US Hair Restoration Home | Contact US

Posts Tagged ‘fiber implantation’

Hair Restoration Using Artificial Hair

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

artificial hairThere was an article I came across about artificial hair transplantation. The practice of artificial hair or synthetic hair transplantation to treat hair loss or androgenetic alopecia has yet to be approved by the FDA. But, in other countries, artificial hair restoration is being attempted. In addition, in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, there was a study published about artificial hair transplants, but the results are to be taken with a grain of salt as there weren’t a lot of participants. Nevertheless, it’s worth mentioning.

Mentioned in the article were issues in the artificial hair implant process, which included: ineffective techniques, poor quality of hair fiber, and inexperienced surgeons. But, it’s important to note, the study’s aim is to convey the idea that artificial copolyamide fiber implantation seems to be relatively safe and a possible remedy to male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia.

The study consisted of 10 androgenetic alopecia adult test subjects who had tried more mainstream hair restoration techniques but to no avail; these test subjects agreed to have copolyamide fiber implanted on their scalps and were followed a minimum of three years. Initial implants included 100 fibers followed by subsequent sessions of up to 500 fibers per four to six weeks for the purpose of achieving a density of 20-40 fibers per cm2.

Throughout the study, during fiber implants and follow-up sessions, the researchers maintained an almost exact adherence to schedule. For the study as a whole, 10,000 fibers were implanted; for each test subject, an average of 1000 fibers. Overall (except for one person), researchers found that the implants resulted in pleasant-looking hair, didn’t have any notable side effects, and the subjects emotionally satisfied. At the entry point of most fibers, sebum deposition and temporary pitting were consistent throughout. In 30 percent of test subjects, there was a case of recurrent mild folliculitis.

In this study, common complications such as facial swelling, cellulitis, and severe scarring were not detected. It is important to note, each year, 15 percent to 30 percent of transplanted fibers fell away, which led to required regular maintenance. To conclude the study, factors of significant importance were the method of fiber transplant technique and consistent follow-up, leading to positive results. In the near future, hair transplants might be done with artificial hair for patients who don’t have quality donor hair and also are suffering from excessive baldness. But, much more testing is required to see whether artificial hair transplant can be an option for future hair loss patients.