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Finasteride Hair Loss Treatment

Home/Hair Restoration & Transplant Surgery/Finasteride Hair Loss Treatment

What Is Finasteride?

Finasteride (also marketed under the brand name Propecia®) is an oral medication that can encourage hair growth in men. Categorized as a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, finasteride functions by preventing testosterone from turning into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can interfere with hair growth. By blocking this androgen, finasteride can combat thinning hair and male pattern baldness, allowing patients to enjoy a healthier, fuller head of hair.

Our team at JEV Plastic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics is experienced in many surgical and non-surgical hair restoration techniques. If you are suffering from male pattern baldness and interested in a non-surgical solution, contact us to schedule an appointment with our board-certified plastic surgeon, Carrie Houssock, MD, FACS, or Hair Restoration Coordinator, Richard Markowitz, RN. We can determine whether the revolutionary finasteride or another treatment is best for your needs.

Who Is a Candidate for Finasteride?

The typical finasteride candidate is a male who suffers from male pattern baldness (also known as “androgenetic alopecia”). The treatment is generally only able to target hair follicles on the scalp or crown, and has not been proven effective for hair growth on the temples or alternative parts of the body. Furthermore, candidates should be in relatively good health and free of prostate or liver diseases, as finasteride is liable to interfere with (or potentially worsen) these conditions.

Please note that finasteride is not FDA-approved for women. Females who want to combat hair loss or hair thinning can choose from a number of other hair restoration options at our practice, such as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE).

What Does the Finasteride Treatment Involve?

Finasteride is a prescription-only tablet that is normally taken once a day, with or without food. It is important to take the pill at the same time each day. If you are prescribed finasteride, you will be given a leaflet with instructions on how to safely take this medication. Side effects of this treatment, while uncommon, may include dizziness, anxiety, cold sweats, and erectile dysfunction. If you experience any of these complications, please contact our team right away.

For many patients, finasteride can produce thicker, healthier hair within three to six months; however, this is not the case for everyone and the timeline of your results may vary. Many of our patients opt to combine finasteride with our Compounded Minoxidil Formula, a potent topical that can thicken and strengthen hair. We frequently give patients the chance to supplement their hair restoration treatments with our specialized formula.

How Much Does Finasteride Cost?

Factors that may influence the cost of finasteride include the inclusion of other treatments; whether the generic or brand Propecia® is being prescribed; and additional variables. Please be aware that finasteride is typically not covered by insurance when prescribed for hair loss treatment.

We can provide a quote after meeting with you for an initial consultation. For more information about our payment process, please view our plastic surgery financing page or feel free to get in touch with our friendly team.

To learn more about finasteride or our other hair restoration treatments, we encourage you to contact JEV Plastic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics.