n the modern age of medicine, it’s not such a wild idea to imagine the possibility of synthetic hair transplants. Plastic surgery has become incredibly advanced, and doctors routinely use artificial replacements for major body parts. If you can get a knee replaced or a pacemaker put in, how far away are we from being able to replace the hair on our heads artificially?
You may be surprised to learn that synthetic hair transplants were available in the early 80s until the FDA banned the prosthetic devices in 1983 because patients were experiencing horrible side-effects. To attach the synthetic hair, doctors would insert tiny metal “pipes” into the scalp, which were attached to plastic strands that look similar to hair. Over time, users would comb their hair and wash their scalps, and their synthetic fibers would slowly fall out and need to be replaced.
However, the only way to replace the synthetic hair fibers was to surgically remove the metal base out of the patient’s scalp and replace it with one that had more fibers attached. After a few treatments, their scalp would become heavily scarred, but the patient still needed continuous procedures for their synthetic hair to remain aesthetically pleasing. Many patients developed several small infections across their scalp, and their bodies sometimes rejected the synthetic fibers. Cysts were another reoccurring problem. It’s no wonder that synthetic hair transplants were banned from the US market.
Today, there are two companies, Nido and Biofibre, that are still legally operating within the EU, where they hold CE certifications. Both companies also have a pending application with the FDA for permission to sell their products to American consumers again. While you might think having more options available is a good thing, many experts aren’t so sure. The procedure hasn’t changed much, and patients must apply antibiotics to their scalp for almost a week after their first treatment.
At Hairline Ink, we believe that these devices may not be as safe and efficient as these corporations want you to believe. Medical researchers aren’t recommending it either. For a safe alternative to synthetic hair transplants, check out 3D scalp micropigmentation. The results are permanent, and there is no surgery involved!. Call us today at 833-HAIR-INK (833-424-7465) to schedule an appointment, learn about our pricing, or to get a free quote!
