What is the big deal about low-level laser therapy – LLLT?
We see ads on TV, in the large chain stores like Costco that have LLLT caps for sale and promise new hair, fuller hair, thicker hair. The claims are a little far fetched but what I have seen in my practice is that patients who use LLLT regularly loose less hair and their hair is healthier thicker. Now does it grow NEW hair? NO, it does not! I know, I know what it says on the box. What it does do is help those hair follicles that are struggling to perk up from the increase in blood flow that you would lose them without this treatment!
So why do we lose our hair?
The medical consensus is that every day, most people lose about 100 hairs from their scalp. While the majority of people grow those hairs grow back, some people don’t due to:
- age
- heredity
- hormonal changes
- medical conditions, such as lupus and diabetes
- poor nutrition
- side effects of a medical treatment, such as chemotherapy
- stress
What is the science behind it?
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), aka photobiomodulation, is a noninvasive, pain-free treatment that uses low-intensity light to stimulate biochemical changes in cells, helping repair tissue and reduce inflammation.
One of the most common types of LLLT treatment is the stimulation of hair regrowth in men and women with hereditary hair loss. It’s also commonly used in physical therapy, sports medicine, and chiropractic treatment.
The precise biochemical mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of LLLT isn’t yet fully known, but it appears to have a wide range of effects at various levels. For instance, within cells, LLLT acts on the mitochondria (the cellular “power plants”) to increase energy. This stimulates regeneration and healing of damaged muscles, ligaments, nerves, bones, joints, and soft tissue. The technique is referred to as “cold” laser therapy because the low levels of light aren’t enough to heat your body’s tissues, so it produces no sensation or burning.
At low doses, LLLT has been shown to increase the proliferation of these types of cells:
- Fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen and elastin
- Keratinocytes, the cells that produce the protein that makes up skin, hair, and nails
- Endothelial cells, commonly found in blood vessels, lymph vessels, and the heart
- Lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that’s an important part of the immune system
How long until you see results?
The time it takes to see results from LLLT treatment varies depending on the individual and the severity of hair loss. According to a study, patients who underwent LLLT treatment for 24 weeks showed a significant increase in hair density compared to those who received a placebo. However, it is important to note that LLLT is not a quick fix and requires continued commitment to see and maintain results. A series of treatments is usually necessary to see benefits.
More research is needed, but some studies have yielded encouraging results:
According to a 2014 study Trusted Source, low-level laser therapy appeared to be safe and effective for hair growth in both men and women.
A 2013 study Trusted Source of 41 males ages 18 to 48 found that laser hair treatment provided a 39 percent increase in hair growth over a period of 16 weeks.
What are the pros and cons of low-level laser therapy?
Pros
The treatment is noninvasive and painless.
LLLT is considered safe and isn’t associated with any side effects. (the most important pro)
A growing body of research shows that it may be effective for a wide variety of conditions and concerns, including hair loss.
Cons
Depending on the application, a series of treatments is usually necessary to see benefits.
LLLT hair loss devices like Xtralux are expensive and require continued commitment to see and maintain results. The commitment is minimal at 6 minutes a day while the reward is more retained hair, thicker hair in some cases. Yes, results vary from patient to patient but at my practice I have had on person complain and when I did the follow with the patient it turned out that she was not following the directions. I always ensure that my patients understand the level of commitment required before purchasing. I have personally use one daily and have seen first hand the impact it had in my own hair loss. Ah, you thought because I am a hair loss physician, I do not have hair loss? Every non-surgical procedure I offer, I first tried in on myself! There is no better way to feel secure that the procedures you offer actually work!
Some claims for LLLT may be unsubstantiated. More rigorous research is needed to evaluate the effects of LLLT. Because of the inconsistency in studies, this remains a controversial therapy.
How much does low-level laser therapy cost?
Most health insurance carriers consider LLLT experimental and investigational, so be sure to speak to your plan provider before having treatment, to see if any of the costs for your therapy will be covered. They tend to run 3K+ for a hat but the ROI far outweighs the cost. Why? Because the very first thing I ask my hair transplant candidates is: “What are you doing to stop your hair loss?” LLLT is the first line of defense against hair loss. Some patients are about to spend tens of thousands of dollars on hair transplant when they could have avoided it by doing something so easy as LLLT.
