Laser treatment enhances minoxidil delivery and improves treatment outcomes in Androgenetic alopecia

Men's most common type of hair loss is Androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Many therapeutic modalities have been proposed for these cosmetic compromising conditions.

The beneficial effects of laser in such conditions are already known. Fractional ablative erbium YAG laser can promote hair growth. It facilitates this via trans-epidermal drug delivery and hair follicle thermal stimulation.

The main objective of this study is to ascertain whether minoxidil alone and in combination with fractional ablative erbium YAG laser benefits male patients with AGA in the study, including 30 male patients with a confirmed history of moderate to severe AGA.

There were two groups: The intervention group was treated with 1 mL of topical 5% minoxidil twice daily and six sessions of 2940-nm ablative fractional erbium YAG laser.

The control group received topical 5% minoxidil alone.

The assessment was based on photography, dermoscopy, and patient satisfaction, which was determined by a 7-point grading scale.

The team found that in terms of assessment factors, there was satisfactory improvement in both groups.

The dermoscopy score is higher in the group receiving a combination of laser and minoxidil treatment than those receiving minoxidil alone. However, no difference was noted in terms of photography between the groups.

Concluding further, they said, Laser treatment stimulates hair follicles while enhancing the dermal delivery of minoxidil and improving treatment outcomes.

Further reading:

Mokhtari F, Zavare Z, Iraji F. Topical 5% minoxidil versus combined erbium YAG laser and topical 5% minoxidil in androgenetic alopecia: A randomized controlled trial. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023 Aug 13. doi: 10.1111/jocd.15955.