This question is for any docs out there (especially Dr. Rose). What is the range of elapsed time (post-surgery) for regrowth to start? This must vary quite a bit by individual, and even for one individual they won't all start on the same day, right?

Dear Gary:

You are right on several counts. The regrowth of hair after a hair transplant varies from patient to patient and hair to hair.The hairs do not synchronize once transplanted.

Generally, after the initial loss of hair following a hair transplant, the hairs begin to be evident at about 3-4 months. Experience shows that when we use large numbers of grafts and "dense packing" the delay may even be longer. In some instances patients who have undergone large graft sessions (1000+) may find that the final result is not evident for 9-12 months. For this reason I caution patients not to proceed with an additional grafting session in an area previously grafted, until approximately 9 months later,

I do think that using Propecia(Finasteride) and
Rogaine(Minoxidil), seems to decrease the "shock phase) for some patients. Rarely I have seen patients who have had growth of hair transplants right from the start,

Paul T. Rose,MD

Dr. Rose,

Thanks. Once again you have provided an informative and interesting answer!