Minoxidil Usage Before and After Transplant

[spazy]

Hello. I have seen some conflicting information regarding the usage of minoxidil prior to and after a hair transplant. My understanding towards minoxidil is that when you stop using it you will subsequently lose a lot of native hairs that were dependent on it. I have also seen posts where the surgeon recommended the patient to stop using minoxidil for months after their procedure. Given the loss of ground that occurs when halting usage of minoxidil, doesn't it make sense to just continue using it daily even after a transplant? I was hoping someone with knowledge on this topic could share some insight. 

[TorontoMan]

Confused about this as well. How is it possible that otherwise strong native hair would be effected by coming of minoxidil? How in that case do ppl come off it successfully if they had to?

[1978matt]

A theory is that minoxidil keeps hair in the growth phase for longer.  If you stop using it you might experience say a 15% loss of density as some of those hairs may decide to shed.  If it is in an area that regrew hair significantly when you started using it, then unfortunately the results will likely reverse after a couple of months.

I think my doctor's instructions were to stop min a day or two prior, but it can be restarted to non-transplanted areas after about 7 days.  It could be applied to grafted areas about 3-4 weeks afterwards.

Don't quote me, but that is my vague recollection.

Edited July 24, 2020 by 1978matt

[tesla007]

I think the same goes for finasteride also. I have seen people posting here that they were prescribed finasteride for 6-8 months after a transplant and then they had to stop it. The shedding phase while starting and while stopping made me skeptical whether to go for it or not.