Hair Loss Pills vs. Hair Transplants

Men who are experiencing hair loss have plenty of options for effective treatment at their disposal. There are many different options, both surgical and non-surgical, available to help thicken existing hair or even promote the growth of new hair. The team here at our New Jersey area hair transplant surgery center would like to compare the benefits of hair loss pills (in particular, finasteride, which you probably know by the name Propecia®) and hair transplant surgery.

Let’s first take a look at Propecia®, which is an oral medication. Propecia® is the commercial name for a medication that contains finasteride. Finasteride was originally not used to combat hair loss. It was initially prescribed in order to treat enlarged prostates. Researchers notices that over time, some patients taking finasteride experienced hair growth and a decreased rate of hair loss. Propecia® (which has adjusted the dosage of finasteride), was approved as a prescription drug for fighting hair loss by the FDA, though with some restrictions. (For example, pregnant women are prohibited from using Propecia® to reverse hair loss as it can potentially lead to birth effects.)

Hair transplant surgery involves taking hair grafts or individual follicular units from a donor area and placing those follicular unites into the bald spot. This will lead to the growth of new and natural looking hair. Recent advances in hair transplant surgery (particularly follicular unit extraction) have made the process safer and able to achieve some extremely satisfying results. Gone are the days of obvious plugs.

There are plenty of advantages and disadvantages to consider when comparing pills to hair transplants. When it comes to Propecia®, there is no surgery or healing time required, though the healing times for follicular unit extraction are generally short. One disadvantage of Propecia®, however is that once a patient stops taking Propecia®, the patient will experience hair loss as the effects of the drug wear off. With hair transplant surgery, the results are permanent, though the cost may be prohibitive.

In order to find out which option is best for you and your needs, it’s important that you visit our office. We’ll be able to discuss hair transplant risks in New Jersey and matters related to the effectiveness and safety of oral and topical hair loss medications. To schedule a consultation, please contact our New York City hair transplant surgery center today.