Isotretinoin before hair transplant

Hello,

Thank you for your question! While traditional guidelines often suggest waiting 6–12 months after completing isotretinoin to ensure optimal healing, newer studies indicate that the medication may not significantly impair healing for hair transplants. If you’re already 11 months off isotretinoin, it’s very likely safe to proceed with a hair transplant. However, I recommend consulting with your surgeon to assess your skin and scalp health to confirm readiness.

Best regards,
Dr. Marco Barusco

Thank you for reaching out with your question about planning a hair transplant after completing a course of isotretinoin. This is an important consideration, and I’m glad you’re seeking clarity. Here’s some information that might help:

Isotretinoin and Healing:
Isotretinoin, commonly known for treating severe acne, can affect skin healing due to its impact on sebaceous glands and skin cell turnover.
Historically, there has been concern that isotretinoin might impair wound healing, which led to recommendations to wait before undergoing procedures like hair transplants.

Current Recommendations:
While research on the exact impact of isotretinoin on surgical healing is mixed, many practitioners err on the side of caution.
The conservative recommendation has typically been to wait 6 to 12 months after completing isotretinoin therapy before undergoing elective surgical procedures, including hair transplants.

Your Situation:
Being 11 months off isotretinoin, you are at the tail end of this precautionary period.
If there are no other contraindications or concerns specific to your health or skin condition, you are likely close to the point where a hair transplant could be considered safe.

Consultation with Your Dermatologist and Surgeon:
It is crucial to have a consultation with both your dermatologist and the hair transplant surgeon. They can assess your skin’s current condition and healing capacity to provide personalized advice.
They might also consider any recent studies or guidelines that could influence the timing of your procedure.

Final Considerations:
Always ensure that your healthcare providers are aware of your complete medical history and any medications you have taken.


Warm regards,