Eyebrow Implants Growing in Wrong Direction, How Can I Fix This?

Question

I had FUE eyebrow implants 12weeks ago to add another 50% to the hairs that were already there.Approx 40% of the hairs that have grown through are now growing away from my face instead of in the direction of my eyebrows.I have thick hair so not only that but they have to be trimmed to a few mm's in length every few days as they grow so fast & stand out even more.My Dr says not to worry and just to wait up to a year but I dont see how this will change, 90% of the implanted hairs are through now.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Eyebrow direction and design are critical to your success.  Once your direction is incorrect it is unlikely to self correct.  An expert in facial anatomy and aesthetics can help improve your chances of a successful result.  Best Dr. Anil Shah

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

Eyebrow transplant is a technically challenging and advanced hair transplant technique. The orientation of the hair follicles is critical to producing a natural-appearing result. It is possible that the grafts are not oriented properly, but at 12 weeks, it is much too early to judge the final result. Patience is key, as the final result cannot be fully judged until around month 12.
Remember, the transplanted hairs will grow quicker than natural brow hairs and will require some trimming.
Be sure to discuss any post-transplant concerns with your hair restoration surgeon.
All the best,

Jeffrey Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm sorry to hear this. Eyebrow transplant procedures are VERY challenging to perform, and I have performed a number of revisions of procedures that did not come out as desired. Likely you will need to have the worst of these grafts removed, then replanted in a more desirable direction.

Sanusi Umar, MD · Answer

Three months is too early to tell how your final results will look. Your doctor is right that you need to wait longer. You should see some improvement between 6 and 10 months. If there is still no improvement at one year, revisit your doctor and also consult different doctors for more opinions to find a solution.

Stefan Mark Szczerba, MD · Answer

I am sure you realize that all transplanted hair follicles will fall out by 3 months and that by 9 months the transplanted root will then grow the permanent hair follicle. The direction of growth of the new hair is probably not what you are seeing yet. Each patient is different however these are the general growth patterns of transplanted hair. If you see that the growth direction is not what you wanted, I would bring that up to your physician and review your options and the timeline. I do not recommend a revision before 1 year.

Jack Fisher, MD · Answer

Once the hairs are growing in the wrong direction there is very little that can correct this. Unfortunately this is a common problem with eyebrow transplants. The reason this occurs is even with meticulous placement of hair, the hairshaft can grow at unpredictable angles.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

You need to meet with an expert. Often,. Plucking out these hairs will eventually cause them to be lost and then you

Sheldon S. Kabaker, MD FACS (retired) · Answer

If your surgeon does not offer a satisfactory explanation , get another opinion. Perhaps wait at least 4 more weeks.

Eyebrow Implants Growing in Wrong Direction, How Can I Fix This?

Answers (8)