Can growing transplanted hairs be susceptible and succumb to the minoxidil sheds?

Question

Hi Docs, I’m wondering if my successfully growing FUE transplanted hairs can be susceptible and succumb to the initial minoxidil shed and minoxidil dependency? ... as I hadn’t used it at all during or since my 1 year post FUE hair transplant surgery but am considering staring it’s use to improve density but am concerned it’s effect on my transplanted hairs. Thanks.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

It is important to remember that any gains made with Minoxidil will be forever dependent on Minoxidil. Stopping therapy will likely lead to a loss of these gains. This does not apply to the transplanted grafts but rather the hair growth noted from medical therapy alone. Transplanted grafts come from androgenically insensitive populations on the back and sides of the scalp. These hairs are permanent.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS) with experience in hair restoration.Donovan Rosas MD
Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
RealSelf Top 100
RealSelf
Hall of Fame

Scott C. Sattler, MD, FACS · Answer

The follicles transplanted originate from a metabolically privileged region of your scalp, and are less prone to minoxidil's local effects than follicles that are more prone to androgenic loss. Having said that, we recommend minox use for all of our transplant patients.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Specific medical treatment issues should be discussed with your doctor especially if you are not sure how to use the medication.  Minoxidil does not typically cause shedding.  The Internet accounts of shedding is out of proportion.

Christian Heinis, MD · Answer

Studies indicate that grafted / transplanted hair should not succumb to the effects of shedding caused by Minoxidil.

E. Ronald Finger, MD · Answer

The old saying, " Anything is possible" may apply here, but after performing hair transplants for over a decade and prescribing Minoxidil to every patient, I have not seen any shedding of the grafted hair, or for that matter only very rarely on your existing hair, and it was temporary. The Minoxidil will help keep you from losing the original hair (not the grafted hairs), which typically will continue to shed. The grafted hairs are there for almost a lifetime, providing they were taken from donor areas that will not lose hair in the future.Thank you for your question, and good luck. If it were me, I would start on the Minoxidil 5% foam, which is what I personally do.

Artur Kierach, MD · Answer

Minoxidil I basic but very god medication for hair loss. You can use it after FUE also. I do recommend that to my patients if there is need.

David P. Melamed, MD · Answer

Minoxidil is a very simple medication that stimulates increased blood flow to your scalp.  Irrespective of a transplant, hair that is treated with minoxidil can experience an initial period shedding, while follicles adjust their growth cycle. It is perfectly fine to use minoxidil on your scalp as early as 14 days after hair transplantation.

Glenn Charles, DO · Answer

The Minoxidil should be used as a preventative treatment and will most likely not improve your current density. It may help to preserve some of the original (native ) hair but would need to be continued indefinitely. If you choose to stop using medication your situation would revert back to a point as if you never used it.

John Peter Cole, MD · Answer

Even the donor area thins over time.  Evidence of loss in the donor area is a high percentage of resting telogen hair.  Resting hair from the donor area can be shifted into the growing phase by minoxidil, so it can shed.

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Hello, good question!! I suggest to talk to your doctor regarding this question. If you start Minoxidil you will be dependent on it so you need to think if that’s what you want to do.

Can growing transplanted hairs be susceptible and succumb to the minoxidil sheds?

Answers (15)

More FUE Hair Transplant Questions

Is the hairline too conservative? (Photos)

PRP after transplant: Is it possible to damage transplanted follicles with PRP injections?

Would FUE be able to treat the folliculitis scarring I have on the nape of my neck? (Photo)

Do you think my donor area is over-harvested following my 3000-graft transplant? (Photos)

Feeling very fatigued and dizzy 15 days after FUE hair transplant. Any suggestions? (photos)

12 days post-op. After pulling out blood clotting with cotton I can see new hair grafts pull out. Is this normal? (photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS