Question:
What is laser hair therapy and how does it help with hair loss?
Answer:For the past 10 years or so, low level laser light therapy (LLLT) has been promoted as a treatment for hair loss. The original HairMax comb was the first commercially available home use device. While claims of efficacy were great, the reality is that most patients with whom I have spoken have reported little if any results from laser combs.
For the past two years, my office has been offering LLLT in-office, using the Revage system. While it is one of several proprietary systems, the science behind the device seems to make sense- more laser diodes that rotate assuring diffuse scalp coverage, higher energy, and a large hood- and I have in fact observed definite advantages that I would describe as working in around 70% of all men and women with active shedding, helping to slow down or even stop the process. We have also seen, primarily in women, some restoring of density. This is a rather impressive result, and because of my confidence in LLLT, I have been recommending it to select patients.
This past year, the manufacturer of the Revage system came out with the iGrow, a home use LLLT device that uses the same technology as the office unit. The iGrow I describe looks like a skateboard helmet, and is applied to the scalp for 30 minutes three times a week. We are optimistic that the results with the iGrow will be close to as good as they are with the Revage. Once again, setting realistic patient expectations, and proper patient selection, is key.
