Fractional non-ablative laser-assisted drug delivery leads to improvement in male and female pattern hair loss

J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2018 Nov-Dec;20(7-8):391-394. doi: 10.1080/14764172.2017.1418516. Epub 2018 Feb 16.

Abstract

Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male and female pattern hair loss, is a very prevalent condition; however, approved therapeutic options are limited. Fractionated laser has been proposed to assist in penetration of topical medications to the cutaneous tissue. We present four cases of androgenetic alopecia that underwent treatment with a non-ablative erbium glass fractional laser followed by the application of topical finasteride 0,05% and growth factors including basic fibroblast growth factor, insulin-like growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and copper peptide 1%. During all laser treatment sessions, eight passes were performed, at 7 mJ, 3-9% of coverage and density of 120 mzt/cm2. A positive response was observed in all of the four patients. Photographs taken 2 weeks after the last session showed improvement in hair regrowth and density. No significant side effects were observed.

Keywords: Androgenetic alopecia; finasteride; fractional laser; growth factors.

MeSH terms

  • 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Alopecia / therapy*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Finasteride / administration & dosage*
  • Finasteride / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / administration & dosage*
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / therapeutic use
  • Lasers, Solid-State
  • Low-Level Light Therapy / adverse effects
  • Low-Level Light Therapy / methods*
  • Male

Substances

  • 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Finasteride