Why do I have to Stop Taking Rogaine (Minoxidil) Before Hair Transplant Surgery
I was told by my hair transplant clinic that I have to stop taking Rogaine (minoxidil) 1 month prior to surgery. Why is this?
Thank you for your inquiry.
Many hair restoration physicians ask their patients to stop taking Rogaine (minoxidil) for a certain length of time prior to a hair transplant procedure.
From my findings however, the length of time will vary between hair replacement clinics. Some physicians will ask their patients to stop as late as a few days prior to surgery whereas others will ask them to stop taking Rogaine (minoxidil) 3 months prior to surgery. Why the difference? I’m not honestly sure.
What I can tell you however, is that the reason to stop prior to surgery is because Rogaine works by increasing circulation in the scalp (up to the hair follicles) by drawing more blood to the scalp. Continual use of this hair loss drug during hair restoration surgery will increase the liklihood of excessive bleeding. This is a problem in itself however, in turn can cause a number of additional complications including “popping” of the grafts. Popping refers to follicular unit grafts that come out of the recipient sites created by the hair transplant surgeon. The surgeon and technicians therefore, must work harder to ensure that they remain in their sites. Failure to do so could result in poor hair growth yield or cobblestoning (a condition of scar formation which creates a slight bump under the skin)
Bill
Associate Publisher
Technorati Tags: hair transplant, Rogaine, minoxidil, hair restoration, hair loss drug, follicular unit grafts, hair transplant surgeon, hair growth
October 17, 2012 @ 2:25 pm
Mary,
In female hair loss sufferers, the only truly trusted and proven medication is Rogaine (minoxidil) for women. I’ve read some interesting studies that debate the efficacy of finasteride (Propecia) usage in post-menopausal women, and the results seem a bit mixed.
However, it is a proven medication for treating genetic hair loss in men, and if a physician reviewed your case and felt comfortable prescribing the medication, then that is likely an appropriate call based upon his/her medical knowledge (and with the variable of pregnancy taken out of the equation). Additionally, if you received this medication without an evaluation from a physician first, I highly recommend scheduling an appointment with a doctor and discussing your hair loss and medication usage.
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a very controversial subject in the hair restoration world. Some individuals think it works well, while others believe it is completely “junk science.” One of the areas where I personally believe it could have some relevance is female hair loss sufferers, but the lack of adequate clinical research and concrete photographic evidence still make it an unproven treatment at this point in time.
Additionally, many female hair loss sufferers are excellent candidates for surgical hair restoration, and meeting with a trusted hair transplant surgeon (http://www.hairtransplantnetwork.com/Consult-a-Physician/hair-loss-doctors.asp) could help clarify whether or not this is an option for you.
I hope this helps!
Blake (Future_HT_Doc)
Editorial Assistant
October 16, 2012 @ 10:08 pm
what about the light lamps to regrow hair? Are they particularly helpful? I use both men’s .5 rogaine and propecia – they both help and grow hair but I could use more hair. I am also a woman, post menapausal.