Eyebrow Transplant

An eyebrow transplant is a form of hair transplant surgery focusing specifically on the eyebrows, a procedure which people usually desire due to change in shape or loss of hair resulting from an injury. Other people seek the surgery in order to alter the natural shape of their eyebrows, or to correct other forms of hair loss in the area. Here we explain the basics of the process, beginning with your consultation with the surgeon and leading up to the procedure. We explore similarities and differences between eyebrow transplants and standard hair transplant surgery.

Finding a suitable surgeon

Eyebrow transplant surgery is considered a niche area in comparison to transplants to the scalp, so you may have to look around for a suitable clinic and surgeon that specializes in eyebrow transplants. Make sure that they are experienced in the area and have trained to perform this specific procedure.

Selecting the right brows

During the interview or consultation, in which the patient and surgeon exchange all the necessary questions and information, the surgeon is likely to use modern technology to project the expected shape of the eyebrows. Using certain software, the surgeon can superimpose an assorted selection of eyebrows onto a photograph of the patient. You will be able to choose the optimum shape to match both your aesthetic specifications and the sort of transplant allowed by your hair. The surgeon looks into this second consideration by examining the scalp and any other useful areas.

Matching hair to the eyebrows

Hair from the scalp is most commonly used for eyebrow transplants, as this is the closest match to eyebrow hair in terms of color and consistency. Body hairs and other hairs available for transplantation are usually thicker and of an unsuitable texture, meaning that the eyebrows would appear noticeably distinct from the rest of the upper face if this hair were used.

The procedure

Eyebrow transplant surgery implements the same methods as regular hair transplants, with the surgeon extracting flourishing sets of hair follicles from the donor site and implanting them into the brow line. This may be accomplished with strip harvesting, which leaves a visible scar, or with newer and more discreet follicular unit extraction (FUE). Removing all of the excess fatty tissue, plus unwanted dermal and epidermal fragments, is crucial due to the brow's proximity to the eye. Careful removal performed by the surgeon's dedicated assistants reduces the risk of infection near the eye.

The amount of follicular units needed for a successful transplant depends on the chosen shape and the amount of hair loss in the brows. The surgeon will have made an estimate beforehand, and this factor can affect the price. When the hair follicles are transplanted into the brow line, small circular incisions are used and these will be hidden by the new hair.

Recovery

The recovery time should be relatively short, though you can expect swelling and bruising in the first few days and you may wish to arrange your schedule accordingly. Swelling should generally be limited to the area around the brows, as the procedure is designed for minimal overall facial disruption. These inconveniences should be gone within a week.