Fiber implantation for pattern baldness. Review of complications in forty-one patients.

Forty-one patients who underwent one technic of fiber implantation for pattern baldness were studied. Complications were frequent and included rejection of fibers, infection, facial swelling, pain, pruritus, and scarring. In addition, patients incurred risks of carcinogenesis from deeply embedded bits of fiber and also loss of their own natural hair. Fiber implantation is an unsuccessful method of hair restoration, and its use has been discouraged by state and federal agencies.