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01-02-2018 | Review Article

Low-level laser therapy for the treatment of androgenic alopecia: a review

Authors: Evan Darwin, Alexandra Heyes, Penelope A. Hirt, Tongyu Cao Wikramanayake, Joaquin J. Jimenez

Published in: Lasers in Medical Science | Issue 2/2018

Abstract

There are many new low-level laser technologies that have been released commercially that claim to support hair regrowth. In this paper, we will examine the clinical trials to determine whether the body of evidence supports the use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to treat androgenic alopecia (AGA). A literature search was conducted through Pubmed, Embase, and Clinicaltrials.gov for clinical trials using LLLT to treat AGA. Thirteen clinical trials were assessed. Review articles were not included. Ten of 11 trials demonstrated significant improvement of androgenic alopecia in comparison to baseline or controls when treated with LLLT. In the remaining study, improvement in hair counts and hair diameter was recorded, but did not reach statistical significance. Two trials did not include statistical analysis, but showed marked improvement by hair count or by photographic evidence. Two trials showed efficacy for LLLT in combination with topical minoxidil. One trial showed efficacy when accompanying finasteride treatment. LLLT appears to be a safe, alternative treatment for patients with androgenic alopecia. Clinical trials have indicated efficacy for androgenic alopecia in both men and women. It may be used independently or as an adjuvant of minoxidil or finasteride. More research needs to be undertaken to determine the optimal power and wavelength to use in LLLT as well as LLLT’s mechanism of action.

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Title: Low-level laser therapy for the treatment of androgenic alopecia: a review
Authors: Evan Darwin
Alexandra Heyes
Penelope A. Hirt
Tongyu Cao Wikramanayake
Joaquin J. Jimenez
Publication date: 01-02-2018
Publisher: Springer London
Published in: Lasers in Medical Science / Issue 2/2018
Print ISSN: 0268-8921
Electronic ISSN: 1435-604X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-017-2385-5

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Low-level laser therapy for the treatment of androgenic alopecia: a review

Abstract

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