Will Taking Propecia Improve Donor Area Density Enough To Allow Hair Transplant?

Will Taking Propecia Improve Donor Area Density Enough To Allow Hair Transplant?

Q: Is it recommended to wait for 1 year after starting Propecia, when the effect of the medication kicks in and improves density of donor area, and then perform the surgery? — Z.B., Bergen County, New Jersey

A: Propecia will not affect the donor area, as this area is generally not impacted by the miniaturizing (thinning) effects of DHT –- the hormone that Propecia blocks. The purpose of waiting the year is to possibly regrow hair in the recipient area. If regrowth is significant, a hair transplant may not be necessary. If a person’s hair loss is extensive and there is little chance that Propecia will grow a significant amount of hair back to give a satisfactory improvement, then waiting the year is unnecessary.

Read more about Propecia or read a summary of a study on the effect of Propecia on a hair transplant.

Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D.

Is Propecia Necessary for Hair Transplant?

Q: I am 35 years old and have been using Propecia for the last 3 years, waiting to save enough money for a hair transplant. I no longer feel comfortable using it due to side effects. Can hair transplantation still be effective even without continuing to take this drug afterwards? — Y.C., Matinecock, New York

A: Many people choose not to take Propecia or choose not to take it due to side effects and the surgical hair restoration is just as effective. The only difference is that medications can prevent further hair loss whereas surgery cannot.

Medications are not needed for the hair transplant to be successful or the transplanted hair to grow and be permanent.

Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D.

Before Hair Transplant, How Long Should I Use Propecia?

Q: I am 28 years old and was told that I have early Norwood Class 3 hair loss. I want to have a hair transplant but my doctor told me to use Propecia for 6 months and then come back to discuss surgery. I don’t want to wait that long, what should I do? — L.B., Oyster Bay Cove, NY

A: Actually, you should wait a full year. If you are an Early Norwood Class 3, the Propecia can work so well (in actually growing hair back) that you may not even need a hair transplant. The important point is that Propecia only starts working at 3-6 months and during this time there may actually be some shedding as the new growing hair literally pushes out the old.

A hair transplant performed at 6 months may not only be unnecessary, but growth from the medication may be attributed to the hair restoration surgery. I suggest to wait and see what the medication can do before going for hair restoration surgery.

Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D.

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Propecia Before Hair Transplant

Will Taking Propecia Improve Donor Area Density Enough To Allow Hair Transplant?

Is Propecia Necessary for Hair Transplant?

Before Hair Transplant, How Long Should I Use Propecia?

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