Is Red Light Therapy Painful?

No, one of the most appealing aspects of red light therapy is that it’s completely painless. Patients often describe it as relaxing, with a gentle warmth during treatment that is similar to lying in the sun, but without the risks associated with UV exposure. There are no needles, incisions, or heat damage, so discomfort is virtually nonexistent. For this reason, it’s a popular choice for patients who want effective skin and wellness support without downtime or discomfort.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Results with red light therapy build gradually over a series of treatments. At the same time, some patients notice subtle improvements in skin radiance or reduced inflammation after just one or two sessions, and most benefit from a series of 6–10 treatments, performed once or twice a week. After the initial series, maintenance sessions can be scheduled every few weeks or monthly to maintain steady results. The exact number depends on your skin condition, goals, and whether you’re using RLT as a stand-alone treatment or as a recovery booster alongside other procedures.

How Long Until I See Results?

You may notice an initial glow or mild improvement in your skin tone right away, but the deeper cellular benefits take time to become apparent. Most patients notice more visible changes after 3–4 weeks of consistent sessions, although the most significant results typically appear after completing a full treatment series, as collagen production and cellular repair continue over time. These gradual, compounding effects are part of what makes red light therapy so popular for patients seeking long-term improvements.

Can I Combine Red Light Therapy With Other Procedures?

Yes, in fact, many patients use red light therapy as a complement to more intensive treatments. It can be performed after microneedling, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, or injectables to calm inflammation, shorten downtime, and enhance results. Red light also works well as part of a broader skincare plan to maintain healthy, radiant skin between other appointments. At CraftMD, we’ll create a treatment plan that sequences RLT appropriately with your other procedures for maximum benefit and safety.

What Are the Risks Associated With Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy is considered very safe when administered by trained professionals. Unlike UV tanning beds, RLT does not expose you to harmful radiation, and side effects are extremely rare. The most common temporary effects are slight warmth, mild redness, or sensitivity in the treated area, all of which fade quickly. Patients with certain medical conditions (such as epilepsy, photosensitivity, or those on light-sensitizing medications) should avoid or modify treatment under medical guidance. At CraftMD, our team carefully reviews your medical history to minimize risks and ensure that red light therapy is a safe and beneficial option for you.

Red Light Therapy in Phoenix & Scottsdale, Arizona

Red Light Therapy

Name: CraftMD
Brand: CraftMD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 250 (4.9 reviews)

Introduction

Introduction to Red Light Therapy

If your skin feels dull, sluggish, or slow to recover from everyday stress, you may be seeking a gentle way to rejuvenate and refresh it. At CraftMD in Scottsdale, we offer Red Light Therapy (RLT) as a non-invasive treatment designed to support skin rejuvenation, wound healing, and overall cellular health. Using low-level light energy in specific wavelengths, red light penetrates the skin to energize cells and stimulate natural repair, causing no pain or downtime. For many patients, it’s a simple but powerful addition to their skincare or recovery routine that pairs beautifully with other medical spa treatments.

The image is a black-and-white portrait of a woman with shoulder-length dark hair, fair skin, and an off-the-shoulder black garment. Her right hand delicately touches her left ear as she looks downward, her left eye closed in a serene expression. The dark background, accented by white lighting highlights, creates a dramatic contrast that emphasizes her contemplative pose. - Red Light Therapy in Phoenix, AZ

What is Red Light Therapy?

Red Light Therapy uses safe, low-wavelength red and near-infrared light to stimulate energy production within the skin’s cells. The light penetrates into the mitochondria (the “powerhouse” of the cell) and enhances the production of ATP, which is the cell’s energy currency. This boost in energy helps the skin and underlying tissues function more efficiently, supporting faster repair, reduced inflammation, and improved resilience. Unlike high-powered lasers, RLT does not heat or damage the skin; instead, it encourages the body’s natural healing responses in a very gentle way.

Who Are the Best Candidates For Red Light Therapy?

The best candidates are individuals seeking a safe and non-invasive option to enhance skin health, reduce inflammation, or accelerate healing. It’s suitable for nearly all skin types and tones, making it more universally accessible than some other energy-based treatments. Patients dealing with sun damage, mild lines, or redness often see noticeable benefits, as do those recovering from cosmetic procedures who want to minimize swelling and downtime. Red light therapy is not recommended for those who are pregnant, have active skin infections, or are taking medications that increase light sensitivity. At CraftMD in Scottsdale, AZ, we thoroughly review your health history to ensure that your treatment is safe and tailored to your specific needs.

What Are the Benefits of Red Light Therapy?

Patients choose red light therapy for its wide range of potential benefits, many of which are backed by growing clinical research. These include:

Improved skin tone and radiance
Reduction of fine lines and early wrinkles
Faster wound and scar healing
Decreased inflammation and redness
Enhanced circulation and tissue oxygenation
Relief of mild muscle and joint discomfort
Support for post-procedure recovery (after microneedling, laser, or surgery)

Because red light helps the skin and body at the cellular level, improvements often feel both cosmetic and restorative. Some patients come in seeking brighter skin, while others appreciate reduced downtime after a more invasive procedure thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects.

