Photobiomodulation: Low-Level Laser Therapy for Hair Growth
Consultations offered at our four convenient locations in La Jolla, San Diego, Newport Beach and Beverly Hills
Photobiomodulation is a treatment that helps improve hair growth by applying light energy.
At California Hair MD, our team of specialists performs hair restoration treatments under the expert guidance of Dr. Richard Chaffoo, America’s First Triple Board-Certified Hair Transplant Plastic Surgeon, whose innovative hair loss treatments have helped thousands of patients nationwide. His practice is listed as One of the Top Hair Loss Clinics in the World, and specialists from around the world travel to study his latest techniques. As an internationally recognized guest speaker, his lecture circuit includes international meetings in Paris, Austin, São Paulo, and Rome, and he is involved in cutting-edge research to develop new treatment options for hair loss. He is a highly trained, leading expert in the field with more than 30 years of experience performing specialty hair restoration procedures. He works alongside Dr. Susan Stuart, a board-certified dermatologist known for her life-changing hair loss treatments for men and women. She is a renowned national expert who is sought after for her evaluation, diagnosis, and medical treatments for thinning hair. After completing her training at Emory University, one of the top dermatology and specialized hair loss training facilities in the United States, she worked with national hair loss experts to develop a deep understanding of hair loss and refine her ability to deliver high-quality care to her patients.
To learn more about how customizable treatments can help you achieve your hair restoration goals, contact our office online to schedule an appointment or call your closest California Hair MD office directly:
Contents
About Photobiomodulation
Photobiomodulation, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), triggers the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to enhance cell metabolism. (1) As light is absorbed by the skin, cells convert it to energy, which then improves circulation, reduces bacteria, and addresses inflammation. During a photobiomodulation treatment, we use the FDA-cleared LaserCap® device, which releases gentle beams of laser energy to stimulate the hair follicles and reduce scalp inflammation.
What Causes Hair Loss?
It is linked to genetics, stress, health conditions, hormone fluctuations, aging, and medications. (2) Lifestyle habits, wearing tight hairstyles, excessive UV exposure, and nutritional deficiencies can also affect hair growth. Hair growth is also commonly linked to certain health conditions, including:
- Telogen effluvium: This form of hair loss is temporary and usually related to stress. Stress can trigger an immune response that shortens the hair growth cycle and causes your hair to shed excessively.
- Alopecia areata: This is an autoimmune condition that can cause hair loss in round patches.
- Androgenic alopecia: Also known as male or female pattern baldness, this is a genetic form of hair loss that can cause your hair to shed faster than your follicles can regenerate.
Benefits
Photobiomodulation treatments offer several benefits, which include:
- Reduced hair shedding: Stimulating the hair follicles and encouraging them to grow will reduce and reverse hair loss, allowing you to enjoy thicker, denser hair.
- Nourished scalp: Light therapies will increase blood flow to the scalp, effectively delivering important nutrients and growth factors to the hair follicles that need them.
- More youthful look: A healthy, fuller head of hair will contribute to a younger-looking appearance.
- Lasting results: Paired with healthy long-term hair care, the results of photobiomodulation are durable and long-lasting.
- Healthier hair: As treatment progresses, your scalp health will improve alongside your hair density.
Candidates & Consultations
Suitable candidates for photobiomodulation are typically those who want to address hair loss with a minimally invasive treatment. Photobiomodulation candidates may also be those who have had a surgical hair transplant and want to enhance their healing and results. Prospective patients should be in good general health and keep realistic expectations for their results.
During your consultation, we will ask about your medical history, lifestyle, current medications, and explore your hair loss to create a personalized treatment plan. This meeting is an important first step in your treatment, as it allows our experts to examine your unique hair loss circumstances and tailor treatment to your goals. Patients are encouraged to openly express any questions or concerns they have about treatment, as we want them to be fully confident about their decision.
