Will I Need Medication If I Have A Hair Transplant?

31st March 2021

A hair transplant is the only way to restore a hairline in the long term, but there are important factors to consider when it comes to its overall success.

A hair transplant doesn’t mean that you won’t lose any hair in the future, so it’s essential to consider future hair loss patterns. Even after having a transplant, if your hair continues to recede, you could be left with a grafted area where the surrounding hair has fallen out, leaving a patchy result. This is why we exercise caution when it comes to treating those of a younger age, who may still see many more years of hair loss.

Preserving your hair is crucial so that you minimise the need for any further hair transplants in the future. Medication is a good way to prevent future hair loss and, in some cases, the success of a transplant increases by taking the right medication alongside it.

What medication is available?

Finasteride, usually branded as Propecia or Proscar, is available in tablet form and Minoxidil, usually branded as Regaine or Rogaine, is a topical medication available in spray, drops, lotion and foam form. Minoxidil tablets are also an option but usually prescribed off-label as they are not licenced for the purpose of treating hair loss. These are the only clinically proven medications shown to reduce long term hair loss.

How do they work?

Finasteride

Hair loss is triggered when testosterone converts to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which causes hair thinning, then eventually hair loss as the follicles become shorter over time. Finasteride tablets inhibit this conversion of testosterone to DHT, slowing down or even stopping the process of hair loss in cases of male pattern baldness.

Minoxidil

The latest studies show that when Minoxidil is applied to the scalp it improves the length and thickness of shrinking follicles, slowing down the thinning process. Studies show there’s an 80% possibility of slowing down or even stopping hair loss in men and women. In a very small percentage of people, it’s even shown to cause some terminal hair re-growth.

For any individual undergoing hair transplant surgery, the benefits and potential side effects of using hair loss medication need to be discussed to ensure the right treatment choice is made.

If you’re considering a hair transplant or commending medical therapy, our team would be happy to talk through your options.