Eyebrow transplantation, like hair transplantation and many other surgical or cosmetic procedures, has limited side effects that may be short-term or severe depending on the circumstances. Swelling and bruising, itching and flaking, pain, and minor bleeding are common side effects of eyebrow transplantation, which vary among individuals with different physical conditions and under the supervision of different doctors.
In this article, we will discuss the natural occurrence of eyebrow flaking after transplantation and ways to manage it.
What Care Is Needed After Eyebrow Transplantation?
Eyebrow transplantation is recognized as one of the best cosmetic procedures, offering natural and permanent results, which requires precision and skill. The doctor performing the eyebrow transplant must have extensive expertise and proficiency in transplantation to ensure a successful procedure without complications. Additionally, for excellent and lasting results, natural eyebrow transplantation should be performed in a reputable clinic with the necessary health and medical licenses. If the candidate for eyebrow transplantation meets the required conditions and visits a qualified doctor and clinic, only one factor remains to achieve a successful and permanent outcome: post-transplant care.
To reduce swelling after eyebrow transplantation, you can use a cold compress, sleep with your head elevated above your body, avoid washing the donor area and your eyebrows until instructed by your doctor, refrain from smoking, do not massage the transplanted eyebrows, avoid strenuous activities and exercise, stay out of direct sunlight, and, if possible, avoid using makeup around the eyebrow area for the first week. These are the most important guidelines to follow after eyebrow transplantation, though other measures, such as not touching the flaking skin on the eyebrows, are also crucial for faster recovery.
The Importance of Eyebrow Transplantation for Natural Eyebrows
There are many methods to achieve beautiful eyebrows, but most are temporary. Over time, researchers have developed newer techniques for eyebrow transplantation to enhance individuals’ beauty and provide natural, permanent results. In natural eyebrow transplantation, similar to hair transplantation, hair is taken from the individual’s own donor area, reducing the risk of follicle rejection to zero. There are various eyebrow transplant techniques, and the surgeon selects the most suitable method based on the individual’s condition. Since natural eyebrow transplantation requires precision, skill, and specific conditions, a specialized doctor can significantly impact the outcome. Eyebrow hair has a specific angle and direction, and transplantation must follow the same angle. The doctor extracts hair from the donor area behind the ears and transfers it to the eyebrow area to perform the transplant.
The eyebrow transplant procedure may require multiple sessions, depending on the extent of eyebrow hair loss. After the procedure, you must follow your doctor’s recommendations to avoid complications. Since eyebrow transplantation is an outpatient procedure, you can return home the same day and resume daily activities without concern. After a few months, the transplanted eyebrows will grow naturally, making this the only permanent and definitive method for achieving full, natural eyebrows.
What Problems May Occur After Eyebrow Transplantation?
As mentioned, complications or issues may arise after a natural eyebrow transplant procedure. These complications can lead to serious damage if not addressed properly. Some individuals do not take post-procedure care or the specialist’s recommendations seriously, which may result in significant complications following the transplant. These complications could include pain or swelling in the eyebrows, and you should inform your doctor if they occur. While such symptoms are normal for the first two or three days, neglecting hygiene guidelines can cause these issues to worsen quickly and negatively impact the results of the eyebrow transplant. Below are examples of these complications and issues:
- Flaking of the skin under the transplanted eyebrows.
- Pain and swelling resulting from the eyebrow transplant procedure.
- Bruising in the areas where the eyebrow transplant was performed.
Following these actions can prolong your recovery period, make the results of eyebrow transplantation appear unnatural, or lead to infections and further complications:
✔ Not using the antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, which can lead to infections in the body.
✔ Developing wounds and scars from the procedure, and picking at these wounds can disrupt the eyebrow transplant.
✔ Massaging or applying pressure to the eyebrows in the first few weeks after a natural eyebrow transplant can cause hair loss and halt eyebrow growth.
✔ Not following proper nutrition guidelines and consuming excessive salt and sugar after a natural eyebrow transplant can lead to eyebrow hair loss.
✔ Not taking prescribed iron supplements can have a detrimental effect on the hair growth system.
Eyebrow Flaking After Transplantation
After a natural eyebrow transplant procedure, you may experience bruising, swelling, or flaking of the skin under the transplanted eyebrows. In most cases, this is completely normal and there is no need for concern, as these symptoms typically disappear within a few days. If these issues persist, you should consult your surgeon and follow their recommendations. To minimize the risk of serious complications after eyebrow transplantation, you must carefully follow your doctor’s advice both before and after the procedure.
In fact, eyebrow flaking after transplantation occurs due to the skin drying out during this process, often triggered by the injection of anesthesia in the area for the transplant. Additionally, if your skin is naturally dry, you may experience cracking or flaking in the area where the transplant was performed. During all eyebrow transplant methods, tiny incisions are made in the skin of the eyebrows to place the transplanted follicles. During the recovery period, these small incisions begin to heal, initially forming flakes, and after passing through an itching phase, they fully recover.
Methods to Treat Eyebrow Flaking After Transplantation
Flaking of the eyebrows after transplantation may occur due to a lack of moisture or dehydration in the skin, or in some cases, due to a deficiency in vitamins or improper nutrition. To prevent such issues in the transplanted eyebrow area, you should consume plenty of water. To avoid eyebrow flaking after transplantation, you can incorporate foods rich in fiber and water into your diet. Additionally, drinking ample fluids can significantly prevent flaking of the transplanted eyebrows. Your doctor may also prescribe certain vitamins as supplements to enhance eyebrow growth and reduce post-transplant side effects. By paying attention to these factors and focusing on strengthening your eyebrows after transplantation, you can avoid severe skin complications following the procedure.
As mentioned in the post-transplant care guidelines, avoid massaging or picking at the flaking skin on your eyebrows, as this could dislodge the transplanted hairs, preventing them from regrowing. Massaging in the first week can disrupt and damage the growth of hair follicles. Additionally, refrain from using moisturizers or oils to remove flakes, as excessive oiliness and the chemicals in these products can penetrate the skin and increase the likelihood of unsuccessful follicle transplantation. By following these precautions during the first week after transplantation, you can avoid concerns about flaking or eyebrow hair loss. However, it’s normal for the transplanted eyebrows to shed after two to three weeks due to the shock of relocation. Natural eyebrow growth typically becomes noticeable from the third or fourth month onward, so you will need to wait a few months to see the final results of your eyebrow transplant.
