Is An Eyebrow Hair Transplant Permanent?

Quick Summary: Is An Eyebrow Hair Transplant Permanent?

An eyebrow hair transplant is a cosmetic solution that helps individuals who struggle with thin eyebrows to permanently restore them. This is done through the transfer of hair follicles from the scalp to the brow area. During the initial phase, the transplanted hairs shed. After that, they generally grow back within several months. [1]

The success of the procedure and how long the transplanted hairs will last depends on:

Your general health status.
How well you take care of your eyebrows after the procedure.
The skill and experience of your surgeon.

Many individuals prefer permanent eyebrow hair transplant over other temporary solutions, such as makeup or microblading.

In this article, we will delve into the procedure, recovery, and longevity of eyebrow transplants, supported by data tables for deeper insights.

What is an Eyebrow Hair Transplant?

An eyebrow hair transplant intends to improve eyebrow shape and thickness for men and women. The process involves the extraction of hair grafts from a donor site (from the scalp) and implant them in the eyebrow area. This approach is suitable for individuals who struggle with sparse or thin eyebrows due to:

Genetic factors
Aging
Over-plucking
Trauma from accidents or burns

During the procedure, each graft (includes hair and its follicle) is transplanted to the eyebrows. The goal is to align the new hair direction with the natural growth pattern of existing eyebrow hair for a seamless look. Keep in mind that the newly transplanted hairs may shed within the first few weeks. Luckily, new growth usually appears around three to four months. So, expect full results to be visible in a year. [2]

The details about the procedure of eyebrow hair transplant

The eyebrow transplant is a relatively straightforward procedure that’s performed under local anesthesia.

Here are the steps of the eyebrow hair transplant procedure:

1. Initial Consultation

During the first consultation, you will meet with your surgeon to discuss the goals behind this procedure. After that, your surgeon will ask questions related to your medical history and perform an examination of the donor area. This is an important step as it discusses the potential risks of the procedure, what to expect, and how to properly recover from the procedure.

2. Anaesthesia and Graft Extraction

Local anaesthesia is applied to the donor and recipient sites. The surgeon removes hair grafts from the donor area, using either the FUE or FUT hair transplant technique.

3. Transplantation

Small incisions are made in the eyebrow area where the hair grafts are inserted. The direction and density of graft placement are carefully considered to ensure a natural appearance.

4. Aftercare

Patients receive post-operative care instructions, including rest, medication for pain, infection prevention, and guidelines to keep the area clean.

The table below provides a timeline for the eyebrow transplant procedure (from consultation to full recovery):

If you want to learn more about the procedure, check out this article.

What are the Benefits of an Eyebrow Hair Transplant?

Eyebrow transplants provide numerous benefits compared to other traditional methods, including:

Permanent Results – Unlike temporary options such as makeup or microblading, eyebrow transplants offer a long-term solution.

Natural Look – Careful choice of which type of hair is transplantedso it matches the eyebrow colour and texture is key. This will give you a seamless blend with natural eyebrows.

Self-Confidence – Fuller and well-shaped eyebrows improve facial symmetry, which boosts the individual’s confidence.

Minimal Maintenance – The new eyebrows require occasional trimming to maintain the desired length.

What are the Side Effects of Eyebrow Hair Transplant?

Although eyebrow transplants generally have a high success rate, you may want to consider the following risks:

Infection – Proper hygiene and the adherence to the surgeon’s care instructions are indispensable to prevent infection at the donor or recipient sites.
Transplant Failure – In some cases, hair follicles do not “take” or adjust to the new location, which results in patchy growth. [3]
Bruising and Swelling – Minor bruising and swelling are common. However, they generally subside within a week.
Scarring – Minimal scarring at the donor site may occur, especially if improper techniques are used.
Redness- redness can occur in the eyebrows after surgery and can take some weeks to months to settle.

The table below demonstrates the common side effects that are associated with eyebrow transplants:

One of the major reasons that people opt for an eyebrow transplant is its long-lasting nature. Transplanted follicles generally continue to produce hair indefinitely. This makes the procedure an permanent solution for eyebrow enhancement. [4]

However, several factors affect the longevity of the results:

Surgeon’s Expertise – Success largely depends on the skill and experience of the surgeon who performs the transplant.
Initial Shedding and New Growth – Initial shedding of transplanted hairs is common. Note that it’s a temporary phase that paves the way for new growth.
Patient Health and Lifestyle – Your health status, postsurgical care, and a healthy lifestyle can enhance the transplant’s success and longevity.

