A Randomized, Investigator-Blinded, Controlled, Split-Scalp Study of the Efficacy and Safety of a 1550-nm Fractional Erbium-Glass Laser, Used in Combination with Topical 5% Minoxidil Versus 5% Minoxidil Alone, for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

April 2019 in “ Lasers in Medical Science ”

Poonkiat Suchonwanit, Salinee Rojhirunsakool, Saranya Khunkhet

1550-nm fractional erbium-glass laser topical 5% minoxidil androgenetic alopecia hair regrowth transdermal delivery fractional Er:Glass laser minoxidil AGA

TLDR Laser and minoxidil combo promotes better hair growth than minoxidil alone, safely.

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a 1550-nm fractional erbium-glass laser, used in combination with topical 5% minoxidil versus 5% minoxidil alone, for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The study found that combination therapy was superior to monotherapy in promoting hair growth at week 24, as assessed by two dermatologists and participants. No serious adverse events were reported for either treatment. The study supports the hypothesis that combination therapy can improve the clinical outcomes of hair regrowth. Fractional Er:Glass laser may facilitate transdermal delivery of topical minoxidil.

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