Supplementary Material for: Lasers and Energy-Based Devices in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
May 2026
in “
Figshare
”
Studysummary This study found that low-level light therapy and fractional lasers are effective and safe treatments for androgenetic alopecia, with the greatest improvements in hair density and thickness seen in combination therapies.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of lasers and energy-based devices (EBDs) in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA), involving 3,298 patients across 37 studies. Low-level light therapy (LLLT) showed a mean increase in hair density of 18.56 hairs/cm² and shaft thickness of 10.62 µm compared to sham treatments. Fractional laser monotherapy increased hair density by 102.23 hairs/cm² and thickness by 5.93 µm, while combination protocols with minoxidil, PRP, or growth factors resulted in even greater improvements (density +33.6 hairs/cm²; thickness +11.22 µm). Global photographic improvement rates were 77.2% for fractional laser monotherapy and 95.3% for combination protocols. Adverse events were mild and transient, indicating that LLLT and fractional lasers are effective and safe for AGA, with the best results seen when combined with other treatments.
