The need for medications for hair loss before and / or after hair transplant surgery is a hot topic for discussion among hair transplant patients and among doctors themselves.
What are the main medications after a hair transplant?
The two medications after a hair transplant most commonly used after a hair transplant are Finasteride and Minoxidil.
It is essential to understand that the effects of both medications can only have some impact if there is life in the hair follicles, these being the concavities where hair growth occurs. In the event that the hair follicles have been damaged, these medications will have no influence on them.
That is why both minoxidil and finasteride are highly recommended for the early stages of androgenetic alopecia, when hair loss begins and a loss of its density occurs. Not being solutions for baldness of an advanced degree.
It is also important to note that in the vast majority of cases, both medications are complemented by taking vitamins, PRP treatments, etc.
What are the effects of these medications?
The effects of minoxidil are to promote or stimulate hair growth directly, and stop hair loss. This effect is achieved thanks to the vasodilator nature of minoxidil, which was previously used as a medicine not to treat hair loss, was used to treat high blood pressure.
Minoxidil is available without a prescription, and can be purchased at any pharmacy.
On the other hand, finasteride acts directly against the patient’s hormones, in particular against DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), the hormone that causes alopecia. Basically, it acts by inhibiting Type II alpha-reductase, thereby producing less DHT and slowing the degenerative hair process.
This medicine can only be taken by men, and a prescription is necessary for purchase.
What do surgeons think about taking medications after a hair transplant?
While some surgeons are true advocates of the use of finasteride to help maintain existing natural hair and to prevent future hair thinning and hair loss, other doctors are not so dogmatic about it.
Some hair restoration doctors feel that it ultimately depends on the patient.
In short, the purpose of non-surgical hair loss treatment solutions is to stop or slow the progression of male pattern baldness. Finasteride and minoxidil can even potentially stimulate hair regrowth.
Transplanted hair is permanent, regardless of whether they take medication for hair loss or not.
However, without medication, hair loss may continue and as a result, subsequent hair transplant procedures may be necessary. Those who use hair loss products such as finasteride and / or minoxidil may slow down or stop hair loss and, as a result, may not require future surgery.
And if I decide to take the medication, what dose should I take after a hair transplant?
Starting with vitamins and supplements, these help our hair to be better nourished. There are several vitamins that you can buy at any pharmacy, or others like Xpecia in Turkey. The type of vitamins whose consumption encourages and promotes proper nutrition and growth of our hair are:
- Vitamin A: to prevent hair problems such as dandruff, it also helps regulate sebum production.
- Biotin: within the vitamin B group it is essential for the proper functioning of the hair.
- Vitamin C: contributes to a normal formation of collagen for normal hair functioning.
- Vitamin E: Vital nutrient for skin and hair health. Responsible for blood supply and oxygen absorption by the scalp.
- Zinc: is one of the great allies for hair growth, favoring proper growth.
- Folic acid: Member of vitamin group B, it is essential for the production of red blood cells.
As for Minoxidil, it is recommended for men to use the 5% formula.
As we have commented previously, this treatment will help irrigate the scalp and the root of the follicle, specifically, so that it has enough oxygen and nutrients when it comes to preventing the fall. It will also favor the growth of hair of the follicles in the growth phase, improving and providing a greater density of hair.
As for its use, 15 days after the implant is performed and once all the scabs have already disappeared, it must be applied twice a day, without missing any. In each setting, 5-6 sprays should be used in the receiving area. You have to massage for 30 seconds after applying it. You can’t wash your head for 5 hours after applying it.
Currently, one of the manufacturers of Minoxidil (Rogaine) has created a new foam product formula. This format promises a faster absorption by the scalp, and for patients who notice redness and itching, a decrease in both.
Finally, in relation to Finasteride, it is recommended to use the 1mg version. This product must be purchased with a prescription, and its use can start from the third day after hair transplant surgery. And at least it is recommended to use during the first six months, although depending on the age of the patient, the recommendation of the duration of the treatment may vary.
And the treatment of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) should be performed before or after the transplant?
Recent studies at the University of Barcelona have shown that both before and after a hair transplant, PRP treatments, together with the use of drugs such as Minoxidil and Finasteride, help increase patient density by up to 30%.
The studies were carried out in two groups where members of one of them were taking Finasteride, and the other group Minoxidil. For six months, with intervals of 2 months, platelet-rich plasma treatments were performed in each of the patients only in half of each patient’s scalp, injecting a placebo in the other half of the patient’s scalp.
At the end of 6 months, 90% of patients showed increases of up to 30% in the density of the head area where PRP treatments were carried out compared to the head area where the head was used. placebo.
In conclusion…
To answer the question of how long a patient with a hair transplant needs to take non-surgical solutions after hair transplant surgery … the answer is … depending on the patient, as long as he wants to continue.