Minoxidil is a drug that dermatologists use to treat hair loss and improve the density of hair. One applies this drug directly to the scalp twice a day, whether in foam or solution form. Another name for Minoxidil is Regaine.
This article will help us with the general knowledge on what minoxidil is, minoxidil side effects, and how minoxidil affects hair transplant. This surgery involves taking hair from other parts of the head and planting them in the affected area in various people. This article will give you brief information about minoxidil.
What is minoxidil?
Minoxidil is a type of drug that doctors use to treat or lower blood pressure in various patients. However, they noticed some side effects of this drug, like the stimulation of hair growth in all patients, which is why they recommended it to treat hair loss in both males and females.
Minoxidil comes in two different forms, i.e., the one with -2% concentration and a 5% concentration. The 5% concentration has a more significant impact on hair growth than -2%. One should apply this drug from four to seven days after a hair transplant surgery. The various roles of these minoxidil concentrations are;
1. Prevention of further thinning or falling out of hair
Minoxidil works by expanding blood vessels to release more oxygen, minerals, or nutrients and supply them to the scalp, thus accelerating the growth of hair follicles. Application of minoxidil in the scalp after a hair transplant can stop further thinning or falling out of the existing hair, leading to consistent growth of healthy and natural hair.
2. Speeding the time for hair regrowth
When you use minoxidil after a hair transplant, your hair will start growing sooner than you expect. The average hair regrowth after a hair transplant is always four to six months, and this will, in turn, reduce to one to two months. Because of the positive and quick response, many people prefer using this drug after a hair transplant.
3. Strengthening of hair follicles
Minoxidil helps strengthen hair follicles after a hair transplant; thus, the planted and existing hair follicles cannot break. This happens due to its ability to supply proper nutrients to the scalp to protect hair follicles against breakage. It will increase the strength of the scalp for faster growth of hair.
4. Increases the density and thickness of hair
Hair regrowth from hair transplantation surgery may be less or may have an unhealthy look. This is why minoxidil is beneficial after a hair transplant since it thickens the hair follicles and increases hair density. It does this on both existing and planted hair grafts, and this is why many patients consider using this drug after a hair transplant.
5. Hair grafts continue to grow at a higher rate
Minoxidil accelerates the growth rate of the planted follicles; thus, your hair can grow and have the same length after some time. Both planted and pre-existing hair will grow up to their maximum length of specific inches.
Minoxidil side effects
Minoxidil is a better drug to use after hair transplantation for you to have strong and healthy hair. However, some side effects result from it and can cause discomfort to the patient. The side effects may be severe or mild.
The mild side effects disappear after some days, while an experienced doctor must treat the serious ones. Therefore, it would be best to explore further treatments in case of the below severe side effects.
1. Breathing problems
Breathing problem is a severe side effect that comes from the use of minoxidil drug. As a result, you can have difficulty breathing, especially when you are lying down or sleeping. In case of this problem, kindly find a way to reach a doctor who will help you overcome this.
2. Pain in different body parts
The use of minoxidil can lead to arms, shoulders, and chest pains. This is a severe effect that, when no treated, may lead to more complications that can cause discomfort in the patient’s body. The patient can also have indigestion and constipation problems despite the body pains.
3. Rapid gaining or losing weight
Minoxidil can cause someone to gain or lose weight of up to five kilograms in less than a month, which is abnormal. If you experience this profound effect, you should stop using this drug and seek further treatment.
4. Increase in heart rate beating
Minoxidil can make the heartbeat faster than the average rate. High heart rate beating can lead to diseases caused by high stress levels such as pressure. It would help if you considered calling any emergency number or your doctor for you to be on the safe side.
5. Dizziness
The use of the minoxidil drug after the hair transplant can lead to dizziness as some people may feel so tired that they can’t do anything. This can, in turn, lead to fainting; if you don’t take action immediately, you start having this feeling.
The expected or mild side effects that may go away after some time are;
1. Growth of hair in other body parts
Minoxidil can cause hair to grow on all parts of the body, even when you only apply it to the affected area. Doctors have seen and recorded this side effect on various patients who use this drug after carrying out a hair transplant surgery. You can consult your doctor to help you out in case you experience this.
2. Irritation and redness of the skin
Some people who use minoxidil drugs after a hair transplant develop skin effects that irritate the skin and change to red days after using the drug, discouraging many patients from using this drug for hair regrowth after hair transplantation.
The doctors advise that the foam type of minoxidil is the best to use since it has minor skin irritation and redness than the solution version of this drug. Therefore, if you want to reduce skin irritation, consider using the foam version of this drug.
3. Headache
Headache is another negative effect associated with using minoxidil after a hair transplant. Many patients experience a mild headache that can be serious depending on the patient’s body immune system. You should consult your hair specialist immediately if you start feeling headaches for you to be on the safer side.
4. Vomiting
The use of minoxidil drugs after a hair transplant can make someone vomit which is a familiar feeling that can always go away after some time. However, if it goes the extra mile of more than six months, you should consult your doctor.
5. Changes in body hair
The body hair, including facial, can change to a dark color that fades away after some time. Doctors have noticed this change in many different patients who use minoxidil after a hair transplant.
6. Nausea
One can have a feeling of disgust or be sick after using minoxidil for hair loss. This side effect is always expected in both men and women.
Conclusion
Minoxidil for hair loss is an excellent option, mainly when you use it a few days after a hair transplant. Despite the side effects, the positive results of minoxidil, such as high hair density and prevention of hair loss, usually make many people use it. However, if you doubt whether to use it or not, you should consult your doctor.
