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 Laser Therapy EXPLAINED
”The promise and reputation of low level laser light therapy (LLLT) as an established and accepted treatment modality has – in my opinion – become lost since the late 1990’s when it was first commercially introduced”, Tony Pearce explains.
European legislation saw LLLT’s use confined to clinical practice – but in Australasia, UK and the US particularly – LLLT was ‘hijacked’ and sold as a sales gimmick ‘cure-all’ by dodgy companies and their persuasive but unqualified salespeople.
For many consumers LLLT’s results as a single treatment ‘cure-all’ fell far short of marketing hype and ‘guarantees’ made. This was confirmed by the unpublished research study of eminent Dermatologist Dr. Anthony White (Low energy laser treatment for androgenetic alopecia: 1994).
However when LLLT is applied correctly – it can be a highly effective, versatile + safe healing in a COMBINED therapy approach for many hair and scalp conditions.
In National Trichology Service's experience of working with LLLT manufacturers, training medical practitioners*, and treating our own clients – LLLT’s principal benefits are vaso-dilation (blood flow increase), anti-inflammatory, and its ability to enhance hair shaft integrity and quality. We have also always found it consistently successful in slowing the rate of telogen effluvium hair shedding – likely due to its vaso-dilatory and anti-inflammatory properties.
We 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 mass-marketed hand held units (1.5-5mW) are little more than placebo gimmicks in our opinion.
LLLT is very efficient in the treatment of facial bruising and swelling (assaults, accidents, facial/scalp sporting injury, cosmetic surgery, POST-hair transplantation procedures etc). Unlike UV lamp exposure – there is no risk of potential skin damage or pre-mature skin ageing***
LLLT is an appropriate therapy in any condition where:
- there is an inflammatory response
- non-thermal vasodilatation 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. A thorough history-taking by a qualified and experienced Practitioner should always be exercised to ensure there is no underlying pathology such as tumour, aneurysm or CSF shunts before commencing LLLT to migraine headache sufferers.
In clinical studies** LLLT is proven to stimulate:
- cellular metabolism
- protein synthesis
- tissue & cartilage regeneration
In essence LLLT is a safe, non-invasive light therapy (when used appropriately) that will be as adaptable as its operator.
Although some manufacturers recommend ‘blanket’ exposure times, we have found diverse hair and scalp problems respond better to individualised LLLT time exposure and numbers of sessions required.
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 - as with many therapies - LESS is MORE.
To the interested consumer – check the company’s reputation you intend to put your trust in – easily done in this age of ‘Google’ – and your particular consultant’s qualifications to treat you.
National Trichology Services has always found it ‘interesting’ that the hair loss industry is the only field where LLLT operators are not required to be Registered Nurses, Physiotherapists or Doctors – compulsory in any other field where laser therapy/radiation appliances are used.
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*Lectured on the use + operation of LLLT to Hair Transplant Surgeons, MD’s + Cosmetologists in the USA 2000-2005. Lectured Scandinavian Plastic Surgeons + Dermatologists in Stockholm, Sweden in 2004
**Sources: TCG Industrial (laser designers + manufacturers of Dermaray) – West Australia 2009;
Laser Hair Care AB - (laser designers + manufacturers of Sweden) - 2007; Giannotto, Dr. R – ‘Low Level Laser Light Therapy in the Treatment of Hair Loss: 2007
***LLLT is a non-UV light source
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