Eyebrow thinning is a real thing whether it’s from normal aging or just from years of over tweezing. The eyebrows are an important feature on the face and are an important part of facial symmetry. Eyebrows not only frame the eyes, but they also play a huge part to one’s overall facial aesthetic.
Normal Eyebrow Growth
Just like the hair on the scalp, it is also possible for eyebrow hairs to become thinner or simply stop growing with normal aging. With age the hair shafts miniaturize which makes it harder for hair to grow. This basically means that the once healthy hair follicle starts producing thinner hairs that easily fall out. This typically happens when hormone levels are changing and is hard to prevent.
Stress Hair Loss
Stress is another factor that can lead to thinning eyebrows. Extreme stress causes less oxygen to travel to the hair follicles which then leads to hair loss. This type of hair loss is usually temporary, but if not managed can be long lasting. A few of the most effective ways to manage and reduce stress is by adding exercise or meditation to your daily routine.
Over Tweezed Eyebrows
The most common culprit of thinning eyebrows is over tweezing. If you grew up in the 90’s you most likely rocked the thin eyebrow trend and are now filling in your eyebrows. If you can help it, try not to over tweeze your brows but instead see a professional to shape your eyebrows. Each time the eyebrows are tweezed, it causes minor trauma which causes the hair to eventually thin and can lead to permanent loss.
Eyebrow Transplant
Eyebrow transplant is all the rage right now, especially for those who hate spending an extra 10 minutes filling in their eyebrows every morning. With an eyebrow transplant the patient and the surgeon work together to create the perfect eyebrow shape with just the right density before the procedure begins.
During the FUE technique, each hair follicle is suctioned from the nape of the neck. Each hair follicle (graft) contains around 1-4 strands of hair. Each graft is dissected into singles for a natural result. Once all of the grafts are obtained, they are transplanted to the eyebrows.
The other hair transplant option is the FUT strip method. During this technique, a small section of the scalp is excised from the back of the head to obtain the grafts. This incision does leave patients with a linear scar that can easily be camouflage with longer hair. With either FUE or FUT technique, 150-250 grafts are generally needed for each brow, but it does vary with each patient.
During an eyebrow transplant, it is important for the newly transplanted brow hair to be positioned correctly for the most natural looking brows. Which is why it is important to see a surgeon who is an expert in hair transplant surgery.
Eyebrow Transplant Recovery
Immediately after the surgery, the brow area will be somewhat tender for 3-7 days, but most individuals feel like they can resume most normal activities the next day. During this time swelling and bruising can be expected but resolves on its own within 5-7 days. In the weeks following the eyebrow transplant, it is normal for the new hairs to shed. After shedding, the new follicles will produce new hair and within a few months and regrowth will be fully apparent.
Once the eyebrows are fully healed and new growth has begun, the brow hairs will require trimming and some shaping to keep them at the desired look. An eyebrow transplant is completely permanent, and you can continue your typical maintenance once they are fully grown.
For more information about eyebrow or facial hair restoration, please contact our Draper or Layton, Utah offices at (801)776-2220. Learn more about our hair restoration specialists at UFP Hair Restoration.