What is the longest time you should go without applying Minoxidil for MPB before benefits subside?

Question

Hi I see differing advice regarding how long people should wait before restarting minoxidil after atipping before a hair restoration procedure, including up to 1 month. I am an NW3 using minoxidil for 1 year consistently with good results. 2 questions: 1) what is the longest time someone should go without applying minoxidil before any benefits are lost and hairs benefitting from it start to wither? 2) is minoxidil as effective when restarting it after a break as the first time?

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

The  half-life of topical minoxidil in the scalp is approximately 22 hours and is significantly  shorter with the oral ingestion. Therefore,one should not stop minoxidil. Some transplant surgeons request discontinuing  for a few days prior to surgery and commencing quickly afterwards. Minoxidil does not affect 5 Alpha reductase and therefore one needs to continue to suppress the  ongoing miniaturizing effects on the follicles.

Karl Hekimian, MD · Answer

Ideally you don't stop minoxidil, and typically results after stopping and resuming after a long period of time are not as good as they are if you never stop.Yes, you will get differing opinions on how long to stop minoxidil after a transplant.  The concern is that you can damage/dislodge grafts massaging minoxidil into the scalp right after surgery.  After a week this should not be an issue.  Best to follow your surgeon's advice on this.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

One should ideally not stop minoxidil for more than 1 week every year. Results are better twice daily than once daily (for men) which emphasizes the importance of sending these hairs a message EVERY 12 HOURS. There is no simple rule. Men who use minoxidil regularly get better results than those who don’t. Minoxidil only needs to be stopped a few days before surgery. Minoxidil is rarely as effective after long breaks.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

When planning on using minoxidil after a hair transplant, you should wait at least 2 weeks when all of the crusting is off

What is the longest time you should go without applying Minoxidil for MPB before benefits subside?

Answers (4)

Answer: Minoxidil after a hair transplant

Answer: Minoxidil after a hair transplant

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What is the longest time you should go without applying Minoxidil for MPB before benefits subside?

Answers (4)

Answer: Minoxidil after a hair transplant

Answer: Minoxidil after a hair transplant

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Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.