Question:
Should I use low-level laser light therapy, commonly called LLLT?
Answer:
Many patients are experiencing excellent results with low-level laser light therapy. The major reason that patients would not chose to use this is if they are not near one of the Foundation offices or not able to easily access a high-end, quality low-level laser light therapy machine. Because the use of the machine requires approximately two visits per week for three months followed by one visit per week for three months followed by one visit or two visits per month for the next six months, patients need to be able to find time and have the ability to fairly easily get to the Foundation offices for this treatment. Those who are able to do so do experience in both the front and back half of the head, in most cases, a slow down in the progression if not a stoppage in the progression of hair loss.
To a lesser extent, from what we have seen, somewhat less than 50% of patients also experience thickening of their hairs in some areas and even a small percentage have experienced re-growth of hair.
The major advantage of laser light over Propecia and Rogaine is that, to our knowledge, there are no side effects to it and it works in the front and the back half of the head. So for those who do not wish to do a recurring pill or place cream on their scalps daily for years to come, laser light is a great option, though it is not a great option for patients who live out of state, who live out of country or do not have easy access to a Foundation office.
Posted by Jon Hoffenberg, Executive Vice President FHRPS
