How Long Should I Take Propecia Before a Hair Transplant?

Hi Dr. Rassman,

Is there a minimum amount of time I need to be on Propecia before I can get hair transplant surgery?

Thanks!

There is no set rule. Obviously, the longer you take it the better off you’ll be, but it also depends on individual basis. For example, if you are completely bald, it does not really matter. Or if you are young in your mid twenties and you are rapidly losing hair, I would say you should take it as long as possible to slow the hair loss. Or if you are in your mid to late forties and your hair loss is stable, the risk of shock loss is less and the importance of being on Propecia for dealing with shock loss is not as great. Generally a few days or weeks is minimal. The drug works fairly fast on the hair follicle.