Laser treatment helpful for androgenetic alopecia

(HealthDay)—Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) improves hair regrowth and thickness in patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA), according to a review published online April 25 in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine.

Ladan Afifi, from the University of Miami, and colleagues conducted a systematic literature review to identify studies that evaluated whether LLLT is an effective therapy for AGA based on both objective measurements and patient satisfaction.

The researchers identified 11 studies (680 patients). Nine of the studies found significant improvements in hair count/hair density in both males and females after LLLT treatment. In two of four studies, hair thickness and tensile strength significantly improved. The five studies that assessed patient satisfaction showed overall positive results, although the results were not as profound as the objective outcomes.

"Although we should be cautious when interpreting these findings, LLLT therapy seems to be a promising monotherapy for AGA and may serve as an effective alternative for individuals unwilling to use medical therapy or undergo surgical options," conclude the authors.