Since Propecia is now available, doesn't that mean hair transplants are a thing of the past?

While Propecia has been proven to re-grow hair, it will not grow all of your hair back. Their greatest benefit seems to be in slowing down hair loss. Our doctors can consult with you and prescribe Propecia if you desire.After using Propecia® (finasteride) for a prolonged period, would cessation of use of the drug result in the same sudden rapid hair loss off all hairs that would have been lost without the use of the drug, like suddenly stopping use of Rogaine® (minoxidil)?

The hair would be lost until the point where an individual would have been without treatment. However, the hair loss is not sudden and will take several months to a year after stopping the medications. That is why missing a day or two of treatment, athough not recommended, is generally not harmful.

What are the possible harmful effects of Propecia and Rogaine? Especially in regards to women handling Propecia and/or a man taking the drug while trying to have a baby? Can the man cease taking the drug until he has fertilized a child?

There are no known harmful effects of either medication when used as directed by the manufacturer. Follow all package instructions. Propecia would be potentially harmful to a developing male fetus in a pregnant woman if the drug entered her body. This would require her to ingest the medication, so she should not handle broken or crushed tablets. The amounts of drug in a male's semen have been studied and found to be insignificant. The man can certainly cease treatment during conception efforts, but this is not necessary.

Is Propecia less effective in different races? Asian vs. Caucasian? Is it less effective for frontal vs. coronal pattern hair loss?

There has not been any noted difference in ethnic groups. Propecia is most effective in crown hair loss. It is less effective in frontal loss. It has not been shown to be effective in the temples (sides of head forward of the ears).

Is hair loss genetic?
Hair loss is indeed genetic. While other factors may make small contributions to hair loss, heredity is the primary cause. Our genes determine whether we are susceptible to the DHT hormone (dihydrotestosterone) that causes hair follicles to shrink and eventually die, thus producing hair loss.

Contrary to popular belief, baldness is not inherited solely from a person’s maternal family. Either family branch can affect your reaction to DHT hormone.

At what age should I start a hair transplant?
Hair loss is a problem which persists throughout life. Most hair loss physicians encourage you to address the issue early... before it becomes more visible. An earlier start will allow your hair transplant surgeon to camouflage the work while the transplanted hair grows in gradually and unnoticed.

There are no age limits (patients range from 21-85 years old). You don't have to wait until you stop losing hair to start. There is no magical age where hair loss stops.

Doesn't removing hair from the donor area on the back of my head leave a large gap?
The scalp is very elastic. When the donor strip of hair is removed, the scalp on both sides is just pulled together and sutured. The only evidence of surgery is a thin line hidden under the hair that grows vertically on the back of the head.