Keywords
infrared laser
Minoxidil
Combined therapy
hair regeneration
How to Cite
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of low-level infrared laser therapy in patients with androgenetic alopecia. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in 30 patients diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia. Participants were allocated into three treatment groups for a period of three months: Group A (5% topical minoxidil), Group B (650 ± 20 nm infrared laser therapy), and Group C (combined treatment with minoxidil and infrared laser). Treatment effectiveness was assessed through trichoscopic hair density measurements and global clinical evaluation of hair growth. Adverse effects and patient satisfaction were also recorded. Results: The combined therapy group achieved the best clinical outcomes, with 60% of patients showing marked improvement and an increase of 36 follicular units/cm² in hair density (p = 0.001). Patients treated with minoxidil alone showed an increase of 25 follicular units/cm², whereas those receiving infrared laser monotherapy demonstrated an increase of 6 follicular units/cm². Infrared laser therapy alone exhibited the most favorable safety profile, with 80% of participants reporting no adverse effects. Conclusion: The combination of 5% topical minoxidil and infrared laser therapy was more effective than either treatment alone in promoting hair regeneration in patients with androgenetic alopecia. Infrared laser therapy showed a favorable safety profile, although its effectiveness as monotherapy was limited.
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