Do you have to take finasteride after a hair transplant?
Non-surgical treatments for male pattern baldness such as finasteride can be used to preserve the results of your hair transplant in the long run. Learn more about how Finasteride works, how to use it, and whether you need it after a hair transplant procedure.
In a Nutshell
| Why after hairtransplant | Stop further hair loss |
| Efficacy | 64% reduction in DHT levels |
| Side effects | Erectile dysfunction, Depression |
| Alternatives | Minoxidil |
Do I have to take finasteride after a hair transplant?
Finasteride is a popular medication that reduces hair loss and is used to maintain hair density. While your hair transplant should last a lifetime, you might lose hair in other areas as you continue to age. This can shorten the lifespan of your hair transplant results and reduce the fullness of your hair. Finasteride helps preserve your existing hair density and prevents hair loss in the future.
Simply put, while it is not necessary to take finasteride or other hair loss remedies after your procedure, taking it might help your hair transplant last longer.
- Free
- Fast
- Non-binding
How does finasteride work?
Male pattern baldness is caused by rising levels of DHT in the body that shortens the growth phase of hair follicles. Finasteride works by inhibiting an enzyme called reductase of 5α- DHT that is responsible for the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By blocking this conversion, it reduces the levels of DHT in the body, thus preventing hair loss.
The following table presents multiple clinical studies discussing the efficacy of finasteride:
| Study | Result |
|---|---|
| Drake et al (1999) | The study exhibited a 64% reduction in the levels of DHT in the scalp for 1 mg of finasteride and a 69% reduction for 5 mg after 42 days of the treatment. Meanwhile, the placebo group showed a 13% decrease only. |
| Roberts et al (1999) | An increase in hair count and cosmetic improvement in hair growth was detected after the usage of finasteride. The study found the efficacy of 1 mg finasteride similar to that of 5 mg dosage. However, lower doses (0.2 mg and 0.01 mg) yielded significantly less efficacy. |
| Kaufman et al (1998) | Standardized clinical photographs after taking finasteride were evaluated by an expert panel to conclude that 48% of the men on finasteride showed a visible improvement in hair growth after one year as compared to the 7% of men who took placebo treatments. After two years, 66% of the men on finasteride continued to experience improved hair growth as compared to 7% of men on placebo. |
| Study | Result |
|---|---|
| Drake et al (1999) | 5 mg: 2.6% of the patients on 5mg of finasteride experienced a decreased libido. 1 mg: No decrease was observed for the 1 mg dosage. Placebo Group: 4.5% of people in the placebo group experienced a low libido. |
| Roberts et al (1999) | 1mg dosage: Sexual function side effects (4.2%), Erectile dysfunction (1.4%), Decreased ejaculation volume (1.0%), Decreased libido (1.9%) Placebo group: Sexual function side effects (2.2%), Erectile dysfunction (0.9%), Decreased ejaculation volume (0.4%), Decreased libido (1.3%) |
| Kaufman et al (1998) | 1mg dosage: Decreased libido (2.9%) 0.2mg: Decreased libido (1.5%) Placebo group: Decreased libido (2.2%) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a hair transplant worth it without Finasteride?
How long does a hair transplant last without medication?
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