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 Dr. Alan J. Bauman is the Founder, Medical Director and Chief Surgeon of the Bauman Medical Group, P.A. located in Wharfside at Boca Pointe in Boca Raton, Florida. His practice is dedicated exclusively to treating male and female pattern hair loss. Dr. Bauman uses state-of-the-art medical and surgical techniques to help his patients maintain and/or restore their scalp hair.
Kevin
2006-07-07
Laser devices
Yo Dr. B -
There are now many of these portable laser combs on the market. How do they compare with the big sucker you would have in your clinic ....you know it looks like the hair dryer that grandma sat under at the hair salon..
I take it the clinic models are much stronger or better intensity Now hope you give a good answer not just because you have one of those.....hahhaha
Take care
Kevin,
There are major differences between the various devices. Deciding between in-office treatments and at-home laser treatments can be difficult for some patients. For example, some people workout better at the gym, others at home. If you are disciplined, you CAN get good results with the hand-held devices. However, keep in mind that it is MUCH easier to get the correct treatment with an in-office hood. You also get the benefit of routine evaluations to see if the treatment is accomplishing your goals (or not).
Currently, there are a number of laser hoods and at-home hand-held lasers on the market--so there is no lack of choices. The most important thing is probably not which treatment you choose, but HOW YOU MONITOR THE RESULTS. For example, patients who use the hand-held lasers tend NOT to have density measurements performed by their Hair Restoration Physician or routine follow ups. This is like trying to lose weight without a scale--it can be difficult to judge. The results of ANY hair restoration regimen can be slow and subtle and hard to judge for yourself. If you are under the care of a hair restoration physician, he or she can guide you as to what is working or not for you (as long as detailed photos, density and hair caliber measurements are performed).
In office lasers typically have 30-100+ laser diodes, hand-helds typically have 1-5 laser diodes. Some patients say that using a hand-held laser for treatment is like using a "dustbuster" to vacuum their house. In other words, its the right technology, but applying it might not be easy. Others like the portability of hand-held lasercombs, or laserbrushes--especially if they have trouble visiting us for the in-office treatment. And honestly, some people use both---especially if they travel a lot.
Also, I've noticed that there are more non-medical laser clinics popping up here and there--be aware that these are not run by Hair Restoration Physcians and cannot offer the standard-of-care in the medical evaluation and treatments for hair restoration.
In my office I have several of the Sunetics Laser-Hoods, and I also carry the new Erchonia THL-1 hand-held, which is working very well.
Hopefully, this helps.
Sincerely,
Dr. B.
Alan J. Bauman, M.D.
doctorb@baumanmedical.com
www.baumanmedical.com
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