The following excerpt regarding PRP and FDA approval is from the ISHRS website:

The use of PRP in the United States as part of the clinical process of hair transplantation does not require FDA approval, just as the use of blood transfusion during or after surgery does not require FDA approval. Use of PRP as part of the surgical treatment is defined as a procedure and is not subject to FDA regulation.

However:

In the United States, the device used to prepare PRP must have FDA approval. Centrifuges that separate PRP from whole blood for a medical purpose (e.g., to assist tissue healing) are medical devices covered by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act. Federal law requires that manufacturers of medical devices must obtain clearance or approval for the products before offering them for sale. Failure to have premarket approval or clearance for such devices is a violation of U.S. law. Premarket approval requires data showing that a device is safe and effective.

The FDA has not approved PRP as a medication specifically for use in hair transplantation. FDA approval would be based on objective evidence of efficacy (e.g., promoting healing, promoting hair growth) and safety. Claims that PRP is “FDA approved” for use in hair transplantation are incorrect. Advertised claims of PRP efficacy in promoting hair growth may be a violation of FDA protocol regarding medical claims.

David

Softening of the muscles is not a documented side effect of Propecia (finasteride) but some men do claim to have experienced a noticeable softening of the muscles while taking it.

Unfortunately, Propecia must be taken for life in order to maintain its effects. Stopping finasteride will eventually result in catch-up hair loss. In other words, your hair will rapidly take on the balding pattern you would have developed had you never started using the drug in the first place.

David

It’s normal to begin shedding in the first few weeks after starting Propecia. Typically, miniaturized hairs that were on the verge of dying will shed and then regrow thicker and fuller than they were before. In some cases, very weak hairs may not regrow at all.

It’s also important to note that finasteride is not known for growing or retaining hair in the hairline as well as it does in the crown. Unfortunately, there may be little you can do to retain your juvenile hairline. However, with such aggressive hair loss, you should fare much better with the drug than without it. I suggest using it for a minimum of 6 months and up to one year before assessing your results. If you experience side effects or have other concerns, discuss them immediately with your prescribing doctor.

David

Given your family history, you are wise to begin treating your hair loss now while it is in the early stages. Today’s medical hair loss treatments are much better at retaining existing hair than regrowing hair that has already succumbed to the effects of androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness). However, the treatments that you have chosen are unlikely to regrow hair or slow the progression of your balding.

The only two clinically proven and FDA approved non-surgical hair loss treatments for men with thinning hair are Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride). These drugs, when used in combination, offer the best treatment available today for combating male pattern hair loss.

I recommend discussing with treatment option with your physician or a dermatologist specializing in hair loss. Rogaine is available over the counter but you will need a prescription if you choose to add Propecia to your regimen.

David

I am now 37 years old. My scalp is flexible, I have thankfully not had some of the issues which I’ve read about in some comments above, I do take Propecia, and I see that the hair remaining on the top of my head is that which has been transplanted when I was younger.

I am thankful for having done the procedure, and I do believe it was a Dr. Johnson in Boston Bosley who did mine. I highly recommend you research the credentials of your doctor and do not get your surgery done in smaller cities with lesser known physicians. Above all, be realistic, and although I remain with a full head of hair, it is not full like that of a 16 year old, nor would I want it to be.

Also, after taking Propecia for a certain time period, does there come a time where when you stop taking the Propecia, the hair you have regrow will stay? (or atleast fall out at a normal slow pace)

Thanks

I assume this is shedding, but I have not really noticed an excess of hair falling out (I only notice the difference in the mirror).
Is it normal for the left and right recession to be so different?
And is shedding so soon after beginning Fin normal?
Thank you for your response!