Are There Side Effects For Hair Loss Management Low-level Laser Therapy?

Hair is one of the fastest-growing human body tissues, and some people are unlucky to experience hair loss and hair growth again. Thanks to technological advancement, Laser Therapy, also known as Low-Level Light therapy, utilizes a cold laser/light energy to stimulate hair regrowth. Also, it’s a non-invasive procedure that doesn’t penetrate the skin, making it an efficient form of hair loss treatment.

In fact, low-level laser therapy is a popular hair loss treatment commonly used to treat chemotherapy-induced alopecia, alopecia areata, and male pattern balding. The method in low-level laser therapy utilizes photons, which are irradiated into scalp tissues and absorbed by weak cells to encourage hair growth. Compared to supplements, topical treatments, and surgeries, lasers may seem like a fantastic treatment used worldwide.

How Do Laser Hair Growth Treatments Work?

While it is still unknown how laser treatments work to stimulate hair growth exactly, the theory is that it encourages cell stimulation. This can produce many beneficial results. Early studies from the 1960s found that wounded mice treated with lasers experienced rapid healing due to microcirculation of the blood supply.

In addition, modern laser hair growth specialists believe that this increased circulation can be credited for encouraging hair follicles to produce hair growth, even if they were unable to before, through gentle stimulation. In one recent study, low-level laser light therapy (LLLT) improved a variety of non-scarring alopecias. It further demonstrated that this method could be used immediately following hair transplant surgery to improve healing and viability in the early growth of transplant grafts.

What Are The Side Effects of LLT For Hair Loss?

The laser hair treatment or LLT works by helping the follicles from growing new hairs and is only offered by a dermatologist or other qualified and trained expert. For the most part, the procedure also is relatively safe and isn’t linked to any long-term side effects.

While temporary and minor side effects can occur after the procedure, other effects are rare. Below are essential things to note regarding the side effects of laser treatment:

Minor side effects are common.

After the procedure, the laser itself may cause temporary side effects. The most common side effects are pigmentation change and skin irritation.

Redness and irritation

As mentioned, the laser itself may cause temporary irritation and slight redness and swell in the treated area, which might be noticeable, but these effects are minor. They are often the same effects as the other hair growth treatments. In some cases, the dermatologist might apply a topical anesthetic before the procedure to minimize these effects.

In general, irritation should disappear within hours of the procedure. When possible, apply ice packs to help reduce swelling and any pain. If experiencing symptoms beyond slight irritation or if the side effects worsen, it is highly advised to call the doctor.

Pigmentation change

After laser treatment, the patient may notice slightly darker or lighter skin. In the case of lighter skin, it is more likely to have darker spots from laser hair removal, while those with dark skin may experience lighter spots from the laser procedure. As indicated, these changes are just temporary and don’t progress.

Severe side effects are rare.

The treatment is rare to cause severe side effects. The risk increases when using at-home laser kits or when seeking treatment from a provider who isn’t trained and certified. Below are rare side effects of laser:

• Excessive hair growth in the area of treatment: Sometimes, this effect is mistaken for hair shedding after the procedure
• Changes to overall skin texture: There may be an increased risk if the patient has recently been tanned.
• Scarring: This is most common in people who tend to scar easily.
• Blisters and skin crusting: These effects may be caused by sun exposure too soon after the procedure.

Generally, there are no known side effects of LLLT when appropriately used. User guidelines include:

• Never receive LLLT over a thyroid—LLLT can compromise thyroid function.
• Wear protective eyeglasses during LLLT—looking directly at the light can damage the retinas.
• Do not receive LLLT if pregnant—the laser’s effects on a fetus are unknown.
• Do not laser potentially cancerous lesions—LLLT can stimulate the proliferation of existing cancer cells.

What Benefits Do Low-level Laser Therapy Provide?

Several hair growth procedures have proven effective, including hair transplants, follicular unit extraction, and transplantation. Indeed, low-level laser therapy may outdo the benefits of the treatments mentioned above.

As mentioned, laser treatment for hair growth offers minor to virtually zero side effects, making it a very popular option compared to surgeries. Below are a few reasons why the idea of laser-induced hair growth is so promising for sufferers of balding and alopecia:

• Increased hair strength — It encourages the stimulation of new hair growth and improves the appearance and strength of existing hair, as specialists claim. In fact, some users report that after the treatment, their hair is left thicker, softer, and fuller.
• Stops the progression of hair loss — It has been reported by some clinics that the majority of patients who try clinical laser treatment experience hair growth and a lower frequency of hair loss following treatment.
• Side effects are minor to virtually zero— Because hair growth laser therapy is administered at relatively low levels for short periods, and most patients experience no side effects whatsoever. As the treatment is non-invasive, it has significantly fewer risks than invasive transplants. Regardless, it is always best to consult the physician before starting any new treatment.
• Home options are affordable — Laser therapy is by no means cheap, but still, one of the more affordable clinical hair loss treatment options available, especially if opting for at-home devices, which can be used for years for the one-time cost of the device.

Final Thoughts

Suppose you want to stop and perhaps reverse hair loss and consider laser treatment as an option. Scinature Aesthetics offers HAIRestart, a hair regrowth program using a Fontona SMOOTH® beam on which treatments are quick and virtually pain-free. The therapy focuses on stimulating inactive hair follicles to promote hair growth, giving patients highly controlled energy delivery with the most comfort available.