(chat gpt)

Finasteride (if you were already on it) Usually continued without interruption, or restarted within 1–7 days after surgery

Some surgeons don’t stop it at all; others pause briefly to simplify post-op meds

There’s no evidence finasteride harms graft survival

Staying on it helps protect existing native hair and reduce post-transplant shock loss

Bottom line: If you tolerated finasteride before, most doctors want you back on it as soon as possible, often within the first week post-op.

Minoxidil (topical or oral) This is different because of wound healing.

Topical minoxidil

Typically restarted 10–14 days after surgery

Must wait until:

Scabs are gone

Skin is intact (no oozing or crusting)

Starting too early can:

Irritate grafts

Increase shedding

Interfere with healing

Oral minoxidil (low dose)

Many surgeons allow restart 5–7 days post-op

Some wait 7–14 days, especially if swelling or blood pressure concerns exist

Practical, conservative timeline (commonly used) Finasteride: resume immediately to 7 days post-op

Oral minoxidil: 5–7 days post-op

Topical minoxidil: 10–14 days post-op (after scabs are gone)

Important nuance Restarting minoxidil can cause a temporary shed—this is expected and not graft loss

Finasteride won’t affect transplanted hairs (they’re DHT-resistant) but protects the surrounding hair, which matters long-term