TLDR AFL is safe and effective for topical drug delivery but needs larger studies and cheaper devices for wider use.
AFL (Ablative Fractional Laser) was found to be safe and effective in facilitating topical drug delivery, with clinical studies indicating enhanced drug efficacy, shorter treatment times, reduced pain, improved cosmetic outcomes, reduced systemic drug exposure, and improved safety. However, most clinical trials had small sample sizes and were in early phases, suggesting that future studies should involve larger groups for a more comprehensive evaluation of AFL's safety and efficacy. Additionally, the development of smaller and more affordable AFL devices could aid in the broader application of AFL-assisted topical drug delivery.
6 citations
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January 2019 in “Journal of lasers in medical sciences” Using a fractional CO2 laser helps Minoxidil work better for hair regrowth.
40 citations
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September 2014 in “Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy” Transepidermal drug delivery effectively treated areata alopecia with minimal side effects.
January 2024 in “RSC pharmaceutics” Removing the outer skin layer increases drug absorption and offers non-invasive treatment options, with some methods allowing for quick skin recovery.
April 2024 in “Cosmetics” Microneedling improves skin and hair conditions by enhancing treatment absorption and stimulating growth factors.
55 citations
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June 2013 in “Dermatologic Surgery” Ablative fractional resurfacing could improve how well topical drugs penetrate the skin, but more research is needed to fine-tune the method.
43 citations
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November 2012 in “Pharmaceutical research” Fractional CO2 laser treatment significantly boosts drug and nanoparticle skin absorption, especially through hair follicles.
31 citations
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September 2014 in “Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences” Using a special laser can improve how well hair loss treatments get into the skin and hair follicles.
