Fractional and Excimer Lasers in the Treatment of Alopecia: A Rapid Literature Review

The review highlights the effectiveness of fractional and excimer lasers in treating various forms of alopecia. Fractional lasers, particularly the 1550nm fractional erbium glass laser, increase hair growth by improving the anagen:telogen ratio, while the 308nm excimer laser stimulates hair regrowth in alopecia areata by targeting the dermal papilla. Out of 434 studies initially identified, 30 were included after exclusions. Studies on fractional lasers showed significant increases in hair density and growth across different types of alopecia, while excimer lasers were effective in all examined cases of alopecia areata and alopecia universalis. Despite these promising results, further trials are needed to compare these lasers with other treatment modalities, especially considering their minimal adverse effects.