Abstract:

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of 1 565 nm non-ablative fractional laser combined with topical minoxidil and oral finasteride in the treatment of patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Methods Seventy-five male AGA patients with Norwood-Hamilton classification grade Ⅱ-Ⅲ, were randomly assigned into three groups: the control group 1, the control group 2 and the experimental group, with 25 cases in each group. Patients in the control group 1 received topical 5% minoxidil (1 mL, twice daily). Patients in the control group 2 were treated with both topical 5% minoxidil and oral finasteride (1 mg, once daily). Patients in the experimental group received a combined therapy of 1 565 nm non-ablative fractional laser in addition to topical 5% minoxidil and oral finasteride. Hair overall efficacy was evaluated using a 7-point rating scale after 24 weeks of treatment. Hair diameter and density were measured using a dermoscope. Patient satisfaction was assessed post-treatment, and adverse reactions were recorded. Results The overall efficacy of hair in the experimental group was superior to the control group 1 and the control group 2. There were no significant differences in hair density and hair diameter before treatment between the three groups (P>0.05). After treatment, hair diameter and density increased in all three groups compared to baseline values (P<0.05), and the hair diameter and hair density of the experimental group were higher than those of the control group 1 and the control group 2 (P<0.05). Patient satisfaction in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group 1 and the control group 2 (P<0.05). Patients in the experimental group experienced tolerable pain and burning sensations during laser treatment, and the symptoms were self-alleviated within a few hours. There were no serious adverse reactions reported in any group. Conclusion The combination therapy of 1 565 nm non-ablative fractional laser, 5% minoxidil, and finasteride demonstrates significantly better efficacy in the treatment of AGA than minoxidil and finasteride alone drug therapy.

Key words: alopecia, minoxidil, finasteride, fractional laser, androgenic alopecia, dermal papilla