Photobiomodulation: The Clinical Applications of Low-Level Light Therapy

January 2021 in “ Aesthetic Surgery Journal ”

Graeme E. Glass

Low-Level Light Therapy photobiomodulation androgenic alopecia red light near-infrared light dermal fibroblast hair density hair thickness LLLT red light therapy near-infrared light therapy

TLDR Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) is a safe and effective method for skin rejuvenation, acne treatment, wound healing, body contouring, and hair growth, but more well-designed trials are needed for confirmation.

The document discusses the clinical applications of Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT), or photobiomodulation, in various fields including skin rejuvenation, acne vulgaris, wound healing, body contouring, and androgenic alopecia. LLLT uses red/near-infrared light energy to enhance cellular processes and reduce oxidative stress. Clinical trials suggest it is a safe and effective method for these applications, but the quality of evidence needs improvement due to methodological flaws and small patient cohorts. In a study with 6 volunteers, LLLT increased dermal fibroblast activity and metabolic activity. A trial with 107 acne patients showed significant improvement with a combination of blue and red light. A meta-analysis of 11 trials with 667 subjects showed LLLT improved hair density and thickness. However, the document concludes that more well-designed, independent clinical trials are needed to answer unresolved questions.

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research Shedding Light on the FDA’s 510(k) Approvals Process: Low-Level Laser Therapy Devices Used in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

6 citations , July 2019 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

LLLT devices for hair loss need more research to define proper guidelines.

research Comparative Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy for Adult Androgenic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

21 citations , January 2019 in “Lasers in Medical Science”

Low-level laser therapy significantly increases hair density in adults with hair loss, with low-frequency treatment being more effective.

research Efficacy and Safety of Low-Level Light Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia: A 24-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Self-Comparison, Sham Device-Controlled Trial

31 citations , November 2018 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Low-level light therapy safely improves hair coverage, thickness, and count in androgenetic alopecia patients.

research Novel Approach to Treating Androgenetic Alopecia in Females With Photobiomodulation (Low-Level Laser Therapy)

33 citations , June 2017 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Low-level laser therapy effectively treats female hair loss, increasing hair count by 51%.

research Comparison of the Effects of 665 nm Low-Level Diode Laser Hat Versus a Combination of 665 nm and 808 nm Low-Level Diode Laser Scanner on Hair Growth in Androgenic Alopecia

24 citations , May 2017 in “Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy”

The laser scanner device was more effective at increasing hair density than the laser hat in treating androgenic alopecia.

research Low-Level Laser Therapy and Hair Regrowth: An Evidence-Based Review

60 citations , December 2015 in “Lasers in Medical Science”

Low-level laser therapy is safe and can increase hair growth for male and female pattern hair loss.

research The Growth of Human Scalp Hair in Females Using Visible Red Light Laser and LED Sources

81 citations , August 2014 in “Lasers in Surgery and Medicine”

Red light therapy is safe and effectively increases hair growth in women with hair loss.

research Efficacy and Safety of a Low-Level Laser Device in the Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Multicenter, Randomized, Sham Device-Controlled, Double-Blind Study

147 citations , January 2014 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

Laser device increases hair density, safe for treating hair loss in men and women.

research Cause of Androgenic Alopecia

17 citations , October 2013 in “Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open”

Male pattern baldness may be caused by scalp pressure on hair follicles, which increases with age and leads to a cycle of hair loss. This process is not directly determined by genes.

research The Growth of Human Scalp Hair Mediated by Visible Red Light Laser and LED Sources in Males

117 citations , September 2013 in “Lasers in Surgery and Medicine”

Red light therapy at 655 nm significantly improved hair growth in men with hair loss.

research Low-Level Laser Therapy for Treatment of Hair Loss

165 citations , August 2013 in “Lasers in Surgery and Medicine”

Low-Level Laser Therapy is effective and safe for hair growth with minimal side effects.

research Low-Level Light Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia: A 24-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham Device-Controlled Multicenter Trial

106 citations , August 2013 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Low-level light therapy safely improves hair growth and thickness for androgenetic alopecia.

research HairMax LaserComb Laser Phototherapy Device in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia

160 citations , January 2009 in “Clinical Drug Investigation”

HairMax LaserComb® effectively promotes hair growth and stops hair loss in males with androgenetic alopecia, with no serious side effects.