The results from a hair transplant surgery can be expected to last a lifetime. However, for those individuals who are prone to pattern baldness or hair loss can expect continued hair loss to the surrounding hair if not addressed properly. There are a few products, medications, and treatments that are typically recommended that can help keep hair loss to a minimum while promoting lasting healthier hair.
New Hair Growth From Hair Transplant Surgery
If you are familiar with hair transplant surgery, you may know that full results take about 9-12 months following the procedure. Whether you have follicular unit transplantation (FUT) or follicular unit extraction (FUE), the process of newly transplanted hair follicles are somewhat alike.
Part of the recovery process is the shedding of the newly transplanted grafts. This stage is completely normal and once the shedding process is complete, the new growth will begin at 3-4 months. During this process, the newly transplanted grafts are growing, settling and need to go through the natural hair cycle in order to thrive.
The reason why the newly transplanted hair follicles are less prone to hair loss is because they are harvested from the sides and/or back of the scalp. The hair taken from these areas are the strongest and most resilient to hair loss, which is what makes hair transplant surgery long lasting.
Hair Medications
These are both prescription and over-the-counter medications that can be used both before and after surgery to help individuals slow or halt the hair loss process, strengthen existing follicles and grow some new hair if taken regularly. Which is why it is usually recommended that the medications are to be continued following surgery. Once hair follicles are no longer living, they cannot be revived and result in permanent hair loss.
Rogaine (Minoxidil)
Rogaine has been around for a number of years and has proven to be effective in slowing or stopping hair loss for men and women. For some patients it can also promote hair regrowth. For Rogaine to continue working it does need to be applied indefinitely.
Propecia (Finasteride)
Propecia is now available as an oral and topical medication that has been successful in hair regrowth and slowing hair loss. Individuals who start taking finasteride have noticeable hair growth after the first three to four months as well as prevention in further hair loss. The full effect of the medication can be seen after nine months.
Both of these medications are typically recommended to hair transplant patients because it helps them hold on to the hair they do have as well as new growth The results from a hair transplant can be magnified when Rogaine and/or oral or topical finasteride is used before and after the procedure.
To learn more about hair transplant surgery or non-surgical options listed above, visit utahhairmd.com or contact UFP Hair Restoration at 801-776-2220.