What is an Eyebrow Transplant?
Eyebrow transplant is a cosmetic surgical procedure to restore hair growth in the eyebrow region, where growth is scanty or absent. This surgery offers a permanent solution for people who have thin or patchy eyebrows due to a variety of reasons such as genetics, over-plucking, burns, or trauma. Eyebrow transplant has become increasingly popular in recent years as more people are looking for ways to enhance their facial appearance.
Ideal Candidate for Eyebrow Transplant
You may be an ideal candidate for an eyebrow transplant if you have:
- Thin or patchy eyebrows
- Suitable hair growth at the donor site
- Realistic expectations of the surgery
- Overall good health
Contraindications for Eyebrow Transplant
You may not be a candidate for an eyebrow transplant if you:
- Have a history of keloid scarring
- Do not have suitable donor hair sites
- Have an underlying medical condition that may affect the success of the surgery
Preparations for Eyebrow Transplant
Specific instructions will be provided by your surgeon. In general, you should:
- Get a health checkup to clear you for the procedure
- Inform your surgeon regarding any health conditions, allergies, and medications
- Avoid smoking as it can slow down the healing process
- Use a shampoo and conditioner to wash your hair before the surgery, but do not use any additional hair products
What to Expect from an Eyebrow Transplant Procedure?
Hair transplant surgery can be performed under local anesthesia. The two main techniques of hair transplant surgery are:
- Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT): During this procedure, a surgical scalpel is used to cut a thin strip of skin from the donor site. The hair follicles are carefully removed from the strip of harvested skin using a special surgical knife under magnification. These hair follicles are then implanted into the eyebrow region to achieve normal-appearing hair growth.
- Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): During this procedure, tiny punch incisions are made to extract the hair follicles directly from the donor area – usually the back or sides of the head. A needle or blade is used to make tiny holes in the recipient area into which the hair follicles are gently placed.
The surgery can take 1 to 4 hours, depending on the extent of the transplant. A gauze or bandage will be used to cover the treated area for a few days. Multiple surgical sessions may be needed to achieve satisfactory hair fullness.
Recovery After an Eyebrow Transplant
You can return home after the effects of sedation have worn off. A bandage will be placed over the treated area that should be kept in place for a day or two. There may be some swelling and discomfort, for which medications may be prescribed. Antibiotics may also be prescribed which should be taken as directed to avoid the risk of infection. You may have to avoid strenuous activities and direct sunlight for a few weeks after the surgery.
Risks Associated with an Eyebrow Transplant
An eyebrow transplant is performed using minimally invasive techniques to minimize the risk of complications. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are associated risks that include:
- Bleeding
- Pain and discomfort
- Swelling
- Infection
- Scarring
- Failure to achieve hair growth
