What Are the Possible Side Effects of an Eyebrow Transplant?

Question

I am 35 and I overplucked my brows when I was younger and now there are gaps in them that have never grown in. I'm interested in a transplant but am wondering what the possible side effts are? Is there scarring? Is there a chance of the eyebrows I currently have being traumatized and falling out? Any other side effects?

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

Eyebrow transplant has similar risks to other hair transplant procedures, such as bleeding, infection, numbness, and scarring, but all of these are very uncommon. Other risks would include mis-alignment or improper orientation of the hair shafts, in-grown hairs, graft failure, damage to surrounding natural brow hairs, and mis-match of hair color or texture. Additionally, it is important to remember that the transplanted hairs will require regular trimming once they begin to grow.
All the best,

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello,If you continue to pluck your eyebrows, your eyebrows will be overly thin.  Hair transplantation to the area is a great option. 
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

Sanusi Umar, MD · Answer

To address your concerns, there are rare few negative long-term side effects of eyebrow transplant. With the follicular unit extraction method, scarring is minimal and donor hair selection is optimal. It is possible for the pre-existing eyebrow hairs to fall out temporarily due to lack of blood supply during the procedure. But in the off-chance that this does happen, these hairs will grow back. One of the main side effects that everyone must deal with is the growth rate of implanted hair. Usually taken from the back of the head, donor hairs will continue to grow to their innate length, which requires occasional trimming. This can be avoided with the use of leg donor hair via body hair transplant.

Jack Fisher, MD · Answer

Definitely trauma to the existing hair is a possibility. The hair that is transplanted can grow and can require constant trimming. Also, if hair on your head doesn't match eyebrows it can look very abnormal.

Jeffrey Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Having performed over 400 of these eyebrow transplant procedures, I am confident in telling my patients that there is a very low risk from these procedures. Patients need to understand that not all of the hairs regrow in some cases, however it is quite easy to further transplant more hairs if this should occur to achieve greater density. Typically 15% of the hairs do not grow in the ideal direction in which they were originally transplanted, which means they may need to be plucked or trimmed.

Paul M. Glat, MD · Answer

The complications that can arise from eyebrow transplantation are very few. Bleeding, infection and scarring are rare. With Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), there is minimal donor site pain or scarring and the grafts are excellent and ready for transplantation. The aesthetic results are the main potential issue. Single hair grafts are used to avoid thicker than normal brow hair and the angle of implantation is key. Also, the rate of growth of the hair may be greater than normally seen in the eyebrow. Color match can also be an issue

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

If the eyebrow transplants are not done by an experienced surgeon, you can see the hairs growing straight out, in the wrong direction, or not grow at all. This is a surgery and as a surgery all complications of a surgery are possible.   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.

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

The major problems with eyebrow transplants are related to hair color and texture matchs. Also the hair direction and cur of the hairs l are critical for a successful result. See someone experienced with eyebrow transplants. Perhaps consider permanent make up first.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of an Eyebrow Transplant?

Answers (8)

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