Do Eyebrow Transplants Keep Growing
That’s a good question. Before answering, let’s look at some background information.
Restoring eyebrows isn’t a new thing. You can look after your eyebrow with Paris Lash Academy or go for a transplant. The first known attempts were performed on people in the mid-1800s. A Japanese dermatologist by the name of Dr. Okuda was helping people regrow hair on their scalp, eyebrows, and mustaches in 1939 but the onset of World War II interrupted his work.
What An Eyebrow Transplant Is
It’s similar to a hair transplant in that your own hair is used, usually from behind your ears or the back of your head. Sometimes hair from other areas such as the upper thighs is used.
If only one brow needs repair, hair might be taken from the other brow. Usually, 50-350 hair grafts are made. It’s not at all like a Frankenstein transplant with bits of someone else’s skin sewn onto your face! In cases when transplant recipients have no donor hair, artificial hair has been used, but the possibility of rejection and side effects complicates the procedure.
Eyebrow transplants are performed by dermatologic, cosmetic, or plastic surgeons in outpatient facilities or medical spas, and may be done under local or general anesthesia. Different techniques exist, each with its own pros and cons.
Unlike some current trendy cosmetic treatments, transplants become a permanent part of your face with long-term regeneration like any natural body hair.
Who Gets Eyebrow Transplants
Eyebrows have a purpose. They protect the eyes from perspiration and water as well as particles in the air, insects, and debris. Eyebrows also play a role in human communication by expressing emotions and transmitting non-verbal messages. Having visible eyebrows can help you feel more self-confident by defining your face and your identity.
Damage to eyebrow form can be caused by trauma and burns, cancer, chemotherapy, radiation, alopecia, hypothyroidism, fungal infections, stress, age, genetics, poor nutrition, hormone imbalance, over-tweezing, and trichotillomania, a psychological compulsion to pull out body hair.
So who makes a good candidate for an eyebrow transplant? Almost anyone in stable and reasonably good health can benefit. It’s important to work with a doctor with whom you can comfortably communicate freely so you have a realistic idea of what lies ahead.
What To Expect Before, During, and After the Transplant
After you’ve chosen a doctor – more about that in a moment – you’ll want to schedule an initial consultation to meet each other and discuss details. Yes, there’s paperwork to fill out to ensure that your doctor knows your general health status and medical history.
You’ll share your expectations and describe your hoped-for results. Ask to see a portfolio of his or her work. This is a good time to bring a list of questions that you’ve written down in advance.
More than one technique exists, each with its own pros and cons, and your doctor should be able to clearly explain what he or she thinks might be most successful for you. The surgery is often done outpatient and may take as long as six hours. Crusting, redness, and swelling are normal. Most patients can return to non-strenuous activities within 48 hours.
The office will provide written directions on hygiene, wound care, cosmetic application, activity, and how best to promote healing.
As the newly implanted follicles establish themselves, the hairs usually fall out within a few weeks. This is normal. Noticeable new stubble begins to appear in four to six months. The final result is apparent in 8-10 months.
Possible but rare side effects may include infection, ingrown hairs, hairs growing the wrong direction, follicle rejection, scarring, and cyst formation from oil glands.
Care For Your New Eyebrows
Now comes the answer to your question. Healthy hair does grow, and so will your eyebrows.
Although there are some reports of transplanted head hair eventually no longer growing as long as previously after being moved to your eyebrows, expect to trim your eyebrows every week or so or as desired.
Many people apply hair gel when the skin heals in order to guide new hair in the right direction. You might invest in an “eyebrow kit:” a mustache comb, small scissors, and eyebrow clippers if desired. Round-tip scissors are safer but more awkward to handle, while pointed-tip scissors offer more precision.
You can consult with a professional stylist to show you how to use your kit, or even to do your trims. Whatever you decide, it’s your face and you’re worth it!
Choosing A Reliable Doctor
You need someone with experience and training. You can ask for a referral from a dermatologist or check out a trustworthy site that can answer any questions about reconstructive surgery. A general web search will show different physicians’ credentialing, practice history, history of legal issues, and ratings by patients. If you are interested in eyebrow transplants in Naples, FL, check out the Aesthetic Surgery Center for more information on their hair restoration services.