While researching various treatments for hair loss one of the suggestions which comes up now and again is laser treatment. Having little experience of lasers - beyond what I've seen in science fiction films - I decided to look into things further. Can you really use a laser to stop hair loss or encourage new hair to grow? The first thing I discovered is that the laser technology used here isn't the kind of thing you see in Star Wars, instead it's called "Low-Level Laser Therapy" (LLLT) and is even designed for use by the general public - in other words, it's fairly harmless. Anyone wanting to try this technology at home can buy a "laser comb", with the recommend schedule being around 5-15 minutes per session for 2 or 3 days every week. Alternatively, laser therapy is offered at various clinics where the client needs to make repeat appointments (how many? I saw figures of between 25 and 50 being quoted).
The basic idea behind laser therapy seems to be that the light can stimulate cellular growth, although there also other factors allegedly at play such as an increase in blood supply. As a result it is claimed that the hair you have (assuming you still have any!) will become thicker and stronger and hair you're in danger of losing may in fact decide to stick around.
So, how successful is laser therapy for baldness? It's difficult to say, most sites I visited seemed intentionally vague. However, I think it's safe to say that laser therapy certainly isn't a cure for baldness and any effect it does have is small at best, and even then not something everyone is going to experience. In addition, the costs over time seemed huge for anyone booking multiple sessions at a clinic.
Laser hair treatment might be worthwhile for some, but for most I think it's probably a waste of time and money.
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My first choice would alwasy be fda-approve meds, but actually, low level laser therapy is a good treatment option for those who want to protect and/or enhance the hair they have without side effects of medications. Certainly NOT a miracle cure, laser therapy seems to work best on 'weak' or minaturized hair. Once the hair follicles are 'gone' laser will not help much. However, laser or other forms of light therapy do something that transplants cannot--increase the caliber and quality of existing hair. Having used laser therapy on hundreds of patients, I can tell you that it is certainly an important treatment option for those with early hair loss, especially women. The investment in a hand-held laser, even the top-of-the-line Erchonia THL-1 is paid back enormously in terms of hair quality in the vast majority of patients.
Sincerely,
Dr. B.
Alan J. Bauman MD
Bauman Medical Group
http://www.baumanmedical.com
P.S. Just like minoxidil and other regimens, you need to use the therapy for months to see a difference. The most common mistake is giving up too soon.
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