Schedule your consultation today to begin planning your treatment. If you have any further questions, please call your closest California Hair MD office directly:
Preparation & Treatment
Dr. Chaffoo or Dr. Stuart will provide you with important preparation instructions before your treatment. Patients are advised to stay hydrated, avoid nicotine or alcohol, and take good care of themselves. We may also recommend avoiding excessive sun exposure and certain medications or supplements with blood-thinning properties. Preparation requirements may vary between patients depending on their medical history, hair loss circumstances, and more, so in addition to these guidelines, please thoroughly follow all instructions given to you.
During your treatment, we will administer gentle beams of laser energy to your scalp to stimulate the hair follicles. This treatment can take 30 minutes or longer, depending on the size of the treatment area. Most patients see the best results after multiple sessions spaced a few weeks apart.
Recovery & Results
After photobiomodulation treatments, you can return to your routines, but you should avoid excessive sun exposure. Some patients may experience minor redness or itching, but these typically fade quickly.
Patients usually begin to see fuller and thicker hair growth within three to four months. Many patients find that their self-esteem improves and they feel more comfortable with their appearance after receiving photobiostimulation treatments. The number of treatments you need to achieve your desired results will depend on the type of hair loss you have and your aesthetic goals.
Corresponding Procedures
Platelet-Rich Plasma for Hair Growth
Platelet-rich plasma, also known as PRP, is a non-surgical treatment that uses a serum derived from a sample of a patient’s blood to encourage new hair growth. After taking a sample, the blood is processed to concentrate platelets. At California Hair MD, we use the Vitti Labs Extracellular Matrix (ECM) and Dual-Spin PRP serum to enhance hair growth with higher platelet concentrations and increased growth factors. Patients who receive this treatment alongside their photobiomodulation regimen frequently report enhanced hair growth and see their results sooner.
Hair Transplants
A hair transplant can address hair loss by taking healthy hair follicles from one area of the body and placing them in thinning or balding areas. We employ two main technologies for our hair transplant procedures:
- NeoGraft: The NeoGraft system is a semi-automated technology that harvests the hair follicles with gentle suction and preserves them in a special solution. This ensures that they remain viable during the process, which enhances their acceptance after placement.
- ARTAS: The ARTAS system robot-assisted technology that scans your scalp and places the hair follicles in a realistic pattern, ensuring natural-looking results.
Photobiomodulation can be used after hair transplant surgery to enhance the results.
Cost of Photobiomodulation in Southern California
The cost of your photobiomodulation treatment will depend on the size of the treatment area and the number of treatments you will need to achieve your goals. After Dr. Chaffoo or Dr. Stuart evaluates your concerns and discusses your treatment plan, you will receive a comprehensive price quote.
We understand that hair loss is frustrating, so we look forward to helping you address your concerns. Do not wait to learn how photobiomodulation can rejuvenate your scalp and help you achieve the hair growth you desire! Schedule your consultation today to begin exploring your treatment. If you have any further questions, please call your closest office:
FAQ
Are there any side effects of photobiomodulation?
Some patients may experience temporary redness or sensitivity in the treatment area, which typically resolves after a few hours.
How many photobiomodulation treatment sessions do I need?
You will likely need to receive photobiomodulation treatments for several months to see results, since hair growth can take time.
How can I maintain my photobiomodulation results?
To maintain your results, you will need to take good care of your scalp and avoid excessive sun exposure.
Can I combine photobiomodulation with other treatments?
Yes, we will customize your treatments for your specific needs, and this frequently means combining different treatments to achieve optimal results.
Does photobiomodulation work for all hair types?
Photobiomodulation can effectively treat all hair types, but research suggests that it is less effective on fragile hair or colored or chemically treated hair.
References
- Dunn J, Grider MH. Physiology, adenosine triphosphate (ATP). PubMed. Published February 13, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553175/
- Kische, Hanna, et al. “Sex Hormones and Hair Loss in Men from the General Population of Northeastern Germany.” JAMA Dermatology, vol. 153, no. 9, 1 Sept. 2017, p. 935, https://doi.org/10.1001/jamadermatol.2017.0297. Accessed 29 Mar. 2020.