surgical treatments like chemical peels or microneedling.
Who Should Avoid LED Therapy
LED therapy has an excellent safety profile. That said, it isn’t suitable for everyone. Discuss any of the following with your treating clinician before booking:
- Photosensitivity disorders such as lupus or porphyria
- Medications that increase light sensitivity (some antibiotics, retinoids, anti-inflammatory drugs)
- Active skin infections in the treatment area
- History of certain skin cancers (individual assessment required)
- Pregnancy (we take a precautionary approach)
Suitability is reviewed before any first session.
What a Session Looks Like
Sessions run 15 to 20 minutes. Skin needs to be clean, no makeup, no sunscreen, no heavy moisturiser. You’ll recline comfortably while the Xen panel is positioned at an optimal distance over the treatment area. The device doesn’t touch the skin or any incisions. You’ll feel a gentle warmth. Most patients find the experience relaxing rather than clinical.
There’s no downtime. You can apply makeup or skincare straight afterwards if you want to. Skin may feel slightly warm or look mildly pink for a short period after the session. That typically settles within an hour or two.
Treatment Schedules
For facelift and facial surgery patients at Manly, sessions typically follow this pattern:
- First two weeks after surgery. Two to three sessions focused on near-infrared light to support deep tissue healing and help manage swelling.
- Weeks three to six. Weekly sessions, with the focus shifting to red light to support incision healing and collagen formation.
- Weeks six to twelve. Ongoing sessions as needed to support scar maturation.
For non-surgical patients, frequency depends on what you’re using LED therapy for:
- A weekly course of treatments
- Fortnightly or monthly maintenance
- Single sessions as required
Treatment plans are individualised. Your clinician will recommend a schedule based on your circumstances.
Cost
| Standalone session | $75 |
| Package of 8 sessions | $500 (saves $100) |
For facelift patients at the Manly clinic, LED therapy is included in the post-operative care package at no additional cost.
A Note on Evidence
Photobiomodulation research is encouraging, however evidence quality varies by indication. Most peer-reviewed studies on wound healing and post-surgical recovery report benefits in inflammation reduction, bruising clearance, and incision support, although effect sizes vary across studies and few trials are facelift-specific. Some studies report meaningful reductions in healing time, others report more modest effects. Individual response varies and outcomes aren’t guaranteed.
The honest position: LED is a low-risk adjunct with reasonable supporting evidence. It isn’t a guaranteed accelerator of recovery. It’s offered at this practice because the risk profile is excellent, the wavelength delivery is consistent at clinical strength, and many patients describe finding the sessions a useful, low-effort part of their recovery routine.
Risks and Side Effects
Side effects are uncommon and typically minor. They may include:
- Temporary redness or warmth in the treatment area
- Mild tingling sensation during the session
- Headache after a session (rare)
- Eye strain if eye protection isn’t used correctly
Eye protection is provided and required. Inform your clinician of any medications you’re taking, any history of photosensitivity, and any skin conditions before your first session. If you experience an unexpected reaction after a session, contact the clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LED therapy painful?
No. Most people find it comfortable and relaxing. You’ll feel gentle warmth but no pain or discomfort.
How soon will I see results?
This depends on what you’re treating. Post-surgical patients may notice reduced swelling within the first few sessions. For general skin maintenance, changes are typically gradual and cumulative over a course of treatments.
Can I have LED therapy if I have sensitive skin?
Generally yes. LED therapy is well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin. However, if you have a diagnosed photosensitivity disorder, you may not be suitable. Discuss this during your assessment.
Is it safe to have LED therapy on my face after surgery?
Yes, when appropriately timed. LED therapy can typically begin within the first week after surgery. The device doesn’t touch your skin or incisions—it’s positioned over the treatment area. Your surgeon will advise on the appropriate timing for your specific procedure.
What's the difference between clinical LED and home devices?
Clinical-grade systems like Xen LED deliver substantially higher and more consistent light output than consumer devices. The Xen system uses 10,500 diodes and delivers precise wavelengths at therapeutic intensity. Home devices may have a role in maintenance, however they generally can’t match the power or coverage of clinical-grade systems.
How does LED therapy compare to laser treatments?
They’re different tools for different jobs. Lasers use focused thermal energy to create controlled tissue damage that triggers a healing response. LED therapy is non-thermal and supports cellular function without damaging tissue. LED can be used in situations where a laser treatment would be inappropriate, such as immediately after surgery.
Do I need a GP referral for LED therapy?
No referral is required for standalone LED sessions. If you’re a surgical patient, LED therapy is discussed as part of your overall treatment plan, which itself follows the AHPRA cosmetic surgery referral pathway.
Can LED therapy be combined with other treatments?
Yes. LED therapy is often used alongside lymphatic massage, structured skincare protocols, and various aesthetic procedures. It may help support recovery from chemical peels, microneedling, or laser treatments.
Booking
Xen LED therapy is offered at the Manly clinic only. Patients who consult at Bondi Junction, Brisbane, or Canberra and wish to access LED sessions will need to attend Manly for treatment.
To book a standalone session or learn more about LED therapy, contact the practice on 1300 437 758 or email [email protected].
If you’re considering facial surgery and would like to discuss how LED therapy fits into your recovery plan, request a consultation with Dr Scott Turner.