What’s the First Step?

The first step is a consultation at CraftMD in Scottsdale. During this visit, we’ll evaluate your skin, discuss your goals, and explain how red light therapy can be used either as a stand-alone treatment or as a complement to other services. If you’re a good candidate, we’ll recommend the ideal number of sessions and explain what kind of improvements you can realistically expect. Our team will also answer questions about pairing RLT with procedures like microneedling, laser, or injectables for enhanced results. Scheduling is straightforward, and many patients find that they can begin their first session on the same day as their consultation.

What to Expect on the Day of Red Light Therapy Treatment

A red light therapy session is quick and comfortable. You’ll be guided into a treatment room at our Scottsdale office, where your skin will be cleansed, and protective eyewear may be provided. You’ll then relax while a red light panel or handheld device delivers therapeutic light to the treatment area. Most sessions last between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on your needs and whether multiple areas are treated. There’s no pain; in fact, patients typically describe it as a warm, soothing experience similar to basking in sunlight, but without UV damage. Afterward, you can immediately return to normal activities with no downtime.

A wide shot of Dr. Randy Craft in black scrubs, sitting next to a smiling female patient, who is seated in a gray armchair. Dr. Craft is holding an open laptop and looking down at it, while the patient is looking to her left and laughing brightly. The background features a white wall with abstract black line-art of a face, and a large sign with the text "CRAFT AESTHETICS / WELLNESS" partially visible.

Red Light Therapy Recovery

One of the biggest advantages of RLT is the lack of downtime. Most patients experience no side effects beyond a temporary sensation of warmth in the treated area. Because the therapy works by stimulating cellular energy and repair, improvements build gradually over time and often become more noticeable after a series of treatments. You’ll be advised to stay consistent with sessions to achieve the best results. As with all skin treatments, consistent sun protection and a supportive skincare regimen are essential for maintaining long-term results.

Black and white texture background overlay

How Much Does Red Light Therapy Cost in Phoenix, AZ?

The cost of Red Light Therapy in Scottsdale and the Phoenix area ranges between $50 and $150 per session, depending on the treatment area, device used, and whether it’s purchased as a single session or part of a package. Many patients opt for packages of 6–10 sessions, which can offer better value and support cumulative results. At CraftMD in Scottsdale, we provide a personalized cost estimate during your consultation. Package options are available for patients interested in regular treatments or pairing RLT with other services.

Our Ethos

Why Choose Dr. Craft?

While red light therapy is gentle, where and how you receive it matters. At CraftMD, your treatment is provided by a team that is led by Dr. Randall Craft, a double-board-certified plastic surgeon, affiliated with the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the American Board of Surgery (ABS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM). This medical oversight ensures that your care is safe, effective, and tailored to your specific needs, giving you results you can trust.

Red Light Therapy FAQ’S

No, one of the most appealing aspects of red light therapy is that it’s completely painless. Patients often describe it as relaxing, with a gentle warmth during treatment that is similar to lying in the sun, but without the risks associated with UV exposure. There are no needles, incisions, or heat damage, so discomfort is virtually nonexistent. For this reason, it’s a popular choice for patients who want effective skin and wellness support without downtime or discomfort.
Results with red light therapy build gradually over a series of treatments. At the same time, some patients notice subtle improvements in skin radiance or reduced inflammation after just one or two sessions, and most benefit from a series of 6–10 treatments, performed once or twice a week. After the initial series, maintenance sessions can be scheduled every few weeks or monthly to maintain steady results. The exact number depends on your skin condition, goals, and whether you’re using RLT as a stand-alone treatment or as a recovery booster alongside other procedures.
You may notice an initial glow or mild improvement in your skin tone right away, but the deeper cellular benefits take time to become apparent. Most patients notice more visible changes after 3–4 weeks of consistent sessions, although the most significant results typically appear after completing a full treatment series, as collagen production and cellular repair continue over time. These gradual, compounding effects are part of what makes red light therapy so popular for patients seeking long-term improvements.
Yes, in fact, many patients use red light therapy as a complement to more intensive treatments. It can be performed after microneedling, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, or injectables to calm inflammation, shorten downtime, and enhance results. Red light also works well as part of a broader skincare plan to maintain healthy, radiant skin between other appointments. At CraftMD, we’ll create a treatment plan that sequences RLT appropriately with your other procedures for maximum benefit and safety.
Red light therapy is considered very safe when administered by trained professionals. Unlike UV tanning beds, RLT does not expose you to harmful radiation, and side effects are extremely rare. The most common temporary effects are slight warmth, mild redness, or sensitivity in the treated area, all of which fade quickly. Patients with certain medical conditions (such as epilepsy, photosensitivity, or those on light-sensitizing medications) should avoid or modify treatment under medical guidance. At CraftMD, our team carefully reviews your medical history to minimize risks and ensure that red light therapy is a safe and beneficial option for you.

Ready for a

Refined

Transformation

Schedule a Consultation

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (602) 786-6973