How Does Propecia Compare to a Hair Transplant?

Question

Which one, Propecia or a hair transplant is likely to reverse the hair loss process?

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Propecia is a drug and hair transplant is surgery.  Propecia mainly slows down hair loss.  Sometimes it regrows hair.  It does not STOP hair loss completely in the long run.  Hair transplant is surgery.  It is basically moving hair from one location to another location.  It does not stop or reverse hair loss.

Sanusi Umar, MD · Answer

Propecia and hair transplant are completely different methods of hair restoration. Both of them are effective, but Propecia is a DHT-inhibiting drug that prevents hair loss (only amid the vertex, not the hairline), while hair transplant replaces hair that has already been lost. Your choice between the two would depend on a great number of factors, including whether you want a temporary or permanent solution, whether you have hair loss at the hairline or crown, and how far your hair loss has progressed. As for “reversing” hair loss, the better solution would be hair transplant, since Propecia doesn’t really re-grow hair.

Kevin Ende, MD · Answer

Why not talk to your doctor about propecia and try it. If it regrows your hair to your satisfaction, great!  The majority of patients will seek further treatment options like hair transplant.

Frank Agullo, MD · Answer

Propecia can slow down the rate of hair loss and may occasionally cause visible hair regrowth. A hair transplant restores hair and density to the areas of loss, framing the face and providing a younger appearance. I often recommend hair transplant patients to use Propecia and minoxidil for improved and longer lasting results.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Propecia is only for crown loss. If no regrowth in 1 year in the crown it won't work. For all other loss it is either The Fleming-Mayer Flap or hair transplants. Both are discussed on our website.

Colin Hong, MD · Answer

Propecia is actually a hair medication for treatment of weak or damaged follicles, while hair transplant is the surgical approach to amend damaged hair follicles to restructure the growth of hair to favorable conditions and presentable appearances. Scientifically, both are highly recommended to encourage hair growth, but they do not stop the loss of hair.

Jack Fisher, MD · Answer

These are two totally different concepts.  Propecia is a drug to slow hair loss and can occasionally grow some hair.  A hair transplant is a definitive surgical procedure which replaces hair.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Propecia (finasteride) is a drug that reverses, slows or stops hair loss but not balding. Hair transplants treat balding. Do your research

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

Hair replacement sugery, hair transplants and the Fleming-Mayer flap, are permanent, definitive solutions to the problem of hair loss. Although the topical application of Propecia is much easier than surgery, if this treatment is successful by slowing the progression of alopecia or stimulating growth in hair follicles that are not functioning, it must be used throughout life or the benefits are temporary.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Hair transplants give more follicles to areas of thinning or balding scalp.  Propecia helps keep the follicles you have and encourage some to regrow....both are great solutions for hair loss.

How Does Propecia Compare to a Hair Transplant?

Answers (11)