Panic! Didn't stop Minoxidil and I have a hair transplant in 3 days, can I use ice to slow the blood?

Question

Hi guys. Panicking. My surgeon's pre-op info said to stop minoxidil foam (5%) 'at least one week' before treatment... that means I only stopped 3 days pre-op. i know opinion varies greatly on when to stop (some say months before, some say the day before.) Surgery is now in 2 days. If the problem Minoxidil causes is more blood to the scalp and therefore more bleeding during the op, I wonder about icing my forehead tonight to help speed up the post-Rogaine slowing down process. Stupid idea? Thanks

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

It is best to contact your doctor and stop the panic.  Just explain to your doctor  your problem and things should be fine.

Sahar Nadimi, MD · Answer

I would not worry about not discontinuing the Minoxidil foam in time for your surgery. I recommend that you let your surgeon know about it but it is highly unlikely that this will cause problems at the time of surgery.

Ilhan Serdaroglu, MD · Answer

Do not panic .Just contrary, I recommend my patients to use minoxidil before surgery to support implanted hair .

Sean Behnam, MD · Answer

I doubt it will cause a significant difference in your transplant if you only stop a few days before instead of the full week. But, you should definitely talk to your doctor about it just so that they're aware of the status of your medications before going into the transplant.

Karl Hekimian, MD · Answer

Don't ice your head.  This probably won't be a problem, but do contact your surgeon and let him/her know right away.

Panic! Didn't stop Minoxidil and I have a hair transplant in 3 days, can I use ice to slow the blood?

Answers (5)