Scaffold-Assisted Artificial Hair Implantation in a Rat Model

December 2017 in “ JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery ”

Joshua K. Au, Miguel F. Diaz, Tara Aghaloo, Maie A. St. John

PHDPE ePTFE artificial hair implantation fibrovascular integration chronic inflammation biocompatibility histological bias polyhexamethylene dodecanediamide expanded polytetrafluoroethylene

TLDR Artificial hair implantation using scaffolds is possible and PHDPE is more biocompatible than ePTFE.

The 2018 study explored the use of PHDPE and ePTFE scaffolds for artificial hair implantation in 34 Sprague Dawley rats. It found that 94% of scaffolds healed well and 86% of artificial hair follicular units remained intact, with no significant difference in survival between the two scaffold materials or hair presence. PHDPE scaffolds showed greater fibrovascular integration than ePTFE. While scaffolds with hair had more chronic inflammation, this did not significantly impact scaffold survival. The study concluded that scaffold-assisted artificial hair implantation is viable, with PHDPE being more biocompatible, and that delayed implantation does not increase adverse effects. However, the study recognized limitations such as potential histological bias and suggested future research to reduce inflammation and infection.

View this study on jamanetwork.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

11 / 11 results

research Controversy: Synthetic Hairs and Their Role in Hair Restoration

10 citations, January 2010 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Synthetic hair fibers for hair restoration were controversial in 2009 due to health risks and lack of support from the International Society of Hair Restoration.

research Contemporary Hair Transplantation

54 citations, August 2009 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Modern hair transplants use small grafts for a natural look and drugs to prevent further loss, with high patient satisfaction.

research Modern Artificial Hair Implantation: A Pilot Study of 10 Patients

9 citations, November 2008 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Artificial hair implantation is generally safe and can restore hair when other treatments fail, but some patients may experience side effects.

research Follicular Unit Extraction: A 2008 Study on Hair Transplantation Method

27 citations, November 2008 in “Facial Plastic Surgery”

Follicular Unit Extraction is a less invasive hair transplant method with potential for natural results but has challenges like longer surgery time and higher cost.

research A Review of Hormonal Therapy for Female Pattern (Androgenic) Alopecia

14 citations, January 2008 in “Dermatology Online Journal”

Hormonal therapies like cyproterone acetate and spironolactone may help some women with hair loss, but finasteride 1mg is not useful, and the effectiveness of other treatments is still unclear.

research Androgenetic Alopecia: Clinical Features, Classification, and Treatments

103 citations, June 2007 in “Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America”

Male pattern hair loss is genetic and influenced by hormones, with treatments like minoxidil and surgery available.

research Alopecia Areata: Overview and Treatment Options

151 citations, February 2007 in “International Journal of Dermatology”

Alopecia areata causes hair loss, has no cure, and various treatments exist.

research Efficacy of 5% Minoxidil Versus Combined 5% Minoxidil and 0.01% Tretinoin for Male Pattern Hair Loss

43 citations, January 2007 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

Combined minoxidil and tretinoin solution works as well as regular minoxidil for male hair loss.

research Androgenetic Alopecia and Current Methods of Treatment

21 citations, March 2005 in “PubMed”

research Follicular Unit Extraction: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Hair Transplantation

153 citations, August 2002 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a less invasive hair transplant method with minimal scarring, suitable for about 60% of patients, especially those needing fewer grafts and quicker recovery.

research Treatment of Hair Loss

370 citations, September 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Finasteride and minoxidil are effective for hair loss, but continued research is needed for better treatments.

Related Research

2 / 2 results

research Biofibre Artificial Hair Implant: Retrospective Study on 1,518 Patients with Alopecia and Present Role in Hair Surgery

3 citations, June 2019 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

Biofibre hair implant is a safe, effective treatment for baldness with 95% patient satisfaction.

research Scaffold-Assisted Artificial Hair Implantation in a Rat Model

1 citations, December 2017 in “JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery”

Artificial hair implantation using scaffolds is possible and PHDPE is more biocompatible than ePTFE.