Q: Can a woman who is breastfeeding have a hair transplant? — M.R. ~ Long Beach, N.Y.

A: Since surgical hair restoration is an elective procedure, I would wait until 1 year after delivery and once breastfeeding has completed before considering a hair transplant. Often after pregnancy, there is a post-partum shedding that occurs as the hormones fluctuate and then return back to their normal levels. This active period of shedding can cause a few issues. The first issue is that active shedding can make it difficult for the surgeon to determine where best to place the grafts for the optimal long-term cosmetic result. Additionally, medications may be used during and after the procedure that can potentially appear in breast milk.