RAF - Hair Transplant + Propecia (Finasteride)

[wannaberafpilot]

Have any of you had (or know of someone who has had) a hair transplant currently serving in the RAF, or taking Propecia/Finasteride to halt MPB? I'm applying to join and I'm wondering if it's not allowed (i.e. a reason to preclude entry) and a reason to be deemed TMU/PMU, because if it's going to affect my application I won't have the surgery or take the medication.

It's a private minor cosmetic surgery that's not on the NHS, and the drug isn't prescribed either by the NHS, so neither would show on my medical record as far as I'm aware, meaning I wouldn't have to declare it right?

I rang the AFCO for advice but they told me 'the latest advice they've been given is to tell people to just apply and see how far you get' - not too helpful though!

[Phororhacos]

I know nothing about RAF aircrew standards.

Finasteride used for other reasons is acceptable to the UK CAA for civilian pilots when used for other indications, i.e. Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy see https://www.caa.co.uk/Aeromedical-Ex...c-hypertrophy/

As to whether you have to declare it.. again I only know about Civil Flying.

In the civilian aeromedical world, the application form reads
Q28 ) Do you currently use any medication?

(not do you currently use any medication prescribed on the NHS)

so my guess is that you do.

[wannaberafpilot]

Thanks for the reply. That makes sense for civvy. It's a tough one because it isn't prescribed (and hence isn't on a medical record), but obviously it's sod's law that it would show in a blood test or something. Hence why I was curious as to whether there were any RAF people on here who take it that would help clarify this

I'm just contemplating whether having the minor surgery during the application process is the right decision, or whether I should hold off until after the recruitment process is over. I've heard it can take 1-2 weeks for recovery, and I may very well knowing my luck be booked in for a fitness test during that period.

[Radgirl]

Given finasteride is a prescription only medicine, I would be wary about saying you get it without a prescription..... Whether it is on a medical record is irrelevant, if you dont declare it is a criminal offense.

You should be physically fine for a fitness test a couple of days later but given that your scalp may be bandaged and the surgery will be very apparent for many weeks, I just wonder how this may be perceived by the RAF.....

I think it is a matter of your priorities

[wannaberafpilot]

Interesting, I guess from Boots or somewhere online/instore it technically is a prescription; I was told that if I had anything done the HT doctor would be able to supply me with Propecia, so I assume that would also be under prescription too?

I think my main concern was whether it would heal in time (and so most likely I'd still be fine for a fitness test), but I didn't consider how visible it would be. I was told not very visible at all since I could hide it under my current hair, but I'm curious as to how the RAF would perceive it if they did notice it, and what potentially would happen

[Sillert,V.I.]

Just shave it off.

Bald men are seen as smart, dominant and just plain sexy.

Putting two fingers up at the soul-sucking demon of male pattern baldness displays a confidence the rest of the world will find irresistible.