Q: I am a 33 year old woman and have been told my hair is too thin on the sides for me to have a hair transplant. Could I benefit from laser treatments?

A: Although the long-term benefits on hair growth are not known, Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is able to stimulate hair to become fuller in appearance in the clinical trials that have been carried out for six month periods.

Since the laser light serves to thicken fine, miniaturized hair, it is particularly suitable to areas of diffuse thinning, rather than areas of complete baldness.

Since hair loss in women commonly has a diffuse pattern, because women can’t take Propecia (finasteride), and the fact that women are less often candidates for surgery (as compared to men), laser therapy in females is particularly appealing.

 

Q: I heard about the laser comb and other lasers for hair loss, how do they work?

A: Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is based on the scientific principle of photobiotherapy.

Photobiotherapy occurs when laser light, absorbed by cells, causes stimulation of cell metabolism and improved blood flow.

Although the exact mechanism by which lasers promote hair growth is still unknown, they appear to stimulate the follicles on the scalp by increasing energy production and partially reversing the miniaturization process leading to thicker hair shafts and a fuller look.

 

Q: Is the use of Low Level Light Laser Therapy (LLLT) for hair loss new?

A: These lasers have been used for hair loss in Europe for almost ten years. Classified as a cosmetic laser, they are safe for human cosmetic use.

The original research in this technology was carried out at the Wellman Labs for Photomedicine at Harvard University.

 

Q: I have heard the term “cold lasers,” what exactly are they?

A: The low level light lasers used in Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) are referred to a as “cold lasers” because they are able to alter tissue function without having to raise the temperature of the target tissue above 37 degrees C (body temp).

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Q: I had my hair transplant done 10 days back, I was a regular smoker (8-10) cigarettes everyday from last 10 years. I have stopped smoking from the day of my surgery, how long should I stop smoking after surgery?

A: I would wait a minimum of 10 days, but the longer the better.

The nicotine in the smoke constricts blood vessels and decreases the oxygen to the tissues and the carbon dioxide in smoke displaces the oxygen.

Both chemicals retard healing.