Minoxidil with Hair Transplant. What should I expect if I stop taking Minoxidil?

Question

I recently had a hair transplant 3 months ago using DHI. I'm sure the results will turn out fine as I'm already seeing much regrowth. I am from US and had the procedure done in Bangkok, Thailand from a very reputable company. However, I am having trouble getting good answers from them. When I started taking Min I got really bad shedding. The Min runs out in 1 month, and I've read the new hair regrowth from shedding will shed again. What should I expect if I stop taking Min?

John Peter Cole, MD · Answer

Minoxidil is a bandaid. By now the shedding from minoxidil should stop and you should begin to see an improvement. If you were to stop the minoxidil now, the gains you have made with it will degress. I encourage you to stay on it as it is good for your hair. At the same time, you would be better off with a topical finasteride with minoxidil. Stopping the treatment won't be the end of the world as the results with minoxidil alone are not often amazing.

Suleyman Tas, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Since you're already observing regrowth and have undergone a reputable procedure, the ultimate results of your transplant should still be positive. However, for personalized guidance on using or discontinuing Minoxidil, consulting a healthcare professional is crucial. They can provide recommendations based on your specific situation and goals.

Kulakarn Amonpattana, MD · Answer

Hello I'm Dr. Wipawan Vathananai, a co-worker of Dr. Kulakarn Amonpattana, from BHI Clinic, Bangkok, Thailand. The hair regrowth induced by minoxidil will turn back to what it should be without minoxidil. Minoxidil drives the hair by lengthening the anagen (growing) phase and shorten telogen (resting) phase. Therefore, when you stop taking minoxidil, the hair will just turn back to how it naturally grows. The first shedding after taking minoxidil is caused by the shortening of the telogen phase, which is like autumn or fall, the old leaves shed so the new leaves can come. 
Minoxidil induced hair growth by increasing blood vessels around the hair follicles. Therefore, when the effect of minoxidil is worn out, the amount and size of the blood vessels will go back to the same. 
In case you want to continue taking oral minoxidil, I think you can discuss this with your dermatologist since there have been lots of approved studies regarding using minoxidil in oral form as androgenetic alopecia treatment. I hope this help.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question, This is one of the drawbacks of having surgery in another country. This is something that you really need to have looked at by a doctor.  I would be happy to consult with you in person so I can better determine what is needed. Best of luck to you.
Dr. T

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Minoxidil with Hair Transplant. What should I expect if I stop taking Minoxidil?

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