Photobiomodulation: The Clinical Applications of Low-Level Light Therapy

January 2021 in “ Aesthetic Surgery Journal ”

Graeme E. Glass

Low-Level Light Therapy photobiomodulation androgenic alopecia red light near-infrared light dermal fibroblast hair density hair thickness LLLT red light therapy near-infrared light therapy

TLDR Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) is a safe and effective method for skin rejuvenation, acne treatment, wound healing, body contouring, and hair growth, but more well-designed trials are needed for confirmation.

The document discusses the clinical applications of Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT), or photobiomodulation, in various fields including skin rejuvenation, acne vulgaris, wound healing, body contouring, and androgenic alopecia. LLLT uses red/near-infrared light energy to enhance cellular processes and reduce oxidative stress. Clinical trials suggest it is a safe and effective method for these applications, but the quality of evidence needs improvement due to methodological flaws and small patient cohorts. In a study with 6 volunteers, LLLT increased dermal fibroblast activity and metabolic activity. A trial with 107 acne patients showed significant improvement with a combination of blue and red light. A meta-analysis of 11 trials with 667 subjects showed LLLT improved hair density and thickness. However, the document concludes that more well-designed, independent clinical trials are needed to answer unresolved questions.

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Research cited in this study

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106 citations , April 2013 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

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Photobiomodulation: The Clinical Applications of Low-Level Light Therapy

Research cited in this study

research Comparative Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy for Adult Androgenic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

research Shedding Light on the FDA’s 510(k) Approvals Process: Low-Level Laser Therapy Devices Used in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

research Efficacy and Safety of Low-Level Light Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia: A 24-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Self-Comparison, Sham Device-Controlled Trial

research Comparison of the Effects of 665 nm Low-Level Diode Laser Hat Versus a Combination of 665 nm and 808 nm Low-Level Diode Laser Scanner on Hair Growth in Androgenic Alopecia

research Novel Approach to Treating Androgenetic Alopecia in Females With Photobiomodulation (Low-Level Laser Therapy)

research Low-Level Laser Therapy and Hair Regrowth: An Evidence-Based Review

research The Growth of Human Scalp Hair in Females Using Visible Red Light Laser and LED Sources

research Efficacy and Safety of a Low-Level Laser Device in the Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Multicenter, Randomized, Sham Device-Controlled, Double-Blind Study

research Cause of Androgenic Alopecia

research The Growth of Human Scalp Hair Mediated by Visible Red Light Laser and LED Sources in Males

research Low-Level Laser Therapy for Treatment of Hair Loss

research Low-Level Light Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia: A 24-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham Device-Controlled Multicenter Trial

research HairMax LaserComb Laser Phototherapy Device in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia

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