When is it safe to restart low level laser therapy (LLLT) after 2500 FUE Neograft procedure?

Thank you for posting this question. The reality is that there isn't a set protocol for using LLLT following a hair transplant procedure, whichever method or machine was used to perform the transplant. Our protocol is to have our patients use it starting the day after surgery. We find it helps to decrease the scabbing around the grafts which can be helpful for optimal growth. Clearly putting a lot of pressure on the implanted grafts the day after surgery is not indicated, so common sense is indicated when using the device following surgery. I hope this information is helpful to you.Ken Anderson, MD, FISHRS, ABHRSBoard Certified Hair Restoration Surgeon

Thanks for your inquiry, we start LLLT within the first week on free standing machine that does not touch the delicate grafts. If you are given a cap, please make sure it is not damaging the grafts and might be more prudent to wait a full week.

As others have said, there is no consensus of thought on restarting LLLT after transplant, but I would say above all, don't touch the grafts.  The LLLT itself is likely safe starting the day after the procedure.

There is no harm with use of LLLT (low-level-light-therapy) post grafting. However, one must be careful about applying pressure to nascent grafts. Many of these systems involve the use of a helmet. Proper seating of the helmet is essential for these treatments to be effective. However, post op you need to avoid placing any pressure (direct or indirect) on the newly grafted follicles as this can compromise graft integrity.Protocols will vary from practice to practice but I will typically discourage helmet usage for 2 weeks at a minimum.As always, discuss your concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS) with experience in hair restoration.

The main reason I recommend low level light therapy is actually for the swelling and inflammation. Generally all patients will also get oral steroids as the inflammation from the surgey can worsen graft outcome. While there is no proven scientific data or protocol on LLLT after transplant, to me the benefits of decreased swelling (studies on swollen sprained ankles for example) manifest that LLLT given either right after via a screen or the day after via a hat module are very beneficial. 

Hello and thank you for your question. There is no ideal time that all surgeons agree on to begin or resume LLLT therapy after having a Neograft procedure. It may be practical to have LLLT after the scabs have begun to fall away from the scalp, and this can occur between one and two weeks after your procedure. There is also a benefit in waiting one to two weeks to avoid the risks of disturbing your grafts immediately after treatment. Schedule an in-person consultation with your performing board-certified facial plastic surgeon to determine the best time to start or resume LLLT treatments. Good luck!  - Elbert T. Cheng, MD

Thank you for your question.  There are a lot of conflicting reports on when to use low level laser therapy following hair transplantation.  This is because there has been no definitive evidence or protocol as to when to start the therapy following surgery.  We do know as of now that starting low level laser therapy following hair transplantation can safely be performed following one to two weeks out from surgery.  The biggest concern is to make sure that the helmet does not rub on the areas that are grafted.  I hope this helps! 

Hello and thank you for your question. I think that a good rule of thumb is to wait around a week before restarting the low level laser therapy. While it will likely not be damaging to the grafts before 1 week post-op it is possible that you irritate the grafts by the application of putting it on and off. Good luck to you and congratulations on your recent procedure!

Hi and thank you for your question. Although one could probably start using low level light therapy devices within a week of the transplant (as long as there is no direct pressure on the grafts), I generally recommend starting after 2 weeks, once most of the scabbing around the grafts has gone. The inflammatory process leading to increased vascularity around the grafts is fairly robust for several weeks, but I do think that adding PRP and light stimulation helps optimize results and stabilize native hair around the grafts from shedding or progressing to loss. Hope that helps! Best, Dr. Roy

Thank you for your question. I would recommend consulting with your hair transplant surgeon as each office has a post-operative protocol following a hair transplant procedure. At our center, I encourage our patients to use LLLT as soon as possible following their procedure provided they are not going to disturb the follicles. At 4 days the grafts are fairly well set in place. Following my transplant, I actually held the laser cap over my scalp in the days following my procedure beginning on post-op day 3. At post-op day 5, I placed the laser cap gently on the scalp. I believe the increase in blood flow to the scalp in the days following the transplant is beneficial.I hope this was helpful - Dr. Moore.