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Topic minoxidil after hair transplant

L

Luka

member
Guys, I want to pick your brain about this topic.
I am fresh of a 1500 graft frontal third front transplant, which was the 3rd one on the same recipient area (repair for density after 2 so-so result transplants with a different clinic) and has seen the immediate hairline area and forelock densely packed.
How, I have been advised by the surgeon to take topical minoxidil (Rogaine) after approx. 3 weeks in the 2% solution and continue for the next 5-6 months with the 5% solution.
While the surgeon told be this was optional to give a boost to the newly implanted follicles, I am naturally concerned since I had never taken hair loss medication before (I am 52) and my hair loss has stopped quite a while ago. However, I have a couple of concerns:
1. Will applying topical minoxidil to increase blood flow in the recipient have a meaningful effect on the transplanted hairs (make the grow faster by shortening the telogen phase), but also maybe protect the existing hairs (true, most of them originating from the past 2 surgeries) from shock loss?
2. Conversely, if I do not resort to topical minoxidil, will this handicap growth or not prevent shock loss (which I must say has not been mentioned by my surgeon who I am sure did a great job this time). Particularly since the recipient has been heavily worked on and it may have messed up with the blood supply, skin hardness, etc.
In other words, is it worth it? Did you experience any side effects? I am here talking about the liquid for of Rogaine, since I have medium-to long hair and the foam version seems not that practical.
If someone has gone through this experience, I would appreciate your 2 cents.

Cheers
 
P

pdoc

Valued member
Hi Luka. l have been taking Regaine foam minoxidil 5% and liquid form twice daily . l had my transplant 6 months ago. and started taking Regaine foam 3 weeks after my treatment. the Regaine is just to help speed up the final results. so far l haven't experienced any side effects. l put the foam on the morning so my hair is dry going to work. then the liquid form at night . so far l have been happy how my hair has grown. the surgeon will want the best results for you as it reflects back on him.
 
L

Luka

member
How do you know it has sped up growth in your case? Are you planning on stopping at any moment? Also, what is the practical difference between foam and liquid?
 
P

pdoc

Valued member
l got my crown done 6 months ago. and going by results of people who have had the same treatment, most say it can take up to 18 months to get to the final result. l am very happy of were l am at the moment in that journey. the clinic's wouldn't advise us to use it if wasn't going to help.it won't add more hair. but speed up what you got done. the foam and liquid do the same thing. the foam they say is easier on the scalp as some people find the liquid form irritates the scalp were i don't. the foam drys faster. the reason l use it in the morning. l will continue using it up till the year of my HT. and then see how things are.
 
Kevboy

Kevboy

Valued member
If you do not use it I think it could give a false result if it promotes extra growth then when you stop it you lose those gains.
 
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