Artificial Hair: By the Dawn to Automatic Biofibre® Hair Implant

Abstract

Since the beginning of the twentieth century, there have been attempts at creating artificial hair to treat baldness. Major evolution took place at the end of 1970’s when, unfortunately, artificial hair treatments were applied without appropriate medical controls, resulting in sub-standard results from the use of unsuitable materials and technique. The large improper use of this technique in North America from no medical personnel and with dangerous fibres led the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to suspend the procedure in 1983. In Europe, a new trial on artificial hair procedure started at the beginning of 1990’s.In 1995 the European Union (UE) recognised the artificial hair implant as a legitimate medical treatment and outlined the rules related to that procedure. In 1996, biocompatible fibres (Biofibre®) produced by Medicap® Italy were approved by the UE Authorities and by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) as medical devices for hair implant. An effective medical protocol was developed during the following years to provide correct guidelines for appropriate treatment, and to reduce possible related complications. Automatic Biofibre® hair implant represents the last achievement in this hair restoration technique with significant advantages for the patients.

Side effects after artificial hair implants: 2 case reports

“…Therefore, the Council concerning Medical Devices in the European Union recognized the artificial hair implant technique as a medical act in 1996. 1 , 2 …”

“…A small hooking needle places the root of the fiber under the scalp at galea level ( Fig 1 ) where the root can be held by fibrous tissue. 2 The root is a reversible knot that ensures correct anchorage of the implant and allows total fiber extraction. With the appropriate traction, each fiber can be pulled out entirely with no residue in the scalp 2 if needed in case of nontreatable side effects or unsatisfied result.…”

“… 2 The root is a reversible knot that ensures correct anchorage of the implant and allows total fiber extraction. With the appropriate traction, each fiber can be pulled out entirely with no residue in the scalp 2 if needed in case of nontreatable side effects or unsatisfied result.

Fig 1 Schematic picture of a biocompatible fiber.

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“…An average implant of 600 to 1000 fibers per session is often appropriate, performed at intervals of 1 month. 2 , 3 An average amount of 2300 fibers is implanted per patient in total, varying depending on the size of the treated area. 4 Spontaneous fiber loss is often less than10% per year.…”

“…Follow-up and proper aftercare are essential to prevent possible complications such as infections and inflammation. 2 …”