Objectives: Hair transplantation (HT) is very effective therapeutic option for male pattern hair loss (MPHL). However HT has limitation its transplant numbers and cannot prevent MPHL progression. The aim of this study was to investigate the additive effect of finasteride on the HT through MPHL delaying.
Methods: Korean 36 MPHL patients (20–57 years) with over M3 BASP type were taken finasteride 1mg after HT for 96 weeks. 12 MPHL patients (24-58 years) gotten only HT were also enrolled for control group. The differences between two groups about hair characteristics were evaluated with global photography and Folliscope® for hair density and thickness.
Results: Global appearance improvement was more prominent in the finasteride taking group. Although increased hair density was observed in the finasteride group, it was not reached statistically significance. Hair thickness was dramatically increased (p<0.01) after 96 weeks compared with control group. However average hair thickness of finasteride untreated group was not great changed compared with before HT status.
Conclusions: Anti 5alpha-reducatase after HT for MPHL has additive effect on hair thickness and global improvement. As MPHL has progressive miniaturizing tendency and it is not reversible, HT only effectiveness is not long lasting. Surgico-medical therapy is more reasonable therapeutic option for MPHL.