The 1,927-nm fractionated thulium laser monotherapy increases hair density in patients with male pattern hair loss in Brazil: prospective clinical study

Background: Pattern hair loss (PHL) is a prevalent condition that impacts the quality of life.Current treatment options, including topical minoxidil and oral finasteride, are limited by their efficacy and side effects.Laser-or light-assisted therapies have been explored as an alternative treatment.However, data on the clinical efficacy and safety of specific laser therapies remain limited.Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of a 1,927-nm fractionated thulium laser for the treatment of male PHL.We conducted a prospective study wherein 11 male patients with PHL underwent 12 weekly sessions of 1,927nm laser treatment.Hair thickness and density were assessed before and after treatment using automated hair analysis software (HairMetrix).Key parameters measured included total hair count, terminal hair count, and average hair thickness per cm 2 .Results: Significant increases were observed in the total hair count (p = 0.021) and terminal hair count (p = 0.041) following treatment.However, no significant change was noted in the average hair thickness per cm 2 .While most patients demonstrated improvement in hair parameters, some patients showed reductions in some measurements, highlighting potential individual variability in response.The treatment was well tolerated, with only mild and transient postprocedural redness reported. Conclusion:Fractionated thulium laser therapy demonstrated potential as a monotherapy for PHL, effectively increasing hair counts and terminal hair density.These findings suggest that laser-assisted approaches may represent a promising option for PHL management, warranting further large-scale studies to confirm efficacy and long-term outcomes.