Effect of Fractional Laser Alone or in Combination on Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the effectiveness of fractional laser therapy, alone or combined with other treatments, for alopecia areata (AA) across 14 studies with 890 patients. The findings suggest that fractional laser therapy, especially the 10,600 nm ultra-pulsed fractional CO2 laser, shows promise in treating AA, with some studies reporting significant hair regrowth. Combining fractional laser with minoxidil or cortisol significantly increased the likelihood of achieving ≥50% new hair growth compared to using these agents alone. The treatment did not significantly increase adverse reactions and was comparable in efficacy to other physical therapies like 308 excimer light and cryotherapy. However, effectiveness varied, and further research is needed to optimize treatment parameters and establish standardized protocols.