Low level laser light therapy (LLLT) has been the hi-tech, so-called ‘wonder’ treatment for hair loss + scalp problems in Australia for more than a decade.
For many consumers however, LLLT’s results often fell far short of marketing hype as a single treatment ‘cure-all’ - but within its limitations - LLLT can be a useful + efficacious tool in a COMBINED therapy approach.
In my experience of working with LLLT manufacturers, training other operators, and treating my own clients, LLLT’s principal benefits are vaso-dilation (blood flow increase), anti-inflammatory, and its ability to enhance hair shaft integrity and quality. I have also always found it effective in slowing the rate of telogen effluvium hair shedding - likely due to its vaso-dilatory and anti-inflammatory properties.
I do however state the above with certain qualifications. To be therapeutically effective these laser appliances should be classified ‘3A/3B’; be in the wavelength vicinity of 660-780nm & with a power output of 60-400mW (minimum 60mW).
Some hand held units (1.5-5mW) are little more than placebo gimmicks in my opinion.
For the information of appropriately qualified practitioners, I have found LLLT to be particularly valuable in the treatment of facial bruising and swelling (assaults, accidents, facial/scalp sporting injury, cosmetic surgery, POST-hair transplantation procedures etc).
LLLT sessions of approximately 10 minutes duration AS CLOSE to the event as possible can result in total lack of bruising/swelling expression. Three or four sessions under a hooded laser device are usually sufficient (face client backwards under the appliance).
LLLT is an appropriate additional therapy in any condition where:
- there is an inflammatory response
- non-thermal vasodilation to skin area is desirable
- the skin is dry, itching and/or irritated
- normalisation of skin oil balance is sought
LLLT is a surprisingly successful treatment for Herpes Zoster (Shingles) and migraine headaches. Investigation and care must be exercised to ensure there is no underlying pathology such as tumor, aneurysm or CSF shunts before commencing LLLT to migraine headache sufferers.
When used correctly - and not just as a marketing gimmick - LLLT is a capable and multi-purpose treatment modality which patients/clients readily accept. Think about what you as the practitioner are seeking to achieve with LLLT. Understand its capabilities and limitations - and convey this to your client.
Although manufacturers recommend ‘blanket’ exposure times, I have found different hair and scalp problems respond better to individualised LLLT time exposure and numbers of sessions required.
Be flexible, bold - and always be be ready to ‘think outside the square’ of conventional treatment! LLLT is a safe, non-invasive light therapy (when used appropriately) that will be as adaptable as its operator!
Commence with six bi-weekly sessions of 10-15 minutes duration (Class ‘3A) and then evaluate. I never suggest more than twelve bi-weekly sessions in one block before evaluating its effects with the client. As with many other therapies - LESS is MORE.
As a consumer - be aware of your consultant’s qualifications. I have always found it ‘interesting’ that the hair loss industry is the only field where LLLT operators are not Registered Nurses, Physiotherapists or Doctors.
I saw a new male client this week who was (allegedly) being exposed to a 90 minute LLLT session once weekly at a commercial hair loss centre here in Sydney. Not only is this an over-saturation of cell and receptor exposure, but they risk long-term, permanent eye damage being inflicted on this man. I guess that’s why their clients have to pay the full fee ‘up front’ …
An Italian study in the 1990’s found LLLT over-saturation (sessions too long and too frequent) caused further hair loss in alopecia areata patients.