INTRODUCTION

Over the last thirty years, low-potency laser has been used for the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds. It was noticed, in these patients, the growth of thicker and longer hairs in the location of laser application. Since then, research began using laser for baldness treatment. The first published works in the capillary area date from 2001, with significant results.

DEFINITION

Low-potency laser receives its name because it reaches the potency of 1 to 500 milliwatts (mw), in opposition to high potency lasers that reach 3,000 to 10,000mw. It is also called Cold Laser, for it does not generate heating of tissues, not causing any thermal damage in the place of application. Because of the low-potency, it does not present carcinogenic or ionizing effects.

ACTION MECHANISM

The action mechanism of low-potency lasers is that of PHOTOBIOSTIMULATION. The laser light penetrates the location of application, reaching cells and stimulating their metabolism (there is an increase in the production of TPA by the mitochondria). This translates into a better seizing of nutrients, a better elimination of toxins, acceleration of cellular division, acceleration of epithelial growth with better healing, in the increase of protein synthesis, reduction of inflammation, and the stimulation of hair growth.

The most common example of photobiostimulation is photosynthesis, when plants use sun light to produce chemical energy.

Another action mechanism by low-potency lasers is the activation of arterial micro-circulation, improving the supply of blood and oxygen to the cells. There is also an increase in venous and lymphatic return flux, resulting in the reduction of post-inflammatory edemas.

TYPES OF LASER

There are several types of low-potency lasers. The one used in hair loss treatment is the DIOD Laser in two versions: at 665 nanometers (nm) wavelength with 5mw potency, or at 635nm wavelength with 11nw potency. The type of laser to be used, and the duration of the treatment, is indicated by the specialist. The doctor will also assess the necessity of other forms of complementary treatments, such as hair lotions, medications administered orally, or hair transplant surgery.

INDICATIONS OF USE

- Reduction on the progression of Masculine and Feminine Androgenetic Alopecias in their initial and intermediate degrees, for laser will act on the roots that are still alive. Unfortunately, there is no clinical treatment that reactivates a follicle that has already entered in fibrous state. In places where there is no longer hair the only possible treatment is hair transplant;

Low votage laser is not a treatment to replace the existing therapies which are scientifically proved and efficient such as finasteride and minoxidil lotion. It´s just one form of treatment that will have a sinergical effect towards the others.

- Treatment of acute telogenous effluvium, where temporary hair loss occurs in situations such as post-childbirth, post-surgery, after a considerable weight loss, after anemia, after stress, after the use of certain medications, after thyroid diseases, among others;

- Post Hair Transplant Surgery, in order to accelerate the healing and elimination of scabs and help in the growth of transplanted hairs.

- As helper in the treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis of the scalp, for the laser’s anti-inflammatory action reduces oiliness and itching in the treated region.

MANNER OF USE

Application must be done for 15 minutes three times a week during three to six months.

Hair loss treatment with low-potency laser is completely painless, non toxic, non invasive, without any kind of side effects. It has already been approved by the FDA and has been employed by the best American hair loss treatment clinics. If the correct treatment is applied, patients can present hairs that are thicker, with more volume, shining and healthier.

Any non-surgical treatment acts in the root of the hair while it´s still alive. The picture below shows the phases of a hair cycle wher the laser brushes or OED can activate the growth of hair.

PHASE 01 – growing phase of hair. The laser brush or the LED acts very well in this phase stimmulating the metabolism of the root as well as blood flow.

PHASE 02- falling phase of hair. The lase brush or LED acts very well in this phase, stimmulating the hair that is yet to come. 

PHASE 03 - miniaturized hair . The lase brush or LED can recover liveness to this type of hair by making it become partial thicker.

PHASE 04 – there´s no more “live” root. The laser brush or LED don´t act anymore. There´s no way to reactivate the root which no longer exists.