What Is Eyebrow Transplantation?
Eyebrow transplantation is a surgical procedure performed to make the eyebrows appear fuller or to stimulate the growth of new eyebrows in areas where they have fallen out. This purely cosmetic procedure involves extracting healthy hair follicles from the scalp and transplanting them to the eyebrow area. Similar to hair transplantation, the necessary healthy hair follicles are typically harvested from the scalp area above the ears and neck. After the procedure, the eyebrows become more prominent and fuller. The shaping of the eyebrows and the amount of follicle transplantation to each area are usually planned between the surgeon and the patient beforehand. It may take several months for the new eyebrows to grow.
What Are the Methods of Eyebrow Transplantation?
The procedure applied in eyebrow transplantation is almost identical to hair transplantation, using the FUE method. In FUE eyebrow transplantation, the surgeon first decides from which area to extract the hair follicles. The surgeon may trim the hair in that area to facilitate access to the follicles. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. The surgeon individually extracts healthy hair follicles using a special device. The surgeon then creates channels in the eyebrow area and places the hair follicles in these channels one by one. Afterward, the channels are sutured. Instead of hair, arm and armpit hair can also be used for healthy hair follicles. The amount of hair follicles taken from each area varies from person to person. When selecting the follicles, the surgeon pays attention to their color and texture to ensure harmony with the eyebrows.
Who Can Get Eyebrow Transplantation?
Eyebrow transplantation is a surgical procedure performed due to aesthetic expectations. If your eyebrows are sparse and this bothers you, you can opt for eyebrow transplantation for a permanent solution rather than using makeup to fill in your eyebrows. Eyebrow transplantation may be preferred in the following cases:
- Formation of gaps in the eyebrow area due to scars or burns, or complete absence of eyebrow hair,
- Loss of eyebrows due to tumors in the eyebrow area,
- Loss of eyebrows due to Trichotillomania (an impulse control disorder characterized by the urge to pull out one’s hair),
- Loss of eyebrows due to Alopecia areata, which causes hair loss on the scalp and eyebrows,
- Loss of eyebrows due to hypothyroidism caused by insufficient functioning of the thyroid gland,
- Loss of eyebrows due to hypervitaminosis A.
What Should Be Paid Attention to After Eyebrow Transplantation?
The eyebrow transplantation procedure takes approximately 2-3 hours, and the patient is discharged on the same day. Your doctor may advise you to pay attention to the following issues after the procedure:
- Do not remove the bandage applied to protect the newly transplanted eyebrows until instructed by your doctor.
- Avoid heavy physical activities such as heavy lifting, running, and fitness.
- Use all painkillers, lotions, creams, and serums provided by your doctor regularly.
- Wash your face as recommended by your doctor and be as gentle as possible when rinsing.
- The newly transplanted eyebrows may start to shed a few weeks after the procedure, which is a natural process. It may take several months for the new eyebrows to grow. Swelling, bruising, numbness, infection, and other complications may occur after the procedure.