The plastic surgery department of the People's Hospital for eyebrow transplantation in New York City is among the top!

Introduction to Eyebrow Transplantation in New York City

Eyebrows are one of the most important features of the face. They not only aid in facial expression but also provide balance and harmony to facial features. In New York City, the plastic surgery department of the People's Hospital is at the forefront when it comes to eyebrow transplantation. This popularity is due to various factors such as advancements in technology, which have made the procedure safer and more effective, and the increasing affordability of the cost.

Understanding Eyebrow Transplantation

What is Eyebrow Transplantation?

Eyebrow transplantation is a cosmetic procedure where hair grafts are transferred to the brow area. It is a meticulous surgery that demands proper knowledge of hair direction, angulation, and brow anatomy. The hair that creates eyebrows is different from any other hair on the body, and as we age, the thickness and natural arch of our eyebrows can change. Thinning eyebrows can be a result of years of plucking or waxing, damaged hair follicles, or the natural aging processes.

Anatomy and Aesthetic Goals

To understand the intricacies of eyebrow transplantation, it's essential to know the anatomy of the eyebrow. The head of the eyebrow (innermost 5 – 7 mm) has hairs oriented in a vertical fashion, with a gradual progression laterally. The top - most row at the head is often orientated horizontally. The body of the eyebrow (central 2.5 cm) has hairs that are oriented in a cross - hatch pattern with the top part having hairs pointing down and lateral and the bottom part with hairs pointing up and lateral. The tail of the eyebrow (outer 2 cm) has hairs pointed laterally, with an ultra - acute angulation that is very flat to the skin surface.

Female and male eyebrows also have different characteristics. A female eyebrow is about 6 - 7 cm long and starts just medial to the medial canthus (inner corner of the eye). It starts and ends at the same horizontal plane with the head and tail along the orbital rim (upper eye bone). The peak of the female eyebrow is anywhere from the lateral limbus of the iris to the lateral canthus and rises above the level of the orbital rim. Different degrees of peak and shape may be favorable. A male eyebrow is about the same length as the female eyebrow and starts and ends at a similar position. However, the peak is less pronounced, and the eyebrow is straighter, usually traveling along the orbital rim throughout its course, with an increased hair density at a similar location to where the eyebrow peaks in women.

Reasons for Eyebrow Transplantation

There are numerous reasons why people opt for eyebrow transplantation:

• Over - plucking: Years of excessive plucking can lead to thinning or bald spots in the eyebrows. When your mother told you if you over - pluck your brows, they would never grow back, she was right. This is a common issue, especially among those who have followed different beauty trends over the years.
• Laser Hair Removal: The use of laser hair removal in the eyebrow area can damage hair follicles, preventing normal hair growth.
• Scarring: Burns, injuries, or surgeries that result in scarring in the eyebrow area can cause hair loss. For example, if a person has been in an accident that affected the brow region, eyebrow transplantation can help restore the natural look.
• Naturally Thin or Short Eyebrows: Some individuals are born with thin or short eyebrows and may want to enhance their appearance.
• Aesthetic Preference: As beauty standards evolve, many people desire to achieve a specific eyebrow shape or thickness. For instance, the current trend of bold, power brows has led more people to consider eyebrow transplantation.
• Medical Conditions: Conditions such as hypothyroidism, alopecia areata, lupus, and polycystic ovary syndrome can cause eyebrow hair loss. Eyebrow transplantation can be a solution for those affected by these conditions after proper medical evaluation.
• Transgender Transitions: During the process of gender transition, individuals may want to modify their eyebrow appearance to match their new gender identity.
• Faded Brow Tattoos: Over time, brow tattoos can fade or become discolored, leaving an unnatural look. Eyebrow transplantation can provide a more natural and long - lasting solution.

The Eyebrow Transplantation Procedure

Pre - Procedure

Before the procedure, a thorough consultation is essential. The surgeon will check your medical history to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the transplant. It is important to stop all supplements and over - the - counter medications that can thin the blood at least one week prior to the procedure. Taking vitamin C and vitamin K a week before the eyebrow transplant procedure may help improve healing and minimize bleeding. A cleaning solution will also be recommended so that you can cleanse in the shower leading up to the procedure.

During the consultation, you and the surgeon will work together to determine the shape and arch of the eyebrows that will best balance your facial structure. You can bring in an eyeliner so that your preferences are incorporated into the final design. Some patients come in with an exact shape in mind, while others ask the surgeon to design it. Your face shape plays a crucial role in determining the ideal eyebrow shape:

Harvesting Hair Follicles

There are two main methods for harvesting hair follicles for eyebrow transplantation:

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

With FUE, hair is removed one by one using a manual punch, powered punch, or robotic punch. The advantages of FUE include ease of recovery and the lack of a linear scar. However, it has some disadvantages. It requires a longer time on the stomach during extraction, and the hairs are cut short, which may affect planting for eyebrows.

Follicular Unit Grafting (FUT)

FUT involves removing a strip of hair from the back of the head and using sutures to close the wound. The main advantage of FUT is the faster process, and the hairs can be left longer, which may help during planting to see the curl of the hair. But it has the drawback of leaving a linear scar and a longer, more painful recovery.

Transplanting the Hair Follicles

Once the hair is removed, it is processed to separate hairs into 1 and 2 hair grafts, as thicker grafts can cause an unnatural appearance when implanted. Sometimes 3 hair grafts can be used where density is needed. Next, recipient sites are made into the eyebrow once it has been numbed. These sites need to be very acute so that the hairs eventually grow in a natural fashion and not straight out of the skin in a perpendicular way. Once the sites are made, the hairs are then carefully placed into the sites and oriented properly so that the curl of the hair faces down.

