Low-level laser therapy for androgenetic alopecia, alone or in combination with medications (Munck et al., 2014)

Introduction

Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss in both men and women. Current standard treatments include Minoxidil and Finasteride, which are effective but some patients show a poor response or experience adverse drug reactions. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) technology, particularly the HairMax LaserComb® (655 nm), which is FDA-approved, has therefore attracted attention as a potential alternative for treating AGA, both as monotherapy and concomitant therapy with medication.

Study Methods

• Study Design: Retrospective Observational Study

• Study Location: Center for Dermatology and Hair Diseases, Wallisellen, Switzerland

• Duration: July 2011 – July 2013

• Participants: 32 AGA patients

• 11 men (average age 39 years)

• 21 women (average age 43.6 years)

• Treatment: HairMax LaserComb® device (7, 9, 12 beams models)

• 3 times/week for 8–15 minutes per session, according to manufacturer's instructions

• Average follow-up period of 8.7 months (maximum 24 months)

• Outcome Measures:

• Evaluated from standardized scalp photographs (frontal and vertex views)

• Rated by two assessors as “excellent / moderate / unchanged”

Results

Efficacy in Hair Regrowth Stimulation

• 8 participants (25%) showed excellent results, 20 participants (62.5%) showed moderate results, and 4 participants (12.5%) showed no change

• Changes observed from the first 3 months and sustained up to 24 months

• “Excellent” results were observed in both the LLLT monotherapy group and the LLLT combined with Minoxidil or Finasteride group

• No statistically significant difference was found between LLLT used as monotherapy or in combination with medication (p = 0.829)

Response by Gender and Severity

• Both men and women responded equally well (p = 0.091)

• Patients with moderate AGA (Hamilton–Norwood III–IV / Ludwig I–II) showed the best results

Safety

• No severe side effects were observed

• All participants tolerated the treatment well

Mechanism of Action

• LLLT stimulates the activity of Cytochrome c oxidase (COX) in mitochondria

• Increases ATP production (cellular energy) and stimulates biochemical signals for hair follicle cell division

• Increases tissue oxygenation and reduces inflammatory mediators

• The overall effect is to accelerate hair follicles into the anagen phase and reduce follicle miniaturization

Conclusion

• HairMax LaserComb® (655 nm) is an effective and safe LLLT device for treating AGA in both men and women

• Can be used as monotherapy or in combination with Minoxidil or Finasteride

• Results are often seen within 3 months and are more pronounced with continuous use

• There is a tendency that combined use may result in a synergistic effect in stimulating hair growth

• LLLT may also be beneficial for hair transplant patients by reducing inflammation and accelerating post-operative recovery

References

Munck, A., Gavazzoni, M. F., & Trüeb, R. M. (2014). Use of low-level laser therapy as monotherapy or concomitant therapy for male and female androgenetic alopecia. International Journal of Trichology, 6(2), 45–49. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7753.138584