Prevention of Temporal Alopecia Following Rhytidectomy: The Prophylactic Use of Minoxidil. A Study of 60 Patients

In a 2001 study involving 60 women who underwent facelift procedures, researchers found that the use of minoxidil, a medication typically used for hair loss, effectively prevented temporal hair loss following the surgery. Patients were treated with either 2% or 5% topical minoxidil for 2 weeks before surgery and for 4 weeks after surgery. Only one patient experienced temporary hair loss, which resolved within 4 weeks of reintroducing minoxidil. No side effects from minoxidil were observed. The study concluded that minoxidil played a role in effectively preventing temporal hair loss following facelifts without increasing the risk of other complications. The study suggested that minoxidil could be beneficial if used for at least 2-3 months postoperatively.