Propecia Is Growing Hairs, But Can I Still Have a Transplant?

Hi Dr. Rassman! Propecia is slowly regrowing some hair on the front half of my head, and even a few in the hairline. If I were to get a transplant to “fill in the gaps” one the new hair is regrown, will it go through shock loss or should the Propecia protect it like it usually does?

Yes, you can have a hair transplant to the balding area while you are being treated with Propecia. The drug should prevent shock hair loss if you do have the surgery, but the timing of transplants should be tied to a Master Plan which will ensure your long term results. The timing includes just how much of the balding area is transplanted and this depends upon not only the donor density, but the size of the balding area now (and in the future) as defined by a good mapping of your scalp for miniaturization. I cannot answer your specific question as it applies to your problem without an examination, because really it depends on:

• Your expectations.
• The degree of miniaturization you currently have and the extent of that miniaturization process.
• The length of time treated with minoxidil and/or finasteride.

Your worst case scenario should be put in front of you, and this will depend upon your age, your expectations, possible donor scarring for strip harvesting, your family history and who you take after, etc. Get the point?