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

During the Procedure

The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia. In some cases, a mild sedative may also be given to help you relax. You will bring the medications prescribed to you into the office. After consent is obtained, the eyebrows are meticulously marked. Depending on the extraction method, you will either lay on your stomach or sit for the extraction portion of the procedure. If you are face down, the drawn markings will be protected using a non - stick pad. Once the grafts are removed, you will turn onto your back for recipient site creation and then placement of the grafts. The overall process may take a few hours for smaller cases, up to six hours for larger cases. As the procedure nears its end, you will be shown the almost completed eyebrow transplant, at which point you can decide if any changes are necessary before the final hair grafts are placed. Keep in mind that swelling at this point may distort the appearance of symmetry.

After the Procedure

After the eyebrow transplant, you may experience some side effects. The most common side effects include swelling, bruising, soreness, scarring, infection, and loss of feeling. However, choosing a skilled hair restoration specialist like those at the plastic surgery department of the People's Hospital can reduce the likelihood of complications. You can minimize the risk of experiencing these side effects by following all of the surgeon's instructions both before and after your procedure.

The newly placed hair follicles will go through a natural “shedding” phase before they begin their cycle of regrowth. This should not be cause for alarm. While you will notice an immediate difference following your eyebrow restoration procedure, the final results will take up to six months to be evident. The transplanted hair will start to fallout by about 2 - 3 weeks, and new hairs will begin to grow after 3 - 4 months, with full eyebrow thickness achieved by 9 - 12 months.

Care and Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance are crucial for the success of the eyebrow transplant. Here are some important tips:

• Initial Aftercare: It is very important not to get the transplanted hairs wet for the first five days. This allows them to set in the proper orientation and to eventually grow. You should spray saline on the grafts to keep them moist. You can wash the face after the first 1 - 2 days but keep the hands away from the brows. You will also continue taking a medicine dose pack (a steroid) for 5 days to help minimize postoperative swelling and bruising.
• Brushing and Trimming: It is recommended that you carefully brush your eyebrows in an upward motion to encourage them to grow in the appropriate direction. The application of a firm gel will further encourage this growth. You should trim your eyebrows once every ten days initially, and as the hairs grow, you may need to trim them two or three times a month, as needed.

Who is a Good Candidate for Eyebrow Transplantation?

Ideal candidates for eyebrow transplantation include those with overly plucked eyebrows, flat eyebrows, thinning eyebrows over time, absent tail of the brow, decreased density or fullness of the brow, those who want thicker eyebrows, those with previous cosmetic tattooing or microblading with unnatural results, and those who have experienced accidents where partial or total eyebrows were removed.

However, there are some contraindications to eyebrow transplant. These include underlying health problems that are not compatible with the medications given during the procedure, scarring alopecia (frontal fibrosing alopecia), autoimmune alopecia (alopecia areata), uncontrolled trichotillomania, and poor donor hair supply. Additionally, patients who are currently undergoing chemotherapy may not be good candidates as their hair may grow back after treatment.

Alternatives to Eyebrow Transplantation

While eyebrow transplantation offers a natural and permanent solution, there are some alternatives:

• Tattoo: Permanent pigment is used to create a flat outline of eyebrows. However, it may fade over time and may not look as natural as transplanted hair.
• Microblading: Semi - permanent ink is used, and the appearance of hair is simulated. It is less invasive than transplantation but may also fade and can sometimes look uneven or unnatural.
• Make - up: This is a temporary cover - up that can be used with any of the above treatments. It is a quick and easy way to enhance the eyebrows but needs to be applied daily.
• Latisse: A prostaglandin analog that is applied topically may help with hair growth, in addition to eyelash improvement. However, its effectiveness for eyebrow growth may vary.

Choosing the Right Surgeon

Choosing the right surgeon is crucial for the success of your eyebrow transplant. In New York City, the plastic surgery department of the People's Hospital has highly skilled and experienced surgeons. Here are some tips to help you choose a good surgeon:

• Credentials: Look for a board - certified plastic surgeon or hair restoration specialist. For example, Dr. Michael Wolfeld is board - certified in both plastic surgery and hair restoration, making him uniquely qualified to perform eyebrow restoration.
• Experience: An experienced surgeon will have a better understanding of the intricacies of the procedure. Dr. Gary Linkov, a board - certified facial plastic surgeon, has extensive experience in hair restoration surgery and is one of the top plastic surgeons in NYC performing the eyebrow transplant procedure.
• Reviews and Testimonials: Read reviews from previous patients to get an idea of their experiences. You can also ask for before and after photos to see the surgeon's work.
• Communication: A good surgeon will listen to your concerns and goals and create a personalized plan for you. They should also be able to answer all your questions and make you feel comfortable throughout the process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, eyebrow transplantation is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure in New York City, and the plastic surgery department of the People's Hospital is at the forefront of this field. It can restore the appearance of thinning or missing eyebrows, providing a natural and long - lasting solution. By understanding the procedure, the reasons for it, the aftercare, and how to choose the right surgeon, you can make an informed decision about whether eyebrow transplantation is right for you.

If you are considering eyebrow transplantation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with a qualified surgeon at the plastic surgery department of the People's Hospital. Take the first step towards achieving the beautiful, natural - looking eyebrows you've always wanted!