Does Minoxidil Improve Graft Survival After a Hair Transplant?

Does Minoxidil Improve Graft Survival After a Hair Transplant?

Q: Does minoxidil play any role in the survival of the grafts after a Neograft/FUE procedure? — J.W., Philadelphia, PA

A: When a doctor performs a hair transplant, the hair should be taken from the permanent zone so, by definition, that hair is not affected by medication (i.e. does not need to be maintained by either minoxidil or finasteride). If the doctors using Neograft are suggesting that minoxidil increases survival, then they are probably harvesting hair outside the permanent zone. To clarify, I use the ARTAS robotic system for our FUE procedures, not Neograft, as the former is a far more accurate device for harvesting.

Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D.

Is Propecia and/or Rogaine Mandatory after a Hair Transplant?

Q: I’ve heard that using Propecia and/or Rogaine is a good idea after having a hair transplant, but are they mandatory? — B.M., Short Hill, N.J.

A: Neither finasteride (brand name: Propecia) nor minoxidil (brand name: Rogaine) will have any effect on transplanted hair. That said, while you don’t need them to protect your transplanted hair, you will likely have original hair interspersed among your transplanted hair that will continue to thin and fall out over time. This vulnerable hair can be protected by finasteride which has been shown to reduce future hair loss significantly; additionally, you can add Rogaine for extra benefit.

However, with Propecia, you should only use it if you can commit to it long-term because it takes up to a full year to see any effect. With Rogaine, you should only use it if you can commit to using it continually and regularly – you should not stop and start it.

Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D.

What is the Effect of Propecia on a Hair Transplant?

Q: Is taking Propecia absolutely essential to retain the transplanted hair after a hair transplant? — D.W., Toronto, Canada

A: Propecia (Finasteride 1mg) does not affect transplanted hair. The purpose of taking finasteride is to prevent further loss of the non-transplanted hair after the hair restoration procedure.

Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D.

After a Hair Transplant Should I Continue Treatment with Propecia?

Q: If I get transplants, do I still have to continue taking Propecia? — P.V., Chelsea, N.Y.

A: Yes, you should.

You do not need finasteride (Propecia) for the hair transplant to work, or the transplanted hair to continue to grow, but finasteride can decrease further hair loss.

Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D.

Should I Take Propecia After a Hair Transplant?

Q: I have heard that you should take Propecia for 6 to 12 months following a hair transplant. Is this correct? — P.E., Dallas, TX

A: I would only use Propecia if you plan to continue the medication long-term. That said, Propecia — the brand name of the hair loss drug finasteride — is very helpful in preventing further hair loss. I do recommend that patients who have hair loss stay on the medicine for an extended period, regardless of whether or not they decide to have a hair transplant procedure.