What Is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil is a vasodilator, a medical term for a blood pressure medicine. This medication dilates blood vessels to increase blood flow to different body areas–in this case, the scalp. A good supply of blood can mean new hair growth. With minoxidil use, you may notice more hair that seems healthier and thicker across your scalp. Minoxidil is an excellent hair regrowth tool for pattern hair loss. If you suddenly have thin hair or loss that isn’t genetically explainable, your healthcare provider can guide you toward the best treatment option.Can You Use Minoxidil Before Your Hair Transplant?
Since minoxidil is a medication for hair loss, you can use it well before you decide to have a hair transplant. However, if you want to see drastic improvements in hair growth, you can choose a hair transplant down the road. If you decide surgery is right for you, you need to choose a hair loss specialist who can deliver satisfying results. Dr. Sajan is Seattle’s leading hair restoration surgeon. To ensure your safety during the procedure, Dr. Sajan will likely advise you to quit using minoxidil and certain other prescription medications for at least a week before your surgery.When Can You Resume Minoxidil Use After Your Hair Transplant?
You shouldn’t use minoxidil for a time after your hair transplant. Avoid putting anything on your scalp for as long as your Dr. Sajan suggests. It’s crucial to let your skin heal after surgery to avoid infection. You also don’t want to do anything that will interfere with your results and impact your new hair growth. Give your head at least two weeks to heal before you use topical minoxidil. Too much pressure can damage your new grafts. Plus, applying minoxidil to damaged skin might cause side effects since the medication may enter your bloodstream. Dr. Sajan will tell you the optimal time to resume minoxidil. He may suggest waiting a bit longer than two weeks, judging by a case-by-case basis. It’s also a good idea to talk to Dr. Sajan about options other than minoxidil if you aren’t comfortable continuing to use the medication for whatever reason. Dr. Sajan will likely recommend hair loss medication after your hair transplant to help support your results; however, many options exist. Dr. Sajan may be able to suggest a different medication for you to use after your hair transplant.Minoxidil Use After A Hair Transplant
While hair transplant surgery can produce great results, a hair loss specialist like Dr. Sajan often prescribes medication after surgery to support healthy growth and decrease future loss. Minoxidil is one of several options available to patients. Patients may be more likely to see benefits without side effects with a topical medication like minoxidil. For more information on hair restoration in Seattle, call us at (206) 209-0988 or book your consultation online.