What to expect after the eyebrow hair transplant

The recovery process for an eyebrow transplant is relatively brief compared to other cosmetic surgeries.

Here’s what to expect during the recovery phase:

First Few Days

Patients experience some redness, swelling, and scabbing. This is all normal. They are advised to rest and avoid touching the brow area.

First Month

The transplanted hairs may shed, which gives room for new growth. Patients are advised to maintain gentle hygiene practices.

Three to Six Months

New hair growth usually becomes noticeable. Since the transplanted hairs are scalp hairs, trimming may be needed to keep the brows at the desired length.

Full Results in a Year

Most patients see the final results within 12 months. Regular maintenance includes occasional trimming but generally eyebrow hair transplants require little upkeep.

How Much Does The Eyebrow Transplant Cost

Eyebrow transplant costs vary based on the number of grafts required, and the surgeon’s expertise. The average range for an eyebrow transplant in the United Kingdom is £3,000 to £5,000.

Some clinics may offer you financing plans to offset the costs, which provides flexible payment options for patients who may need financial assistance.

Some Alternative Options to Eyebrow Transplants

Although eyebrow transplants provide a permanent solution, non-surgical options can also achieve positive results. Of course, these solutions are often temporary.

Here are a few alternatives to eyebrow hair transplants:

Microblading – A semi-permanent tattoo technique that mimics hair strokes. It usually lasts 1-3 years. [5]
Eyebrow Tinting – A dye applied to enhance eyebrow color and thickness, which lasts for a few weeks. [6]
Eyebrow Extensions – Synthetic extensions applied to natural brow hair to add volume. They generally last 2-3 weeks. Note that this procedure is associated with numerous side effects, including itching, redness, pain, and heavy eyelids. [7]

Each alternative has its own advantages and limitations. Patients should weigh these options against the permanence of a transplant to decide which is best for their needs.

Conclusion

An eyebrow transplant provides a permanent solution for issues with the eyebrows. This procedure uses the patient’s own hair to create a natural and long-lasting look. Although there is an initial recovery period and some routine maintenance, most people find that the procedure significantly improves their appearance and confidence.

To improve your outcome, make sure to seek a qualified and experienced surgeon in the field. At the same time, you must adhere to the instructions that your surgeon gives you.

References

1- Rajput R. J. (2021). Hair Transplant for Eyebrow Restoration. Indian journal of plastic surgery : official publication of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India, 54(4), 489–494. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1739253

2- Park, J. H., Kim, N. R., & Manonukul, K. (2021). Eyebrow Transplantation Using Long Hair Follicular Unit Excision Technique. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open, 9(5), e3598. https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000003598

3- Klingbeil, K. D., & Fertig, R. (2018). Eyebrow and Eyelash Hair Transplantation: A Systematic Review. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 11(6), 21–30.

4- Gupta, J., Kumar, A., Chouhan, K., Ariganesh, C., & Nandal, V. (2017). The Science and Art of Eyebrow Transplantation by Follicular Unit Extraction. Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery, 10(2), 66–71. https://doi.org/10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_27_17

5- Marwah, M. K., Kerure, A. S., & Marwah, G. S. (2021). Microblading and the Science Behind it. Indian dermatology online journal, 12(1), 6–11. https://doi.org/10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_230_20

6- Brondeel, K. C., Duggan, R. P., Kirk, K., Palackic, A., & Branski, L. K. (2022). 728 Chemical Burns and Eyebrow Tinting: An Unusual Case. Journal of Burn Care & Research: Official Publication of the American Burn Association, 43(Suppl 1), S170. https://doi.org/10.1093/jbcr/irac012.282

7- Masud, M., Moshirfar, M., Shah, T. J., Gomez, A. T., Avila, M. R., & Ronquillo, Y. C. (2019). Eyelid Cosmetic Enhancements and Their Associated Ocular Adverse Effects. Medical hypothesis, discovery & innovation ophthalmology journal, 8(2), 96–103.