Question:
How effective are medications for treating hair loss, assuming that they are effective? Also what are the advantages of using them in conjunction with a hair transplant?
Answer:
The two major drugs for hair loss are (1) Rogaine and (2) Propecia. Rogaine will potentially slightly thicken hair over the crown area but the minute you stop using the Rogaine, you lose the hair. Furthermore, in a significant number of people there is no increase in hair from Rogaine treatment. Propecia will cause some thickening of the hair and some increase in hair. It appears to be more effective than Rogaine and it is a pill that you take every day. However, for significant hair loss, there is really no way of getting around a hair transplant. Our office does recommend the use of Propecia in people who have had hair transplants to help thicken the existing hair and thicken the hair that grows in.
Posted by Dr. Galitz
