Eyebrow transplantation is a procedure to reconstruct eyebrows that have been lost or thinned due to various reasons (such as genetic structure, accidents, burns, medical treatments, or incorrect eyebrow plucking). This aesthetic procedure is based on the principle of transplanting healthy hair follicles, usually taken from the donor area (typically the nape of the neck), to the gaps or sparse areas in the eyebrow region. The goal is to achieve natural-looking, full, and harmonious eyebrows that complement the facial features.
What is Eyebrow Transplant?
Eyebrow transplantation is a micro-surgical method involving the transplantation of single hair follicles, usually taken from the nape area of the body, to the eyebrow area to create a natural eyebrow appearance. This procedure is performed to improve the shape, density, and overall appearance of the eyebrows.Before undergoing eyebrow transplantation, patients can determine their desired eyebrow shape and density. In consultations with a specialist doctor, the most suitable eyebrow design for the facial features is created, and the area to be transplanted and the number of follicles to be taken are planned.
Why is Eyebrow Transplant Preferred?
Eyebrow transplant surgery is generally preferred for the following reasons:- Sparse Eyebrows: Individuals with genetically sparse eyebrows can opt for this surgery to achieve fuller and more defined eyebrows.
- Asymmetric Eyebrows: There may be significant differences between the eyebrows due to congenital or acquired eyebrow asymmetry. This asymmetry can be corrected with eyebrow transplantation.
- Loss After Burns or Scars: Eyebrow transplantation can be performed to address permanent losses in the eyebrow area resulting from accidents, burns, or surgical interventions.
- Loss After Medical Treatments: Eyebrow transplantation can be a solution if eyebrows that have fallen out as a result of medical treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy do not grow back.
- Thinning After Incorrect Eyebrow Plucking: It is possible to re-densify permanently thinned eyebrows resulting from long-term and incorrect eyebrow plucking habits.
- Self-Confidence and Aesthetic Concerns: Individuals dissatisfied with the appearance of their eyebrows may choose this surgery to feel better about themselves and make their facial features more prominent.
- Desire to Change Eyebrow Shape: For individuals who are not satisfied with their current eyebrow shape and want a different model, the desired design can be created with eyebrow transplantation.
How Does the Pre-Eyebrow Transplant Selection Process Work?
Eyebrow transplant surgery should be performed by an experienced hair transplant specialist. The general process consists of the following steps:- Consultation and Evaluation: Before eyebrow transplantation, a detailed consultation is held with the specialist doctor. At this stage, the patient's general health status, expectations, eyebrow structure, and aesthetic desires are evaluated.
- Eyebrow Design: The most suitable eyebrow shape for the patient's facial features is determined and drawn. After obtaining the patient's approval, the transplantation planning begins.
- Preparation of the Donor Area: Generally, the nape area is determined as the donor area, and this area is numbed with local anesthesia. A part of the hair in the donor area is shaved.
- Graft Collection: Hair follicles (grafts) are gently collected one by one or in small groups from the donor area using special micro-surgical instruments. The collected grafts are kept in a special solution.
- Channel Opening: Very thin channels where the hair follicles will be placed are opened in the eyebrow area according to the determined design. At this stage, the natural growth angle and direction of the eyebrows are taken into account.
- Graft Implantation: The collected grafts are carefully placed into the opened channels at the correct angle. This stage is critically important for achieving a natural appearance.
- Recovery Process: The patient's recovery process after the operation may take a few days to a week. Mild swelling, redness, and crusting are normal and will pass over time. It is important to follow the doctor's recommendations to speed up the recovery process.
What are the Types of Eyebrow Transplant?
Eyebrow transplantation is basically performed using the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) method. However, there may be differences in application details.- Standard FUE Eyebrow Transplant: This is the most commonly applied technique. Grafts are taken one by one with the help of micro motors and transplanted to the eyebrow area.
- Micro FUE Eyebrow Transplant: This is a technique performed with smaller incisions using finer-tipped instruments. The aim is to minimize scarring.
- Eyebrow Transplant with DHI (Direct Hair Implantation): This is a technique in which grafts are placed directly and in a more controlled manner with the help of a special pen (Choi Implanter Pen).
What should I pay attention to before eyebrow transplantation?
It is recommended to stop using blood-thinning medications and reduce smoking and alcohol consumption before eyebrow transplantation. It is also important to follow any specific instructions given by your doctor before the operation.
How long does eyebrow transplantation take?
The duration of eyebrow transplantation varies depending on the number of grafts to be transplanted and the desired density of the eyebrows. It can usually take 2 to 4 hours.
Will I feel pain during eyebrow transplantation?
You will not feel any pain during the procedure as eyebrow transplantation is performed under local anesthesia. You may feel a slight stinging sensation when the anesthesia is applied. After the procedure, there may be mild pain or tenderness, which can be controlled with painkillers.
What is the suitable age range for eyebrow transplantation?
Eyebrow transplantation is generally suitable for individuals aged 18 and over whose eyebrow loss in the area has become permanent. However, since every patient is different, the doctor's assessment is important.
Am I a suitable candidate for eyebrow transplantation?
If you are healthy, have a sufficient donor area, are bothered by the appearance of your eyebrows, and have realistic expectations about eyebrow transplantation, you may be a suitable candidate for this procedure. However, the final decision will be made by your specialist doctor.
In which cases is eyebrow transplantation not recommended?
