Home-Based Laser Devices: Efficacy and Safety

The document reviews the efficacy and safety of home-based laser devices for dermatological use, based on a systematic review of 44 studies involving 1,951 participants. These studies included 21 randomized control trials, 5 non-randomized controlled trials, and 18 case series. The findings indicate that home-based laser devices are effective for short-term hair removal, with side effects such as erythema, edema, and blisters. For skin rejuvenation, laser treatment was shown to improve wrinkles, dyschromia, and diffuse redness in 75% of participants in a split-face study. Additionally, low-level laser therapy was found to stimulate hair growth, with significant improvements in mean terminal hair density and overall hair growth after 26 weeks of use for 15 minutes per week. The conclusion suggests that while home-based laser devices are adequate for short-term hair removal, skin rejuvenation, and hair growth stimulation, further controlled trials are needed to better assess their safety and efficacy.