Topical Finasteride

Traditionally, finasteride (marketed as Propecia) has been administered via the oral route. However, over the past decade topical finasteride has become increasingly popular for men in Dallas since the risk of adverse side effects can be minimized as compared with the oral dose. It can also be safely and easily combined with topical minoxidil along with other beneficial ingredients like tretinoin, prostaglandin inhibitors, etc. The Hair Genome Test can offer a very precise determination of your sensitivity and dosing of topical finasteride based on your genetic profile.

Topical finasteride offers an alternative to oral finasteride for those men who are having issues with side effects with the oral dose. It can easily be combined with topical minoxidil. Dallas hair transplant surgeon Dr. Sam Lam believes that the hair genome test allows him to dose you the most accurately based on your genetic profile and your related sensitivity or resistance to medical therapy.

Read Our Manifesto Visit Our Gallery

What to Do:

Topical finasteride is typically compounded at 0.25% but may vary depending on the results of your Hair Genome Test. For example, you may need a higher percentage like 0.5% or even a low dose of dutasteride depending on your genetic profile. Other ingredients like the dosing of topical minoxidil percentage, tretinoin, glucocorticoids, etc. would also be determined based on the test.
For individuals who do not want to take the Hair Genome Test, Dr. Lam uses a very successful standard formulation of topical finasteride, known as 82F

What to Expect:

Topical finasteride usually shows effectiveness between 3 to 12 months in time, which is very similar to the oral version. As mentioned, it can be combined with topical minoxidil along with other beneficial therapies in a specific compound.
The incidence of side effects is very low, far less than 1%, but there is not zero absorption.
In rare cases, Dr. Lam can have a liposomal version compounded, which has even less systemic absorption, but which costs more.
If you are near a pregnant woman, it is advisable either not to be on topical finasteride or to keep her from touching your scalp if the fetus is male due to the very remote chance that there would be a hypospadias in the male fetus from her inadvertent ingestion of the product.

FAQs

Is topical finasteride as effective as oral finasteride?

In general, yes. However, not for everyone is this the case. In the past, Dr. Lam would experiment to see which one you would respond better to, but now with the Hair Genome Test, he is able to titrate close to exact equivalents between the two routes of delivery so that you can easily switch between the two with similar if not the same results.
What if I skip a few days of usage of topical finasteride?

You can skip a few days and usually not have any issues of losing ground with your therapy. However, like oral finasteride, or any route of minoxidil, you should not skip a month or two of the product or you will lose what you gained over the time you started on the medical therapy. Consistency is important but missing a few days to a week is ok even though it is not preferred.
If I am on the oral version, can I switch to the topical version?

Yes, and also vice versa. You will find which one is better for you based on compliance, side effects, etc. Dr. Lam and his team will work with you on getting the preferred route of delivery based on all the above factors.

Lam Institute For Hair Restoration

Extremely informative and caring for your overall experience! If you are looking to do the procedure, I can’t refer Dr. Lam enough. Amazing!

Google Community Review
Dallas, TX
Dr. Lam and his team provided an excellent experience and result with my hair transplant.

Healthgrades Reviewer

Topical Finasteride Cost

Dr. Lam will perform an analysis of your hair treatment during your consultation in Dallas to help determine an appropriate treatment plan with your unique needs in mind. He will then discuss the details of the treatment and the cost associated with it.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re interested in learning more about Topical Finasteride in Dallas, TX, contact our office to schedule your informative consultation at the Lam Institute for Hair Restoration. Our team will happily guide you through the treatment process and address any questions or concerns that arise along the way.

Call: 972-312-8105

Schedule Consultation