Perfect brows every day: Eyebrow augmentation and restoration

Eyebrows are one of the most prominent features on our face, giving definition and character as well as expressing our emotions. Missing or thin brows can make a person self-conscious, particularly given that fuller, bolder brows that have become fashionable once again. Although makeup products, such as eyebrow pencils can offer a temporary solution, eyebrow augmentation and restoration procedures can offer more permanent and natural results. In this informative article, leading hair restoration surgeon Dr Greg Williams gives expert insight on the advantages eyebrow augmentation and restoration can offer.

Why do people choose to undergo an eyebrow augmentation or restoration procedure?

Along with our eyes, eyebrows are one of the most prominent features of the face, with the power to convey a lot about how we are feeling. Fluctuations in fashion also apply to eyebrow styling. From 1920’s pencil-thin rounded arches, to thick and natural in the 1980’s, to barely-there brows in the 2000’s, eyebrow trends are always changing. In more recent years, bold, natural and thick eyebrows have once more made a comeback, leading to the popularisation of treatments such as micro-blading or brow lamination which fill out and accentuate the eyebrow.

Although those with naturally bushy brows may relish the latest trend in eyebrow shaping, those with thinning or missing eyebrows can be left feeling self-conscious. This is, however, a relatively common occurrence, often caused by over-plucking, alopecia, scarring or simply by the natural ageing process. While makeup products, such as eyebrow pencils, gels and powders, can offer a temporary solution, an eyebrow transplant can offer a more permanent remedy to thin, sparse or missing eyebrows.

How is the procedure carried out?

Eyebrow hair transplants can improve the visual appearance of the eyebrow by reconstructing a non-existent brow or by shaping and filling out a thin eyebrow. To achieve a natural look, an extensive knowledge of anatomy and eyebrow design is required, including advanced skill and precision in extraction and implantation techniques.

To avoid results that look artificial, it is important to imitate the natural, irregular pattern of hairs, as eyebrow hairs don’t all grow in the same direction; some face upwards and other downwards creating a herringbone pattern. Therefore, the surgeon’s creativity and artistic flare are essential in order to achieve excellent results.

To ensure that the herringbone pattern is effectively recreated, the surgeon expertly inserts hair follicles at specific angles, taking in to consideration the direction of hair growth as well as the angle at which the hair will go on to grow away from the skin. Exact precision in the procedure gives the eyebrows a natural appearance that enhances and accentuates the face and its features, without treatment being apparent.

The graft hairs used in an eyebrow transplant are most often extracted from a small area of the scalp at the back of the head. On average, four hundred transplanted grafts are used in an eyebrow transplant although this varies from patient to patient. The procedure typically takes between three to four hours to complete.

What results can patients expect?

Around six months after the procedure, the new strands of hair will be fully settled and the desired fullness of the brow will be achieved. As hair taken from the scalp grows more quickly than the hairs within the eyebrow, it is important to trim the eyebrows lightly every week or two to give the best appearance.

If you are considering an eyebrow augmentation or restoration procedure and wish to discuss your options further, don’t hesitate to book a consultation with Dr Williams by visiting his Top Doctors profile.