Dr. Chuck Lortie FRCPC, FAAD, ACMS
HAIR LOSS CONCERNS
Hair Loss is a frustrating problem often triggering anxiety in those are affected. Consultation with a dermatologist is recommended to secure an accurate diagnosis is important prior to embarking on treatment.
Often there are dormant hairs present in the scalp ready to grow. These potential hair, however, need additional stimulation prior to becoming cosmetically significant.
The most common form of hair loss is Androgenic Alopecia which will affect up to 70% of men and 40% of women over time. Treatment includes both preventing further hair loss and stimulating new growth.
There is a growing body of evidence that photobiomodulation is an effective therapy to help initiate and maintain new hair growth in these dormant follicles.
Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT) or "cold laser" delivers high intensity red (630 nm) light. LLLT is believed to increase blood flow in the scalp and stimulate metabolism in the hair follicle resulting in the production of growing hair.
The success of this therapy may result from one or more of the following:
The photons of light act on cytochrome C oxidase leading to the production of energy stimulating metabolic processes necessary for hair growth.
Release of nitric oxide from cells leads to an increase in the blood vessels in the scalp that distribute nutrients and oxygen to the hair roots.
This may help to prevent excessive build-up of testosterone in the follicle.
Red light, at 630 nm wave length, penetrates deeply into the skin and can reach the bulb of the hair follicle where growth is re-initiated.
At Park Dermatology, we can help you to be sure of the cause of your hair loss and offer Low Level Laser Therapy and other effective treatments to ensure you have the best opportunity to preserve and even regrow your hair.
