Abstract | BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Low level laser ( light) therapy ( LLLT) has been demonstrated to promote hair growth in males. A double-blind randomized controlled trial was undertaken to define the safety and physiologic effects of LLLT on females with androgenic alopecia. METHODS: Forty-seven females (18-60 years old, Fitzpatrick I-IV, and Ludwig-Savin Baldness Scale I-2, I-3, I-4, II-1, II-2 baldness patterns) 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 diode 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 J/cm(2) irradiance/25 minute treatment, 2.9 J dose), 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-two patients completed the study (24 active, 18 sham). No adverse events or side effects were reported. Baseline hair counts were 228.2 ± 133.4 (N = 18) in the sham and 209.6 ± 118.5 (N = 24) in the active group (P = 0.642). Post Treatment hair counts were 252.1 ± 143.3 (N = 18) in the sham group and 309.9 ± 166.6 (N = 24) in the active group (P = 0.235). The change in hair counts over baseline was 23.9 ± 30.1 (N = 18) in the sham group and 100.3 ± 53.4 (N = 24) in the active group (P < 0.0001). The percent hair increase over the duration of the study was 11.05 ± 48.30 (N = 18) for the sham group and 48.07 ± 17.61 (N = 24) for the active group (P < 0.001). This demonstrates a 37% increase in hair growth in the active treatment group as compared to the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS:
LLLT of the scalp at 655 nm significantly improved hair counts in women with androgenetic alopecia at a rate similar to that observed in males using the same parameters.
|
Authors | Raymond J Lanzafame, Raymond R Blanche, Richard P Chiacchierini, Eric R Kazmirek, Jeffrey A Sklar |
Journal | Lasers in surgery and medicine
(Lasers Surg Med)
Vol. 46
Issue 8
Pg. 601-7
(Oct 2014)
ISSN: 1096-9101 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 25124964
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
|
Copyright | © 2014 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. |
Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Alopecia
(radiotherapy)
- Double-Blind Method
- Female
- Hair
(growth & development)
- Humans
- Low-Level Light Therapy
(instrumentation, methods)
- Middle Aged
- Phototherapy
(instrumentation, methods)
- Scalp
(radiation effects)
- Treatment Outcome
|