Evaluating the Efficacy of Low-Level Laser-Based Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Network Meta-Analysis

    October 2025 in “ Dermatologica Sinica
    Hui-En Chuo, Jen-Yu Wang, Chih-Yuan Hsu, Ping-Hsun Lu, Po-Hsuan Lu
    From the encyclopedia
    Platelet-Rich Plasma →

    growth factors taken from your blood and injected into your scalp to stimulate hair

    Low Level Laser Therapy →

    laser therapy for anti-inflammatory and likely insignificant hair regrowth effects

    Studysummary This study's network meta-analysis reported that botulinum injection combined with red laser and topical minoxidil is most effective for increasing hair density in androgenetic alopecia when using low-level laser therapy. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
    This network meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA) by analyzing 26 randomized controlled trials with 1,638 participants. The study found that LLLT significantly increased hair density and thickness, especially when combined with treatments like botulinum toxin (BTX) injection, topical minoxidil (TM), and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The combination of BTX injection, red laser (RL), and TM was most effective for hair density, while RL + LED + PRP was most effective for hair thickness. No significant differences were found between various LLLT monotherapies, and no severe adverse events were reported, making LLLT a promising and safe option for AGA treatment. However, the study notes limitations such as small sample sizes and methodological flaws, indicating the need for further research.
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