If Laser Treatment Is a Fraud, How About the Doctors that Endorse It?

Dear Dr. Rassman,

My apologies. I understand that you’ve discussed many times about laser treatment. However, if you regard it as faux, wouldn’t that be making places like those below, scam centres? https://www.ineedhair.com/laser.htm

Also, since people like Dr. Alan Bauman advocates the use of laser for hair regrowth, does it make him a fake? My apologies, I’m not slamming or anything, but really would like to know the facts..

Thank you. Regards

Firstly, I don’t believe I’ve ever regarded laser treatment for hair as a fraud. I just do not endorse this technology, because I have my issues with claims that are made being poorly documented as science. I call this pseudoscience and I can not ask for payments from patients for a treatment that I do not believe has proof of value. These laser machines (office consoles) cost in the thousands of dollars and if a doctor is looking for a new revenue stream, buying these machines and charging for their use go hand-in-hand. The evidence that is out there may be enough for some doctors, just not for me.

With that said, I have two such systems in my office and I offer them at no charge to my patients who wish to use them and come to the office a few times a week. I wanted to see if the patients who used it claimed value for it, and as there was no financial risk to the patient, I thought I would give it a fair clinical test. The result of my very loose clinical test does not confirm value one way or the other.

Other doctors may endorse lasers and it is their prerogative, as many also endorse shampoos and conditioners and other cosmetic products. The less vested doctors are in the financial rewards of selling these products, the more believable will be their recommendations.

In the end, as stated here over and over, it is a buyer beware market and we need to make well informed decisions for ourselves.