The RX version, the one that is medical grade, is only sold in medical offices by doctors, you cannot purchase them at Costco etc. The rest all have LLLT but their potency is lower and the testing mentioned above has been conducted using the RX LLLT, so purchase wisely.
Xtrallux Extreme RX Hair Regrowth Laser Cap
The Xtrallux Extreme RX Hair Regrowth Laser Cap is exclusively available through selected providers. like Dr. Keleman at Hair 4 Life in Scottsdale.
What is Xtrallux Extreme RX?
It is the most powerful laser hat we offer, boasting 352 laser diodes, which is more than any other wearable device currently available. These FDA-cleared laser regrowth caps are designed to treat hereditary hair loss and balding, and they provide the convenience and safety of just 6-minute daily treatments.
The XTRALLUX Extreme RX Hair Regrowth Cap is a wearable device that uses red laser energy to treat androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and promote healthy hair growth. With daily 6-minute treatment sessions, this FDA-cleared device stimulates viable hair follicles on the scalp. It is suitable for both males and females with AGA.
Please use the XTRALLUX device for 6 minutes daily. Do not exceed the recommended usage as it does not offer any additional benefits. To achieve optimal results, it is recommended to consistently use the XTRALLUX device without discontinuing. If you happen to miss a treatment, simply resume your daily treatments. The XTRALLUX device should be used indefinitely to maintain healthy hair growth.
Benefits of the Xtrallux Extreme RX
This product increases the volume of hair on the scalp and is a medically-accepted solution for stabilizing and preventing hereditary hair loss. It works by revitalizing scalp follicles and promoting healthy hair growth. The treatment is clean and mess-free, suitable for both men and women. It is drug-free and safe, using light energy with no known adverse side-effects. Each session is auto-programmed and lasts for 6 minutes. The device is hands-free and comes with a rechargeable Li-Ion Battery Pack.
It has a comfortable and flexible interior that adapts to the shape of the head. The FDA has approved it with the highest laser density allowed in its class. It comes with a carrying case for travel and storage, a universal power adapter that works with 100-230 V input, and 3 international blades. The laser wavelength used is 650nm.
Additional Laser Cap Benefits:
• Increases volume of hair on scalp.
• Medically-accepted way to treat hereditary hair loss.
• Restores healthy hair growth by revitalizing scalp follicles.
• Clean, mess-free treatment for both men & women.
• Drug-free & safe treatment using light energy.
• No known adverse side-effects.
• Quick & easy protocol. Wear just 6 minutes each day.
What’s included with our Xtrallux Extreme RX?
- Flexible Fitting Extreme RX Laser Dome
- Sports Cap
- Rechargeable Li-Ion Power Pack (with Optional Belt Clip)
- AC Adapter with 4 Interchangeable Input Blades
- Travel & Storage Case with Strap
- Accessories Storage
Results with the Xtrallux Extreme RX laser cap?
Extra Lasers. Extra Density.
Our laser caps have up to 352 laser diodes, providing a larger coverage area on your scalp compared to other leading devices on the market. This means that during each 6-minute daily session, Xtrallux treats more of your scalp for greater hair treatment.
Our devices have the ability to specifically target and treat hair follicles with lasers. Not only that, but they are also designed to treat a larger number of unhealthy follicles with each use. With Xtrallux, you can achieve faster and more noticeable results thanks to the numerous laser diodes included in our devices.
For more information or to purchase the Xtrallux Extreme RX Hair Regrowth Laser Cap, please contact us Dr. Keleman at Hair 4 Life in Scottsdale.
Article citations and references
https://www.realself.com/nonsurgical/low-level-laser-therapy
https://www.hims.com/blog/low-level-light-therapy-for-hair-loss
Xtrallux Extreme RX Hair Regrowth Laser Cap
Contact Hair 4 Life in Scottsdale
Dr. Kelemen integrates conventional and naturopathic medicine to provide the best of what both worlds have to offer. She creates a unique, compassionate, accepting environment for her patients. You only have to read the reviews to find out how she empowers her clients to look and feel their best. They leave the clinic with their heads held high!
To find out which procedure is best suited to your needs, you are invited to come into Hair4Life for a free consultation. Treatments are kept as affordable and accessible as possible so come in and talk to us.
Contact Us or call Hair 4 Life at (480) 525-4547 to schedule an appointment and get your free consultation.
For more information on our FUE Hair Transplants, visit fue-waw-system.
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