Thomas Donnelly, MD, FRCPC

Hair loss from general anesthesia is very rare.  It is thought to be related to decrease in blood flow to the scalp for an extended period of time.   Perfusion to the scalp can decrease under anesthesia if blood pressure is low and/or if the scalp under some external pressure, like padding to hold the head in position.  In some surgeries, like spine surgery, you are face-down and there could be a fair bit of pressure exerted on the front hairline, which could involve the grafted area.   

For the first few weeks after a hair transplant the blood supply to the new grafts is still developing.  In theory, hair grafts may be at higher risk of injury from low blood flow during this time.   To be conservative, you could wait 6 weeks, at which time normal blood supply to your grafts has been established.   

While there is evidence that PRP can increase hair density in the average person, I do not believe there are any scientific studies demonstrating the effectiveness of exosomal therapy for hair regrowth.  It is new therapy which may play a role in hair regeneration in the future.   But, at this point in time, there is no guarantee of getting any significant hair regrowth.

Both Vitamin D and iron deficiency can cause hair loss.

You should speak with your family doctor about starting daily Vitamin D and iron supplementation.  Daily vitamin C supplementation has also been shown to help with hair loss related to iron deficiency.

If you have a genetic predisposition for androgenetic (male pattern) hair loss, you could consider medication such as topical minoxidil or oral finasteride daily.  Platelet rich plasma (PRP) scalp injections would be another option to explore.

The vast majority of men who are thinning have androgenetic (aka male pattern) hair loss.  You should see a hair loss specialist for confirmation as there are other causes of hair loss.

Assuming you have male pattern hair loss, at your age your best options are non-surgical.  You are too young for a hair transplant.  Non-surgical options include oral medication (finasteride), topical medication (minoxidil), low level light therapy and platelet rich plasma (PRP) scalp injections.  

What is 'best' is different for everyone depending on their budget and lifestyle.  Ideally, you use all 4 non-surgical options together -- but cost and the hassle of using multiple medications can dissuade patients from usually all options.

Finasteride and minoxidil work to slow hair loss and will regrow some hair in the average patient.  Finasteride is taken as a pill once a day, while minoxidil should be applied twice daily.  They cost in Canada is relatively low.

PRP is a series of 3-4 scalp injections over the course of a year, then one injection annually after.  PRP is likely the most effective in terms of total hair density that is restored compared to the others.  But, PRP is more expensive. 

It will take 6 months to see an effect and up to a year for full results.   While finasteride is generally effective for male pattern androgenic hair loss, each patient will have a different response.  

Other effective options for androgenetic hair loss in men of your age is topical minoxidil, platelet rich plasma (PRP) scalp injections and low level laser therapy.  

Good luck.

Dr. Donnelly