Discontinuing Minoxidil after Hair Transplant

[wasteyute]

I've been on minoxidil for about a year and a half, and it's worked, just not as much as I'd hoped... which is why I'm looking to schedule a hair transplant soon.

I'm seeing mixed things online about the use of Minoxidil following a hair transplant. A clinic in Istanbul recently told me I can't use minoxidil for 5 months after the transplant. Well, my question to that would be.. wouldn't the hairs dependent on minoxidil for the past year and a half fall out? Apparently all your minoxidil sheds ~3-6 months after discontinuing minoxidil. At the same time, I see some posts online (even from Doctors) encouraging the use of minoxidil after transplant to prevent shock loss.

What should I do here? Should I wait another 5 months and schedule after the shedding post-minoxidil, or can I use it sooner than 5 months?

[Raphael84]

What is the clinics explanation regarding not using minoxidil for 5 months post op? Do they have patients who have had negative experiences doing so?

Most clinics seem to recommend using minoxidil 15 days post op, some Doctors seem a little more cautious.

Oral minoxidil can be continued throughout the hair transplant process without pause.

[LaserCap]

It is my understanding Rogaine is a visodilator.  It is suggested it is stopped 3-7 days prior to procedure so you minimize the bleeding during a procedure.  It is also recommended you refrain from using for a 7-10 days post op.  

Wasteyute - if you "saw" the medication work, I would assume you saw enhancement of the hair. This means you are 1 of only a small percentage of patients enjoying this benefit.  I would encourage you to continue its use. The medication is intended to retain hair.  Do not stop otherwise you'll lose all the benefit.

 

[Melvin- Admin]

I definitely wouldn't stop especially if it's working. I don't see any scientific reasoning for quitting minoxidil for 5 months after surgery. 

[wasteyute]

The message I had got was:

Quote

It's not recommended to use any kind of chemical products such as minoxidil, oil, gels, etc... for a minimum 5 months. This would keep your scalp as clean as possible for maximum results and hair growth.

 

[ITA]

17 minutes ago, wasteyute said:

even in my opinion you should avoid using it, maybe not for 5 months after the transplant but for 3 yes.

 

Edited October 25, 2019 by Giastro

[Melvin- Admin]

2 hours ago, wasteyute said:

The message I had got was:

 

That doesn't make any sense. I guess follow what your clinic rules say, but clinical literature clearly show that minoxidil help follicles stay in the anagen growth phase. Minoxidil doesn't harm hair. I don't believe that pomades harm hair either.

[Raphael84]

Its quite common to hear physicians recommend that you should avoid harsh chemicals post op, as your transplanted hair is transitioning through various stages and therefore it is preferential to create the best environment for the hair and scalp. Homeostasis. Therefore avoiding colouring dyes and other "heavy" products for example. I would suggest that it is a small sacrifice with the ultimate goal being the best result possible.

Having said that, these aggressive products do not offer any positive effects in regards to assisting in the strengthening of hair and hair regrowth. Therefore it makes sense that minoxidil should be considered differently.

[ITA]

yes but it contains alcohol, at least the industrial one and the version in lotion, in my opinion it is advisable to avoid using it in the post transplant.