Eyebrow Transplant
Traditionally, the remedy for thin or sparse eyebrows has been to rely on makeup products to “fill in” eyebrow hairs. However, there’s an increased interest in a more permanent solution: the eyebrow transplant.
An eyebrow transplant is performed by a cosmetic or plastic surgeon with the transfer of your own hairs.
While the procedure seems straight forward, there are multiple aspects to consider, from cost to risks and side effects. Keep reading to learn what to expect from an eyebrow transplant and how to determine whether this surgery is right for you.
What is an eyebrow transplant?
An eyebrow transplant is a cosmetic procedure where hair grafts (plugs) are transferred to your brow area. This goal is that new hairs will grow from these grafts, producing a fuller look.
The eyebrow procedure
The actual procedure is similar to a traditional hair transplant.
Eyebrow hair grafts are taken from hairs above your ears. A surgeon transfers not just the individual hairs, but the hair follicles, too. This helps to ensure that new hairs are able to grow in your eyebrows once the initial transferred ones fall out.
After you’re given a general anesthetic, a surgeon will make small incisions at the follicle donor sites, as well as at the sites of transplantation in your brows. The entire process takes about 2 to 3 hours.
What’s the recovery like for an eyebrow transplant?
The recovery period for an eyebrow transplant is relatively quick. You’ll notice some scabbing around the brows within the first few days. It’s important to not pick at these.
You may need to avoid vigorous exercise for up to 3 weeks following your surgery. Call your surgeon if you experience any bleeding, swelling, or pus at the site.
You’ll start to see the transplanted hairs fall out after a few weeks. This is completely normal. Your new brow hairs should start to grow over the next several months. In the meantime, you may need to trim the transplanted hairs to brow length.
Precautions and side effects
One potential risk of an eyebrow transplant is that the new hair follicles won’t take. In such cases, you may have to have the procedure done again in the future.
There are also risks associated with the surgery itself. Talk to your surgeon about the following potential complications:
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excessive bleeding
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nerve damage
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swelling
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bruising
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infection
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scarring
Before your eyebrow transplant, your surgeon will go over your medical history with you. Be sure to disclose any underlying health conditions, as well as any medications or supplements you currently take.
An eyebrow transplant may not be suitable if you have: