Low-Level Light Therapy for Hair Growth

Consultations offered at our four convenient locations in La Jolla, San Diego, Newport Beach and Beverly Hills

Low-Level Light Therapy for Hair Growth Dr. Richard Chaffoo at California Hair MD

Low-level light therapy is a hair loss treatment that stimulates the hair follicles with low and near-infrared (NIR) light to help you achieve fuller, thicker hair. Many individuals struggle with hair loss from aging, genetic conditions, nutrient deficiencies, and stress. Addressing hair loss early can prevent it from progressing. Improving your appearance can also boost your confidence.

Dr. Richard Chaffoo at California Hair MD is well-known for his innovative procedures and cutting-edge hair restoration techniques. He is America’s First Triple Board Certified Hair Transplant Plastic Surgeon and is known nationally for his customizable treatments that provide lasting results. Alongside board-certified dermatologist Dr. Susan Stuart who specializes in nonsurgical hair restoration treatment for females, the California Hair MD team has established a name for itself as one of Southern California’s best. With five locations across Southern California, California Hair MD are sought after for the innovative hair restoration therapies that help patients achieve a thick, full head of hair. Do not wait to learn more about how this life-changing and long-lasting therapy can encourage new hair growth.

Contact California Hair MD online to set up a consultation at one of our locations:

Contents

About Low-Level Light Therapy

Low-level light therapy is a non-surgical hair restoration treatment that stimulates the hair follicles to promote new hair growth with natural-looking results. Low-level light therapy increases blood flow to the scalp, which delivers essential nutrients to the hair follicles and extends the anagen (growth) phase of the hair follicles. (1) This process improves hair density while preserving the surrounding skin.

Low-level light therapy is particularly attractive for individuals seeking a minimally invasive approach to thinning hair. Low-Level Light Therapy can transform your appearance without incisions or anesthesia, making it an ideal option for patients seeking hair restoration. Low-level light therapy has been directly correlated with significant improvement in hair count. (2)

Treatments for Pattern Baldness

Pattern baldness affects men and women. It can result from stress, aging, genetic conditions, and lifestyle changes. Approximately 30% of men will experience androgenic alopecia (chronic hair loss) by the age of 30, (3) and nearly 40% of women will experience female pattern hair loss (FPHL) by the age of 50. (4) Pattern hair loss occurs when the hair follicles shrink and more hair follicles enter the telogen phase. Although low-level light therapy can improve hair loss, we can also combine it with hair transplants to improve your hair growth, depending on the severity of your hair loss. Follicular unit extraction is a procedure that harvests individual hair follicles and places them in an even pattern in areas where you are experiencing thinning hair.

Benefits of Low-Level Light Therapy

The advantages of low-level light therapy for hair restoration are plentiful, and the treatment offers its own set of advantages:

  • Minimally invasive procedure
  • Minimal downtime
  • Increased hair density
  • An improved hairline
  • Natural-looking results
  • Improved confidence

Low-level light therapy allows people to restore their once-beloved full head of hair without the downtime associated with more traditional hair treatments that require incisions and anesthesia. A thick, full head of hair can give you a boost of confidence and improve your quality of life.

Ideal Candidates

Low-level light therapy can appeal to a wide range of individuals. Ideal candidates include those with mild to moderate hair loss or individuals seeking overall improvements in hair health. In addition to this, patients should be in overall good health and have realistic expectations about what they can achieve with low-level light therapy.

To learn more about low-level light therapy, contact California Hair MD online.

Personal Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Chaffoo or Dr. Stuart will determine whether or not low-level light therapy is a good fit for you. If you have additional aesthetic goals, they can customize your treatment to include additional therapies. This appointment will allow you to get to know Dr. Chaffoo, Dr. Stuart, and their staff and ask any questions you may have about low-level light therapy or hair restoration in general. They will perform a physical examination of your scalp and create a personalized treatment plan based on your aesthetic goals. Dr. Chaffoo or Dr. Stuart will also examine the shape of your hairline, and can create a plan to improve it based on your specific features. Your treatment plan will also include details about the procedure and what you can expect to experience during the preparation and recovery process.

Preparation

The preparation process for low-level light therapy is minimal, but it will look different for each individual. Dr. Chaffoo or Dr. Stuart will provide you with any specific preparation steps you must take.

In general, patients are encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle and scalp in the weeks leading up to the procedure. Patients should attempt to avoid harsh chemical products and should arrive at their procedure with a clean scalp. If you are using any medications or topical treatments for hair loss, be sure to inform Dr. Chaffoo, Dr. Stuart, and their team, as they will inform you about whether or not to continue with these treatments before receiving low-level light therapy.

Treatment Process

The treatment process is simple, but it will look slightly different for each individual. We can administer low-level light therapy with a specialized helmet-like device designed to deliver consistent, controlled light beams to the scalp and stimulate the hair follicles.

To ensure optimal results, we recommend that you receive a series of multiple low-light therapy sessions within the span of a few weeks.

After Your Treatment

After the comfortable treatment, you can return to your daily activities almost immediately following treatment in most instances. One of the most appealing aspects of low-level light therapy is how it offers a minimal recovery period due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure. There is minimal risk of scarring or bruising, and any adverse side effects of this nature tend to subside quickly. If any postoperative instructions are required, Dr. Chaffoo will outline them and ensure that you can follow them closely.

Results

Dr. Richard Chaffoo at California Hair MD

Dr. Chaffoo and the California Hair MD team are confident you will be satisfied with the results you experience. It is important to note that for most patients, results from low-level light therapy are gradual, with the majority of results coming in the months following treatment. The treatment works best when performed as part of a comprehensive hair restoration plan, which may include maintenance sessions or complementary treatments.

To maintain your results, you will need to take good care of your scalp and avoid wearing tight hairstyles that pull on the hair follicles. You will also need to avoid excessive sun exposure that could damage your scalp and affect your results. Dr. Chaffoo can discuss the best at-home hair care routine to help you care for your scalp for the best results.

Cost of Low-Level Light Therapy Treatment in Southern California

The cost of low-level light therapy varies depending on the number of sessions you need and whether additional treatments are included in your plan. During your consultation, we will provide a fully transparent, detailed cost estimate. Take a moment to schedule your consultation today to begin your treatment. If you have any questions, please call any of our offices to gather the information you need.

Contact California Hair MD online to schedule an appointment at one of our locations:

FAQ

How does low-level light therapy work?

Low-level light therapy works by using lasers to draw blood to the scalp, which causes hair follicle cells to enter new growth cycles and provides them with necessary nutrients.

Is low-level light therapy for hair growth painful?

No. Low-level light therapy is not painful. Patients only feel a mild tingling sensation during treatment.

How quickly will I see the results of my low-level light therapy treatment?

Most patients see the results of their treatment within a few months. We can answer any questions you have about your treatment during your consultation.

How many low-level light therapy sessions will I need?

Most patients see the best results with a series of sessions over several months. However, your treatment plan will depend on the severity of your hair loss and your aesthetic goals.

References

  1. Avci P, Gupta GK, Clark J, Wikonkal N, Hamblin MR. Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) for treatment of hair loss. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine. 2013;46(2):144-151. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.22170
  2. Pillai J, Mysore V. Role of low-level light therapy (LLLT) in androgenetic alopecia. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2021;14(4):385. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/jcas.jcas_218_20
  3. Salman, Kubra Esen, et al. “Frequency, Severity and Related Factors of Androgenetic Alopecia in Dermatology Outpatient Clinic: Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Turkey.” Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, vol. 92, no. 1, 2017, pp. 35–40, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5312176/, https://doi.org/10.1590/abd1806-4841.20175241.
  4. Famenini S, Slaught C, Duan L, Goh C. Demographics of women with female pattern hair loss and the effectiveness of spironolactone therapy. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2015;73(4):705-706. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2015.06.063