Can Minoxidil potentially weaken connective tissue?

Studies  in the laboratory have shown that minoxidil can affect lysine hydroxylase activity. Whether this transforms to clinical expression is hypothetical. No clinical studies have been performed to confirm these lab results. Should this be a commonly reported problem, minoxidil would  have warnings as do the fluoroquinolones. Jeff Rapaport MDCore Aesthetic Realself

Thank you for your question! Although there has been some suggestion of aging of the skin with minoxidil, clinically it is something that we never see.

Although there has been some suggestion of aging of the skin with minoxidil, clinically it is something that we never see.  

Dear Hifikepunye,Hello and thank you for your excellent question. To my knowledge, there is not data to suggest that minoxidil will weaken your connective tissue. I suggest that you start Finasteride and Minoxidil, as they are the only two medications for hair loss approved by the FDA. For women of child-bearing age, I use spironolactone instead of finasteride. Both medications have different mechanism of action, and I usually recommend both medications to my patients. Other adjuncts include low-level laser light therapy, PRP, stem cell, or other regenerative medical treatment. Also, you will want to ensure that you are not taking any medications that could be contributing to your hair loss. The main objectives with the combination treatments are to stabilize your hair loss, increase your existing hair fiber diameter, and stimulate some hair regrowth. After those options are completed, I recommend hair transplant, including FUE or FUT. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!

Best,

Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeon

Texas “Top Doc” 2017, 2018

RealSelf100

America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, Consumer’s Research Council, 2010 – 2018
BeautyAdvisor Top Contributor

There have been no studied that suggest that minoxidil can cause premature aging of the skin; however, there have been reports from time to time that this is a possible side effect, particularly because minoxidil can impact collagen formation