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The growth of human scalp hair mediated by visible red light laser and LED sources in males.

AbstractBACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Low level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used to promote hair growth. A double-blind randomized controlled trial was undertaken to define the safety and physiologic effects of LLLT on males with androgenic alopecia.
METHODS:
Forty-four males (18-48 yo, Fitzpatrick I-IV, Hamilton-Norwood IIa-V) were recruited. A transition zone scalp site was selected; hairs were trimmed to 3 mm height; the area was tattooed and photographed. The active group received a "TOPHAT655" unit containing 21, 5 mW lasers (655 ± 5 nm), and 30 LEDS (655 ± 20 nm), in a bicycle-helmet like apparatus. The placebo group unit appeared identical, containing incandescent red lights. Patients treated at home every other day × 16 weeks (60 treatments, 67.3 J/cm(2) irradiance/25 minute treatment), with follow up and photography at 16 weeks. A masked 2.85 cm(2) photographic area was evaluated by another blinded investigator. The primary endpoint was the percent increase in hair counts from baseline.
RESULTS:
Forty-one patients completed the study (22 active, 19 placebo). No adverse events or side effects were reported. Baseline hair counts were 162.7 ± 95.9 (N = 22) in placebo and 142.0 ± 73.0 (N = 22) and active groups respectively (P = 0.426). Post Treatment hair counts were 162.4 ± 62.5 (N = 19) and 228.7 ± 102.8 (N = 22), respectively (P = 0.0161). A 39% percent hair increase was demonstrated (28.4 ± 46.2 placebo, N = 19; 67.2 ± 33.4, active, N = 22) (P = 0.001) Deleting one placebo group subject with a very high baseline count and a very large decrease, resulted in baseline hair counts of 151.1 ± 81.0 (N = 21) and 142.0 ± 73.0 (N = 22), respectively (P = 0.680). Post treatment hair counts were 158.2 ± 61.5 (N = 18) and 228.7 ± 102.8 (N = 22) (P = 0.011), resulting in a 35% percent increase in hair growth (32.3 ± 44.2, placebo, N = 18; 67.2 ± 33.4, active, N = 22) (P = 0.003).
CONCLUSIONS:
LLLT of the scalp at 655 nm significantly improved hair counts in males with androgenetic alopecia.
AuthorsRaymond J Lanzafame, Raymond R Blanche, Adam B Bodian, Richard P Chiacchierini, Adolfo Fernandez-Obregon, Eric R Kazmirek
JournalLasers in surgery and medicine (Lasers Surg Med) Vol. 45 Issue 8 Pg. 487-95 (Oct 2013) ISSN: 1096-9101 [Electronic] United States
PMID24078483 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
Copyright© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Topics
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Alopecia (radiotherapy)
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hair (growth & development)
  • Humans
  • Light
  • Low-Level Light Therapy (instrumentation, methods)
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Photography
  • Scalp
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

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