Med Lasers.  2020 Dec;9(2):150-158. 10.25289/ML.2020.9.2.150.

Low-level Laser Therapy with Novel Array of Light Source and Individualized Program for Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A 16-week, Randomized, Double-blind, Sham Device-controlled Study

• Kim JW
• Kwon YS
• Chang YY
• Hong SH
• Shin JW
• Na JI
• Huh CH

• KMID: 2533481
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.25289/ML.2020.9.2.150

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is used widely to promote hair growth in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). This study examined the clinical efficacy and safety of a home-use LLLT device with a newly designed array of light sources and software optimized for individual types of AGA.
Materials and Methods
The study was a randomized, double-blind, sham device-controlled trial. Forty-eight subjects (39 men and nine women) were assigned randomly in a 2:1 ratio to use either the test device (LG Pra’L HGN1, LG electronics, Korea) or sham device. The subjects used the LLLT device three times a week for 16 weeks. Phototrichogram was used to measure the hair density and hair thickness at 0, 8, and 16-weeks. Adverse events were closely monitored.
Results
After 16 weeks of using the device, the test group showed a significant increase in hair density and hair thickness compared to the control. In the test group, the hair density increased 6.96 counts/cm² at eight weeks and 13.67 counts/cm² at 16 weeks from the baseline. The hair thickness increased 7.21 μm at eight weeks and 11.80 μm at 16 weeks compared to the baseline.
Conclusion
The home-use LLLT device with a novel array of light sources and an individualized program according to the types of hair loss appears to be an effective and safe treatment modality for both male and female AGA patients.

Keyword

Low-level laser therapy; Light emitting diode; Photobiomodulation; Androgenetic alopecia; Phototrichogram