The current role of laser/light sources in the treatment of male and female pattern hair loss.
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.
Avram
Marc R
MR
NY Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. mavram@dravram.com
Leonard
Robert T
RT
Epstein
Edwin S
ES
Williams
Joseph L
JL
Bauman
Alan J
AJ
D000505:Alopecia / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008297:Male; D010789:Phototherapy; D012449:Safety; D016896:Treatment Outcome