New Hair Loss Treatment: Eight Things Consumers Should Know Before Getting Laser Therapy

The news is out that the FDA has, for the first time, ok'd a "laser comb" to treat hair loss. Now one of the nation's top experts on hair loss tells consumers what they really need to know about laser therapy.

March  2007 --

Once a treatment for getting rid of hair, laser therapy is now being used by some doctors to get it back.

For the first time, the FDA has officially recognized laser therapy as a treatment for hair loss with its clearance of Lexington's HairMax LaserComb in January 2007.

"Low level laser therapy is a very promising technology for hair loss sufferers," said Alan J. Bauman, M.D., a leading U.S. hair restoration physician. "However, patients need to remember that the best strategy for restoring lost hair is to use a multi-therapy approach of which lasers are an important part."

Dr. Bauman is a top U.S. expert on laser therapy who's been using the treatment with patients since 1999. According to Dr. Bauman, there are eight key issues hair loss patients need to know before buying a hand-held laser device such as the LaserComb:

(1)   "How does laser therapy work?" - Laser therapy reactivates hair growth by stimulating live, but weakened, follicles at the cellular level. It does not reactivate dead follicles.

(2)   "Is laser therapy right for me?" - Laser therapy is effective for patients who want to improve weak or thinning hair. However, it does not work for areas of the scalp that are totally bald.

(3)   "How soon should I expect to see results?" - Some patients may see improvement in a few weeks. But significant changes should not be expected for six to 12 months.

(4)   "What happens if I stop using it?" - Laser sessions don't cause permanent changes to the follicles. To keep hair growing, patients must follow a regular treatment schedule.

(5)   "Does it work for women too?" - Yes. Laser therapy is a safe and effective treatment for many types of female hair loss.

(6)   "How much does it cost?" - Several hand-held laser devices are available. These include: Sunetics' Laser Brush ($395), Lexington's HairMax LaserCombs ($395, $545) and Erchonia's THL-1 Hair Laser ($3,500). In-office laser therapy is also available from some physicians.

(7)   "What other treatment options are available?" - Laser therapy can be effective, but the best strategy is to use a multi-therapy approach which may include: finasteride (Propecia), minoxidil (Rogaine), nutritional supplements (Viviscal, saw palmetto) and follicular-unit hair transplant microsurgery.

(8)   "How do I know it's working?" - Anyone who has hair loss should visit a doctor who specializes in hair restoration and is familiar with what laser therapy can do. Baseline photos and density measurements should be documented before starting treatment.

Early results can be subtle, so careful tracking and follow-up is crucial.

Discuss with your doctor appropriate expectations before starting therapy.

Dr. Bauman is an active member of the American Society of Laser Medicine & Surgery, North American Association for Laser Therapy and World Association for Laser Therapy.

For more information about laser therapy for hair loss, visit www.baumanmedical.com.