title: Use of low-level laser therapy as monotherapy or concomitant therapy for male and female androgenetic alopecia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of hair loss in men and in women. Currently, minoxidil and finasteride are the treatments with the highest levels of medical evidence, but patients who exhibit intolerance or poor response to these treatments are in need of additional treatment modalities.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for AGA, either as monotherapy or as concomitant therapy with minoxidil or finasteride, in an office-based setting.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective observational study of male and female patients with AGA, treated with the 655 nm-HairMax Laser Comb(®), in an office-based setting. Efficacy was assessed with global photographic imaging.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 32 patients (21 female, 11 male), 8 showed significant, 20 moderate, and 4 no improvement. Improvement was seen both with monotherapy and with concomitant therapy. Improvement was observed as early as 3 months and was sustained up to a maximum observation time of 24 months. No adverse reactions were reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  LLLT represents a potentially effective treatment for both male and female AGA, either as monotherapy or concomitant therapy. Combination treatments with minoxidil, finasteride, and LLLT may act synergistic to enhance hair growth.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Dermatology Prof. R.D. Azulay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
authors.forename: Andréia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Munck
authors.affiliation: Institute of Dermatology Prof. R.D. Azulay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
authors.forename: Maria Fernanda
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Gavazzoni
authors.affiliation: Center for Dermatology and Hair Diseases, Bahnhofplatz, Wallisellen, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Ralph M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Trüeb
keywords: Androgenetic alopecia; HairMax Laser Comb®; concomitant therapy; low level laser therapy; monotherapy