Over the past two years there has been a lot of public interest in the role of low-level light laser therapy (LLLT) in the treatment for male and female pattern hair loss. Two years ago the FDA approved a laser light device in the treatment of male pattern hair loss. The FDA approval was for a mechanical device, which has a different standard of FDA approval than a medication. FDA approval for mechanical devices is more based on safety. To date the two FDA approved medications are minoxidil and finasteride. Low level light laser therapy seems to be safe.
The long-term efficacy of it for male and female pattern hair loss is still to be determined. There are a few published reports as to its efficacy but no long-term well designed studies, unlike finasteride and minoxidil.
In our office we conducted two pilot trials with two different low level light laser therapy devices in 2008. We found the devices to be safe. We were unable to determine any difference in hair count through photographs but through video microscopes we were able to demonstrate some thickening of hair follicles in some patients. Our office currently believes that finasteride and minoxidil are first line medical therapies for genetic hair loss. Low level light laser therapy seems to be a safe and promising alternative. What is required is longer termed, well-designed studies to determine its exact role in the future.
Comments