Eyebrow Transplant: Everything You Need To Know
Did you know that getting an eyebrow transplant is a thing? Sure, you're probably familiar with hair transplants, but while definitely spoken about less, eyebrow transplants are pretty similar. They've actually been performed since the '90s and are now gaining popularity for their face-framing powers, while looking like natural shaped brows.
Beyond mere aesthetics, they do serve as a lifeline for those who have faced hair loss due to conditions like alopecia or trauma to the eyebrow region. After all, facial aesthetics can drastically affect self-confidence and restore a sense of normalcy, especially for those who have experienced eyebrow loss unexpectedly.
Although the procedure sounds invasive, it is a viable option for those of seeking a permanent, natural-looking solution and long-lasting results, unlike microblading or makeup.
If you've ever wondered how you could revive the volume or growth of brows, for its most natural looking finish, wonder no more. We asked Yannis Giantzides, MD of Harley Street Hair Transplant Clinics on everything eyebrow transplants and here is everything you need to know.
In this article:
- What is eyebrow transplant?
- How does a surgeon perform an eyebrow transplant?
- Who is the best candidate for eyebrow transplant?
- How long does it take to get an eyebrow transplant?
- How do you decide the right brow shape?
- How long is the recovery time for an eyebrow transplant?
- How much does it cost to get an eyebrow transplant?
- What other things should you consider when opting for eyebrow transplant?
What is eyebrow transplant?
An eyebrow transplant is a cosmetic procedure involving transplanting hair follicles to the eye brow area. “A person typically wants to make their eyebrows fuller so opts for an eyebrow transplant where existing hairs from the back of their head (their donor area) get transplanted into their eyebrows to restore density,” says Dr. Yannis Giantzides.
How does a surgeon perform an eyebrow transplant?
It's important to note that an eyebrow transplant should always be performed by a skilled surgeon. According to Dr. Yannis “a surgeon will first inject local anaesthetic into the patient’s donor area (the back and sides of their head) in order to extract hair from these areas.” The donor area is often chosen for its ability to provide hair that closely matches the texture and growth pattern of natural eyebrows.
“This hair is then taken and prepared into single hair follicles as well as trimmed to length. The surgeon will then also inject local anaesthetic into the recipient area (the eyebrows),” adds Dr. Yannis. “They will then make incisions in the recipient area in preparation for implanting the hairs that were taken from the back of the head into the eyebrows.” In this process the surgeon will pay close attention to the aesthetics details, such as the arch and shape of the eyebrows, to achieve a harmonious and natural look.
Who is the best candidate for eyebrow transplant?
“The best candidate for an eyebrow transplant is someone who has typically over plucked or lost hair somehow from their eyebrows and as a result, have really thin eyebrows and want to regain their past thickness back,” says Dr. Yannis.
How long does it take to get an eyebrow transplant?
The duration of an eyebrow transplant can vary, but Dr. Yannis tells us that that the surgery itself can take anywhere from four to six hours typically.
How do you decide the right brow shape?
Dr. Yannis tells us that the shape of the eyebrow is designed beforehand in a collaboration with surgeon and patient. “They are there to make sure that they are happy with the design. It helps if the patient can bring some pictures in to show what their eyebrows looked like before and what shape and design they are looking to achieve. The process is a very inclusive one with feedback from the patient,” he adds.
How long is the recovery time for an eyebrow transplant?
According to Dr. Yannis, recovery time should take anywhere between one to two weeks. “We recommend two weeks for patients in order for the scabs to have mostly fallen off and for the transplanted hairs to have fully healed and ‘bedded in’ as well as the donor area to have healed.”
How much does it cost to get an eyebrow transplant?
Eyebrow transplants vary in price. Dr. Yannis tells us they usually range between £3,000 to £5,500. He adds: “It will depend on the level of complexity as well as the number of hairs to be transplanted.”
Is it suitable for people with Afro hair?
The short answer is no. Dr. Yannis says: “If a patient who had Afro hair wanted a brow transplant, the hair would continue to grow curly in the eyebrow area as the structure of the hair wouldn’t change. In essence we are simply ‘transporting’ the hair follicles from one place (the back of the head) to another (the eyebrows) so the hair structure remains the same.”
What other things should you consider when opting for eyebrow transplant?
Dr. Yannis tells us that first and foremost an eyebrow transplant patient should make sure that they don’t have any signs of any other types of alopecia (specifically alopecia areata, alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis) or trichotillomania. Other things to look out for include: “the experience of the surgeon in performing eyebrow transplants as they do have a slightly different skillset when comparing to hair transplants." Dr. Yannis also reminds us that things that should be taken into consideration include age and medical history "to make sure that they are an ideal candidate for an eyebrow transplant,” Dr Yannis adds.
For more from Glamour UK Beauty Writer Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona
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