Crown Transplants or Propecia?

Here is an example of a patient of ours who refused to take Propecia, but had 2,027 grafts transplanted in 2001. He had a remarkable change from the transplant, even filling in some of the upper part of the crown. At his recent visit a few days ago, I suggested again, that he try Propecia before undergoing a hair transplant, even though his results from the single procedure he had was remarkable. Much of the original hair in the upper crown that he had a few years ago, fell out. But even if the transplants still saved the day, he may have avoided the loss with Propecia.

Why would I suggest Propecia rather than transplants? First, I tell my patients that I make my living doing transplants, so if I recommend the drug approach rather than a transplant, I must be thinking of something other than the money I might make from the transplant. The answer should be obvious to the readers. I care about what is best for the patient. The drug, in many patients, will postpone or make transplants unnecessary. If this man succeeds at regrowing hair in the crown with Propecia, he will avoid surgery, saving money and donor hair for some time down the road when/if he might need it. A doctor should always put his patient’s interest first and foremost and if this young man was my son, that is what I would recommend for him. If the drug does not work, then a transplant is a reasonable option. He should wait for 8 months before facing that decision again. He was very appreciative.

Below: His “before” photo in 2001 is on the left, and “after” photo in 2005 is on the right.