ROLE OF LOW-LEVEL LIGHT THERAPY (LLLT) IN ANDROGENETIC ALOPECIA

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the commonest type of alopecia affecting over half of men and women. Only two drugs have been approved so far (minoxidil and finasteride), and hair transplant is the other treatment alternative. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been claimed to be a new safe devise-based modality for stimulating hair growth in men and women in AGA. LLLT represents a non-invasive, safe, and potentially effective treatment option for patients with AGA who do not respond or are not tolerant to standard treatment of AGA. Moreover, combining LLLT with topical minoxidil solution and oral finasteride may act synergistic to enhance hair regrowth.

 

Low-intensity light is called low-level laser therapy (LLLT) which stimulates cellular activity in tissues. It is associated with a range of wavelengths from red through to infrared laser light that promotes tissue repair and regeneration. The overall effect of LLLT on body is called photobiomodulation. The “optical window” for biological tissue is approximately 650–1200 nm. The tissue penetration is maximum at these wavelengths, and thus red or near-infrared light (600–950 nm) is utilized in LLLT. LLLT has been reported to stimulate hair growth in men and women in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and was approved by the US FDA in 2007.

 

It can stimulate anagen phase re-entry in telogen hair follicles (HFs), prolong the duration of anagen phase, and increase rates of proliferation in active anagen HFs. In addition, it also helps to promote reparative regeneration, which occurs during wound healing, and physiological regeneration, which occurs during the hair cycle, which relies heavily on cell proliferation. These laser actions may normalize physiological regeneration of scalp HFs affected in various hair loss disorders such as male and female AGA.

 

LLLT appears to stimulate anagen re-entry of telogen HF, prolong the duration of anagen phase, and increase the rate of proliferation in active anagen follicles. The modulation of hair cycle reveals an increase of hair density and diameter as well as a decrease of hair shedding, resulting in the clinical improvement of alopecia’s.

 

LLLT for hair growth

LLLT is safe and has some efficacy in the treatment of AGA.  There is improvement in the hair regrowth in the form of increased hair count, increased hair density and tensile strength, and also the prevention of hair loss. Patients with male AGA (Hamilton–Norwood III and IV) and female AGA (Ludwig I and II) respond best, since effective photobiostimulation depends on a minimum of hair for effective photobiostimulation, and on a maximum of hair for the laser beam to reach the scalp without absorption or interference from existing hairs. In AA patients, LLLT accelerates the process of hair regrowth.

 

LLLT represents a safe and potentially effective treatment option in non-scarring alopecias who do not respond or are not tolerant to standard treatment of hair loss. Combination of LLLT with topical minoxidil and oral finasteride may act synergistically to enhance hair growth. Demonstrating LLLT’s effects on promoting graft survival, it may be further suggested to have a potential to be used during the immediate period of post-hair transplant surgery to facilitate the healing process and enhance viability and earlier growth of the grafts.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What techniques are commonly used for hair transplant in Bangalore?

A. The most common techniques include Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), with FUE being more popular due to its minimal scarring.

 

Q2. What services does a cosmetic clinic in Bangalore offer?

A. A cosmetic clinic in Bangalore typically offers services like skin rejuvenation, laser treatments, Botox, fillers, anti-ageing treatments and hair transplants.

 

Q3. Who should consider getting anti ageing treatment in Bangalore?

A. Anyone noticing early signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles, or skin laxity can benefit from customized anti ageing treatment in Bangalore to maintain youthful skin.