Alterations of Collagen Type 1, Skin Fibroblasts, and Macrophages in the Scalp Following the Treatment of 1550-nm Erbium Glass Fractional Laser for Androgenetic Alopecia

The 1550-nm erbium glass fractional laser is a new treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) that has shown promising results. The mechanism through which the laser promotes hair growth remains unknown, so this study aimed to elucidate its mechanism by comparing collagen type 1, skin fibroblasts, and macrophages of specimens from scalps before and after laser treatments. The study found that the laser parameters used may not be sufficient to stimulate inflammatory cell infiltration into the skin and increase type I collagen synthesis. Further studies using optimal laser parameters and proper histological sections should be conducted.