Eyelash and Eyebrow Transplantation

Eyelash and eyebrow transplantation procedures offer natural, permanent results for people who desire fuller, longer eyelashes or fuller eyebrows. These elective, cosmetic procedures add eyelashes and eyebrows using microsurgical techniques. Each procedure requires a highly skilled surgical team with experience and expertise to transplant the hair to the eyelid or eyebrow and achieve natural, permanent results.

As with any medical procedure, it is important that the patient discuss his or her goals directly with the physician who will conduct the procedure and is confident in the surgeon's credentials. During a personal consultation with Dr. Steven Gabel, he will discuss the patient's goals and expectations and conduct a thorough history and physical examination focused on hair loss.

During the consultation, the procedure and postoperative steps will be discussed in detail. The procedure is performed in the Gabel Hair Restoration Center's custom-built suite within a few hours while the patient is under local anesthesia. The donor hair for the transplantation is selected and removed from the back or sides of the scalp to closely match the native eyelashes or eyebrows; this removal is undetectable. The hair is then microscopically dissected and implanted into the eyelid or eyebrow area using very fine surgical instrumentation to ensure proper direction and growth of each hair. The density and number of eyelashes and eyebrow hairs transplanted varies with each case, and some patients may require an additional session to achieve their goal.

Postoperatively, there may be some mild bruising, swelling and discomfort at the eyelid, eyebrow and donor site areas for which medication will be prescribed. To guide the patient during the postoperative period, detailed instructions will be provided. After three weeks, the transplanted hair usually sheds while the follicle inside the eyelid or eyebrow remains alive and active. After six to eight weeks, the eyelashes or eyebrows start to grow and will have the same characteristics as the donor hair. For aesthetics, the new eyelashes or eyebrows will require trimming, and the new eyelashes may also need to be curled. A full cosmetic result can be expected in twelve months.