The effect of 1540-nm fractional erbium-glass laser in the treatment of androgenic alopecia

J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020 Apr;19(4):878-883. doi: 10.1111/jocd.13122. Epub 2019 Sep 16.

Abstract

Background: Androgenic alopecia is common, chronic dermatologic disorder. A variety of lasers and light sources appear to be safe and effective in the treatment of AGA.

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of 1540-nm fractional erbium glass laser in the treatment of AGA.

Patients/methods: This was an interventional therapeutic study for the treatment of patients with AGA. The patients received 10 sessions with 1540-nm fractional erbium glass laser at 2-week intervals. The assessment of the response was done before and at the end of follow-up period, both objectively (the change in the density of terminal hair and the diameter of the hair shaft) and subjectively (patient satisfaction). Any adverse effects were documented during the study.

Results: Forty-seven out of 51 patients completed the study. After 5 months of laser treatment, the density of hair and hair thickness was significantly increased in both males and females (P value .001).

Conclusion: The 1540-nm fractional erbium-glass laser seems to be an effective and safe option for treatment of patients with AGA. The improvement was accomplished in a short period.

Keywords: 1540 nm; androgenic alopecia; erbium-glass; fractional; laser.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alopecia / diagnosis
  • Alopecia / radiotherapy*
  • Dose Fractionation, Radiation
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hair / diagnostic imaging
  • Hair / growth & development
  • Hair / radiation effects
  • Humans
  • Lasers, Solid-State / therapeutic use*
  • Low-Level Light Therapy / instrumentation
  • Low-Level Light Therapy / methods*
  • Male
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Photography
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sex Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult