Is it true minoxidil foam is not useful after a hair transplant/FUE ?

Question

I read my previous post that post FUE minoxidil is not useful. I would think it would maintain your own native hairs at the very least ? I wanted to start applying since my FUE 3 weeks ago, it but if theres no point I won't

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Correct. NeoGraft FUE Hair Transplant is intended to be a permanent natural-looking solution to hair loss. Always consult with your board certified facial plastic surgeon.Best wishes,

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

In general doctors do not routinely recommend Rogaine or minoxidil foam after surgery.  If you want to use it, it is best to ask your doctor.

Baubac Hayatdavoudi, MD · Answer

You'll find the use of a good brand of minoxidil consistently a highly useful tool in preventing further loss, improving innate hair, and growing longer thicker hairs.  Post procedure, it is useful for allowing synchronization of growth phases for your transplant.  Although it is not absolutely necessary, it is an ounce of prevention for your follicles worth its weight in gold.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Minoxidil can help.Minoxidil can play a role to reduce shedding of grafts and shedding of existing hair (ie. a post operative shedding) ... but does not appear to influence the chance of the grafts surviving.Here's a bit of proof:In 1987, Dr Kassimir first published that 2 of 12 individuals having hair restoration procedures demonstrated growth of the transplanted hairs without shedding. Thereafter, Dr Singh published a nice report of 40 patients showing that minoxidil didn't alter the survival rate of transplanted grafts ..... but did affect the chances that the grafts would be shed. A similar finding was then put forth by Bouhanna just a few years later.Overall, is there a role for minoxidil?Absolutely. There is a clear role for minoxidil in care before and after surgery. Minoxidil may diminish graft shedding and may reduce the post operative loss of existing hair as well ( so called post operative telogen effluvium). Whether or not one should use it, however, needs to be reviewed on a case by case basis.Oral finasteride can certainly help as well. It appears to reduce shedding and shock loss for many.REFERENCED STUDIES 1. Kassimir JJ. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1987 Mar;16(3 Pt 2):685-7.2. Bouhanna P.  1989 Jan;15(1):50-3.3. Singh G. 1998 Jan-Feb;64(1):23-4.

William Woessner, MD · Answer

Minoxidil is useful after FUE and FUT normally. It works very slowly and if you are not patient you will not give it an opportunity to be effective. Remember that it works on the scalp not the hair shaft. It helps to feed the bulbs underneath the scalp. Try to patient with minoxidil and give it time.

Alba Reyes, MD · Answer

Minoxidil is always useful in the hair loss process also after hair transplant surgery. In the first 3 months after FUE you cannot apply Minoxidil onto the implants but only on the sides and back. after 3 months you can apply also onto the implants.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Thank you for posting your question. Minoxidil foam is good, but not great. Most of the medication minoxidil will stick to the hair, versus being absorbed through the skin. If you have the option, stick with the topical clear liquid, and use the foam as a styling purpose. Hope this helps.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

The could be an effect of minoxidil on the native hair, but not the hair transplants as I reported in my previous post to you

Is it true minoxidil foam is not useful after a hair transplant/FUE ?

Answers (8)

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