- In the eyebrow area with active infection or skin disease,
- In individuals with uncontrolled diabetes or severe autoimmune diseases,
- In individuals with blood clotting problems,
- In individuals who do not have enough healthy hair follicles in the donor area,
- In individuals prone to keloid formation.
When will my eyebrows start to grow after surgery?
Transplanted eyebrow follicles usually experience shock loss within the first 1-3 weeks. This is a normal process. New eyebrow hairs usually start to grow after 3-4 months, and full results can be seen within 6-12 months.
What should I pay attention to after surgery?
It is very important to follow the care instructions recommended by your doctor after surgery. You should protect the eyebrow area from trauma for the first few days, avoid contact with water, and use the prescribed creams. You should also avoid strenuous exercise for the period specified by your doctor.
Is eyebrow transplantation permanent?
Yes, eyebrow transplantation generally offers permanent results. Since the hair follicles taken from the donor area are genetically resistant to shedding, they continue to grow in the transplanted eyebrow area for many years.
Will my eyebrows look natural after eyebrow transplantation?
Yes, results after eyebrow transplantation performed by an expert team with correct techniques look quite natural. Placing the hair follicles at the correct angle and direction mimics the natural eyebrow growth pattern.
What are the Advantages of Eyebrow Transplant?
Eyebrow transplantation offers many aesthetic and psychological advantages:- Natural and Defined Eyebrows: Eyebrow transplantation gives a natural and defined appearance to sparse or non-existent eyebrows.
- Improvement of Facial Features: Eyebrows significantly affect facial expression and overall appearance. Correctly shaped and dense eyebrows make facial features more harmonious.
- Increased Self-Confidence: An increase in self-confidence is observed after surgery for individuals dissatisfied with the appearance of their eyebrows.
- Permanent Solution: Transplanted eyebrows grow permanently and can be shaped regularly.
- Reduced Need for Makeup: Thanks to full and defined eyebrows, the need for daily eyebrow makeup decreases.
- Recovery of Lost Eyebrows Due to Various Reasons: It allows for the reconstruction of eyebrows lost due to burns, accidents, or medical treatments.
What does eyebrow transplantation aim for?
Eyebrow transplantation aims to correct losses in the eyebrow area, improve the shape and density of eyebrows, and achieve natural-looking eyebrows that are harmonious with facial features. In this way, the aesthetic concerns of individuals are addressed, and their self-confidence is increased.- ✔ Natural-Looking Eyebrows: A natural result is achieved by transplanting hair follicles at the correct angle and direction.
- ✔ Dense and Defined Eyebrows: The desired density is achieved by filling sparse areas or creating completely new eyebrows.
- ✔ Permanent Results: Transplanted eyebrows grow permanently and require regular maintenance.
- ✔ Harmony with Facial Features: The most suitable eyebrow shape for facial features is created with a personalized design.
How long should I not wet my eyebrows after eyebrow transplantation?
It is generally recommended not to wet the transplanted area for the first 24-48 hours after eyebrow transplantation. Your doctor will give you detailed information about when and how to do the first wash.
When can I pluck my eyebrows after eyebrow transplantation?
It may take several months for the transplanted eyebrows to fully settle and start growing. You should be careful not to pluck your eyebrows during this process. Your doctor will inform you when and how you can shape your eyebrows.
Is eyebrow transplantation different from other hair transplant methods? What are the differences?
Yes, there are some differences between eyebrow transplantation and hair transplantation.Donor Area Selection: While the nape generally offers a wide donor area in hair transplantation, finer and single hair follicles are preferred for eyebrow transplantation. Therefore, grafts selected from the donor area are taken more carefully.
Number of Grafts: Generally, a much smaller number of grafts (average 200-400 grafts) are used in eyebrow transplantation compared to hair transplantation.
Channel Angle and Direction: For a natural appearance in eyebrow transplantation, the angle and direction of the channels are much more important than in hair transplantation and must be meticulously adjusted. Eyebrow hairs grow out at a more horizontal angle to the skin surface.
Recovery Process: Since the skin in the eyebrow area is more sensitive, the recovery process may differ slightly from hair transplantation.
Will I feel pain during and after the surgery?
You will not feel any pain during the surgery as local anesthesia will be applied. You may feel a slight stinging sensation when the anesthesia is applied. After the surgery, you may feel mild pain or tenderness for the first few days. This condition can usually be controlled with painkillers and will decrease over time.
Will there be swelling after surgery? How long will it last?
Mild swelling may be seen around the eyebrows and eyes after eyebrow transplantation. This swelling usually reaches its most intense level within the first 2-3 days and then subsides on its own within the next few days. Your doctor may give you some recommendations to reduce swelling.
When will the transplanted eyebrows fully grow out?
Hair follicles transplanted in eyebrow transplantation are permanent. Shock loss, which can be seen in the first 1-3 weeks, is a normal process. This shedding makes way for new and permanent eyebrow hairs to grow. After the transplanted eyebrows fall out, they start to grow again and continue to grow like your own natural eyebrows over time. Full results usually become apparent within 6-12 months.
Do I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
Eyebrow transplantation is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, and patients do not need to stay in the hospital after the operation. After the procedure is completed, you can return home with your doctor's instructions.
How soon can I get up?
Eyebrow transplantation is generally a short procedure, and you can get up immediately afterwards. You can return to your daily activities on the same day, but it is important to adhere to the rest period recommended by your doctor.