 Will you grow hair?
According
to the data that led to the approval from the FDA, 93% of the
participants (ages 30-60) using the had an increase in the
number of terminal (thick)
hair.
The average number of terminal
hair per square centimeter increased by 19 hairs/square cm
over a six-month period. During the study, there were no
reports of serious
side effects.
How much does it cost?
More than
drugs like Rogaine but significantly less than
hair transplant surgery. You should expect to pay a few
hundred dollars retail price though over time the price will
drop. 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.
Frequently asked questions
Dr. Alan
Bauman, an expert on laser therapy, provides answers to some
of the most frequently asked questions:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Does it work for women too?
Yes. Laser therapy is a safe and effective treatment for
many types of female hair loss.
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.
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.
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