The growth of human scalp hair mediated by visible red light laser and LED sources in males. Issue 8 (19th September 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lanzafame, Raymond J.; Blanche, Raymond R.; Bodian, Adam B.; Chiacchierini, Richard P.; Fernandez‐Obregon, Adolfo; Kazmirek, Eric R.
• Is Part Of: Lasers in surgery and medicine. Volume 45:Issue 8(2013)
• Page Start: 487
• Page End: 495
• Publication Date: 2013-09-19
• Subjects: Lasers in medicine -- Periodicals; Lasers in surgery -- Periodicals; 617
• DOI: 10.1002/lsm.22173
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0196-8092

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title>ABSTRACT</title> <sec id="lsm22173-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background and Objectives</title> <p>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.</p> </sec> <sec id="lsm22173-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>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<sup>2</sup> irradiance/25 minute treatment), with follow up and photography at 16 weeks. A masked 2.85 cm<sup>2</sup> photographic area was evaluated by another blinded investigator. The primary endpoint was the percent increase in hair counts from baseline.</p> </sec> <sec id="lsm22173-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>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 (<italic>N</italic> = 22) in placebo and 142.0 ± 73.0 (<italic>N</italic> = 22) and active groups respectively (<italic>P</italic> = 0.426). Post Treatment hair counts were 162.4 ± 62.5 (<italic>N</italic> = 19) and 228.7 ± 102.8 (<italic>N</italic> = 22), respectively (<italic>P</italic> = 0.0161). A 39% percent hair increase was demonstrated (28.4 ± 46.2 placebo, <italic>N</italic> = 19; 67.2 ± 33.4, active, <italic>N</italic> = 22) (<italic>P</italic> = 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 (<italic>N</italic> = 21) and 142.0 ± 73.0 (<italic>N</italic> = 22), respectively (<italic>P</italic> = 0.680). Post treatment hair counts were 158.2 ± 61.5 (<italic>N</italic> = 18) and 228.7 ± 102.8 (<italic>N</italic> = 22) (<italic>P</italic> = 0.011), resulting in a 35% percent increase in hair growth (32.3 ± 44.2, placebo, <italic>N</italic> = 18; 67.2 ± 33.4, active, <italic>N</italic> = 22) (<italic>P</italic> = 0.003).</p> </sec> <sec id="lsm22173-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>LLLT of the scalp at 655 nm significantly improved hair counts in males with androgenetic alopecia. Lasers Surg. Med. 45:487–495, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.</p> </sec> </abstract>