What are the pros and cons of if hair transplant to the eyebrows?

Question

Before I get a hair transplant to my eyebrows I would like to know the pros and cons. Side effects and risks.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello,Eyebrow transplantation takes a special set of skills.  We are unique in the sense that we will do off-label use of ARTAS for eyebrows to get quality grafts for transplantation.  The key with eyebrows is to ensure that the implanted hairs follow the natural direction of the eyebrow.  Best,Anil Shah

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

Pros:
1. Improvement in eyebrow density and overall facial aesthetics.
2. Ability to disguise scars or other irregularities of the brows.

Cons:
1. Eyebrows will require frequent trimming.
2. Some social down time is required.

Risks:
Bleeding, scarring, in-grown hairs, folliculitis, infection, poor hair match, prolonged redness at the recipient site, need for future transplant sessions, poor graft placement, graft failure. Most of these risks are rare.
All the best,

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Cons:1) A bad eyebrow surgery result is like herpes. It's for life2) You have to keep trimming the hairs every few days or it will keep growing.3) It may grow pointing out (not flat on your face).  A technical issue for the doctor.  4) 100% of hairs will not grow.  You may notice a few (or many) missing spots.  Which may or may not cost you another surgery.5) Transplanted hairs may not blend in with your existing eyebrow.6) Transplanted hairs will look too coarse 7) Transplanted hairs may not look as soft and feathered 8) SCARRING.  You may be prone to scarring.  9) Swelling and bruising (temporary) 10 Infection11) Shock hair loss of your existing eye brow hair (that may or may not completely grow back)12) You may look worse if the eyebrow shape was not artistically created. (like a upside down happy face)13) Persistent redness to the area14) Finding the right doctorPros:1) Eyebrows.

Sanusi Umar, MD · Answer

Eyebrow transplant procedures are able to create a much more natural looking appearance, compared to tattoos or makeup. Many people don’t want their brows to look drawn in. And this effect is all the more obvious in close face to face interactions.With this surgery it is possible to make subtle enhancements in the overall shape or length of the brows while improving the density. The final results, however, will take some time to fully manifest. With the exception of leg hair, the inserted hair shafts will shed right after your procedure to make room for new growth. This will most likely start to emerge around the fourth month. Also, the grafts will continue to behave as they did before. So head or nape hair will grow much longer than regular brow hair. And regular trimming will be needed.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

In general, individuals interested in learning about eyebrow restoration should meet with a hair transplant surgeon to go over all the details. PROSThe "pros" are that your eyebrow density will improve, you may enhance your facial appearance.CONSThe "cons" center around side effects of the procedure - which is why you'll need to review all of them with a surgeon. Overall, side effects are rare, and most patients are really happy with their new eyebrow look. However,  a partial list of side effects (cons) includes:you'll need to trim the eyebrows every few weeksit may or may not be as full as your eyebrow density in your teensthere may be redness and crusting for many weeks (2-6 weeks)there may be swelling after your procedureyou'll need time off work and social activitiesthere rarely is persistent rednesssome transplanted eyebrow hairs don't grow (10%-15%)eyebrow hairs may grow in a different direction than transplantedthere will be a micro scar or linear scar from the back of the scalp where the hairs are takenrarely the hairs taken from the back of the scalp don't match up perfectly to the eyebrow hairs.All in all, eyebrow restoration is successful with minimal side effects other than the redness and swelling that occur in the first week.Be sure to sit down one on one with a hair transplant surgeon to go over everything in detail. The most important thing is to be well informed. This list is only partial.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Sometimes the doctor does not place the correct angle and the eyebrow hair sticks straight out. Many of the posts on Realself discuss this problem from the patients.  Eyebrow transplants using scalp hair requires a special skill in identifying the ‘bend’; that is natural in each transplanted hair. So when put in by the surgical team, the natural curve of the hair must be placed to take advantage of it as it is placed.  It also must be put in laying them flat consistent with your natural eyebrow hairs Too many surgeons without considerable experience can’t seem to get either of these techniques right and if they don’t the eyebrow stick out rather than lay flat as they should.  In your case the darker hair and a slightly bushier eyebrow might help you frame your face, but of course, it is your call 100% as to what you want to look like.

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