title: The current role of laser/light sources in the treatment of male and female pattern hair loss.
abstract: Over the past several years there has been great interest in the potential role of laser/light-based treatments for male and female pattern hair loss. Despite aggressive marketing and centers claiming great success in the treatment of hair loss there is little scientific data supporting laser/light sources in hair loss. This paper is a consensus of hair loss experts on the current scientific data, mechanisms of action, safety, protocols and recommendations regarding laser/light treatment for hair loss. The authors believe that, while seemingly safe, there are no controlled, peer-reviewed studies validating current devices for hair loss and that all patients should be medically evaluated for any hair loss by a physician specialist to rule out other underlying medical conditions or the etiology of hair loss.
authors: NY Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. mavram@dravram.com
authors: Marc R
authors: MR
authors: Avram
authors: Robert T
authors: RT
authors: Leonard
authors: Edwin S
authors: ES
authors: Epstein
authors: Joseph L
authors: JL
authors: Williams
authors: Alan J
authors: AJ
authors: Bauman
mesh_terms: D000505:Alopecia / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008297:Male; D010789:Phototherapy; D012449:Safety; D016896:Treatment Outcome