Lasers and Energy-Based Devices in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of lasers and energy-based devices in treating androgenetic alopecia, involving 3,298 patients across 37 studies. The findings suggest that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and fractional lasers are effective in promoting hair growth and improving hair density, with LLLT showing a mean increase in hair density of 18.56 hairs/cm² and shaft thickness of 10.62 µm compared to sham treatments. Combining LLLT with minoxidil improved hair density more than minoxidil alone, and fractional laser monotherapy significantly increased hair density and thickness. The combination of fractional lasers with topical agents like minoxidil, PRP, or growth factors yielded the most substantial improvements. Adverse events were mild and transient, indicating that these treatments are safe, with fractional lasers combined with topical agents providing the best results.