Effects of Finasteride (1 mg) on Hair Transplant

Abstract

BACKGROUND. The improved scalp coverage achieved by hair transplant for men with androgenetic alopecia can be diminished by continued miniaturization and loss of preexisting, nontransplanted hairs.OBJECTIVES. To evaluate whether finasteride 1 mg, administered daily from 4 weeks before until 48 weeks after hair transplant, improves scalp hair and growth of nontransplanted hair in areas surrounding the transplant and to evaluate the safety and tolerability of finasteride for men undergoing hair transplant.METHODS. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 79 men with androgenetic alopecia (20-45 years of age) were assigned to treatment with finasteride 1 mg (n = 40) or placebo (n = 39) once daily from 4 weeks before until 48 weeks after hair transplant. Efficacy was evaluated by review of global photographs by an expert dermatologist and by macrophotography for scalp hair counts.RESULTS. Treatment with finasteride resulted in significant improvements from baseline, compared with placebo, in scalp hair based on global photographic assessment (p < .01) and hair counts (p < .01) at week 48. Visible increases in superior/frontal scalp hair post-transplant were recorded for 94% and 67% of patients in the finasteride and placebo groups, respectively. Finasteride treatment was generally well tolerated.CONCLUSION. For men with androgenetic alopecia, therapy with finasteride 1 mg daily from 4 weeks before until 48 weeks after hair transplant improves scalp hair surrounding the hair transplant and increases hair density.

Androgenetic alopecia: An update

“…[72,73] Combining hair transplant with finasteride is also considered more effective than hair transplant alone. [74] HORMONAL TREATMENT HORMONAL TREATMENT Studies have shown no significant efficacy or role for hormonal therapy -like anti-androgens in male AGA. The only evidence based support for hormonal therapy appears to be the use of cyproterone acetate in female patients with clinical and biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenism.…”

“…It is recommended to combine hair transplant with oral finasteride for best results. [69,74] Hair transplant was first described by Dr. Norman Orentreich [78] in 1959. The back and sides of the scalp are the regions where the hairs remain for the longest period of time.…”

Medical treatments for male and female pattern hair loss

“…Another randomized, doubleblind trial of 79 men with AGA were treated with finasteride 1 mg daily or placebo for 4 weeks before and 48 weeks after hair transplantation demonstrated that the treatment group had significant improvement from baseline, in comparison with placebo. 114 We understand finasteride's mechanism of action, but it is worthwhile to discuss its actual effect on hair follicles. One study on 212 men with AGA who were randomized to either finasteride 1 mg/day or placebo for 48 weeks demonstrated an increase in the …”

Hair Transplantation, Fifth Edition

“…These results are shown in Fig. A randomized, doubleblind trial of 79 men with AGA were treated with finasteride 1 mg daily or placebo for 4 weeks prior to and 48 weeks after hair transplantation demonstrated that the treatment group had significant improvement from baseline, in comparison with placebo ( 98 ). In comparison, the placebo group continued to lose hair.…”