Should I Try Medical Hair Loss Treatments before Hair Transplant Surgery?

I am 31, and I have been experiencing steady hair loss for about 6-8 years. Using the Norwood Scale I would say I am about a 3 to a 3 vertex right now. I have seen and read about hair transplant surgery and looked at some reviews for surgeons in my state but I don’t think I want to go with a full surgery right now.

If I could maintain and maybe regrow hair, I think I can live with that. That may change, but I’d rather try non-surgical hair restoration methods for now.

My questions are:

Should I seek out a hair loss professional first for consultation to see what they recommend for meds or topical solutions? Are they more prone to just suggest surgery since that’s where they are going to make their money?

From my research, the first options are usually Rogaine and Propecia. Is it a good idea to go with the brand name stuff or are the generic brands I have read about just as good?

I have been going back and forth on this hair loss issue for years and I have done research on and off but the time has come for me to finally make a move on this. So any help and suggestions are very appreciated.

I suggest that you start by consulting with one or more world-class hair restoration physicians such as those recommended by the Hair Transplant Network. An ethical surgeon will advise you if you are a good candidate for surgery and assist you in formulating a realistic, long-term plan. In many cases, this involves starting Propecia (finasteride) and/or Rogaine (minoxidil) one full year prior to considering surgery.

You’ll hear differing opinions about generic hair loss treatments. However, as long as the drug is purchased from a reputable source, it should be just as good as the name brand product.

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David (TakingThePlunge)
Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q & A Blog.
To share ideas with other hair loss sufferers visit the hair loss forum and social community.

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