For centuries, men have rubbed peculiar substances into their scalps, ingested all sorts of “miracle” cures, and subjected themselves to electrical stimulation – all with the hope of growing hair.
Although the introduction of Minoxidil, or Regaine seemed promising, its use has turned out to be of limited value. It does grow hair under certain conditions but the growth is sustained only as long as the person continues the applications. Also the hair that it stimulates is not long terminal hair, but short vellus hair – which is short, fuzzy hair that frequently precedes complete baldness.

A more promising medication is Propecia (finesteride). It is an oral medication, developed under the name Proscar, for enlargement of the prostate. However it was soon discovered that it caused new hair growth in some men. There is a small risk of side effects, and it also appears to sustain growth only as long as you use it. It works better in combination with minoxodil (Regaine).

Our hope is that even if no new hair growth is noted with Rogaine or Propecia, perhaps they will halt or delay the progression of an individual’s baldness. In some cases this could allow us to accept younger patients if their balding can be delayed or reversed.
Although we encourage most of our patients to try these medications, the fact is they are not a panacea. Even if new growth is noted, often it is not enough to make the patient happy.

For most people hair transplants remains the best permanent option available today. We view Propecia not as a threat to the hair transplant surgery business, but as an adjunct allowing the combination to give the best results possible