Eyebrow & Eyelash Restoration Solutions
3d try-onMost of us have plenty of hair in places we don’t want it, but what about not having enough where you do? If your brows or lashes are lacking fullness, volume, and shape, there are numerous surgical and non-surgical options to restore and enhance.
The Skinny
Hair follicles — they’re everywhere. But sometimes the distribution just isn’t right and too much or too little hair on the lash line and in the brow region can be cause for the creation of daily rituals (check out our complete guide to Eyebrow & Eyelash Concerns). When natural lashes and brows don’t cut it, eye makeup, skincare products, false lashes, and over-the-counter eyebrow and eyelash enhancement serums begin to litter our medicine cabinets. If you are seeking more permanent solutions to longer lashes, darker lashes, thicker lashes, or improved brow shape and brow volume, then a consultation with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon may have you clearing up some space in your vanity.
The Specifics
Who may consider eyebrow and eyelash restoration?
Eyebrow and eyelash appearance can greatly enhance the eyes and face. Men and women of any age may experience dissatisfactory lash or brow appearance for a myriad of reasons.Genetics, follicle damage (think years of plucking and waxing), medications, and certain medical illnesses (especially thyroid disorders) can cause lack of fullness, shape, and volume. To better classify individual concerns, below is a general outline of the subcategories of eyelash and eyebrow concerns:
- Sparse Eyebrows: A sparse brow is one that lacks volume and fullness most likely due to inadequate hair follicles.
- Eyebrow Shape: Secondary to distribution of hair follicles, some brows lack adequate definition, curve, and thickness.
- Eyelash Length: Length is primarily controlled by genetics and perception of length is mostly personal. Short lashes can falsely appear as lacking in volume.
- Eyelash Volume: Volume is controlled by the amount and distribution of hair follicles along the lash line. When it comes to volume, the more the better.
- Sparse Eyelashes: Like sparse brows, lashes with inadequate follicle volume will appear thin and lacking fullness.
What can you expect from eyebrow and eyelash restoration?
Both surgical and non-surgical procedures exist to restore, enhance, and refine eyebrow and eyelash appearance. The level of invasiveness and magnitude of results will depend on the procedure.- Surgical Procedures: Hair transplant or, more specifically, eyelash implants or eyebrow transplants utilize procedures similar to regular scalp hair transplants. Individual healthy hair follicles are taken from one area of the body, and reimplanted in the brow area or along the lash line. This creates a permanent and more natural restoration.
- Non-Surgical Procedures: Less invasive and temporary procedures like eyelash extensions, an eyelash lift, a topical medication (Latisse®), microblading, and hair removal (threading and waxing) can alter brow shape and/or enhance fullness and volume of the lash and brow.
Surgical procedures are more invasive, but also produce more permanent results. Less invasive non surgical procedures generally require maintenance treatments, but have fewer side effects. Amongst the non surgical options, some produce immediate results while others may require months to take full effect.
When should you consider eyebrow and eyelash restoration?
As with any procedure, a good candidate is one who feels good, has ruled out underlying medical conditions, and can commit to recovery and possible activity limitations. For most procedures, candidates should refrain from tweezing and using over-the-counter hair removal products for a few days prior.Why should you consider eyebrow and eyelash restoration?
If you’re tired of the makeup, miracle supplements, and trying to hide behind a flattering pair of glasses (real or fake), then it’s probably time to consult with a cosmetic surgeon to determine which of the numerous procedures is most appropriate for your unique concern. Passing mirrors should cause you to strike a pose-not duck and cover.Surgical Eyebrow & Eyelash Restoration
Hair transplant for eyelash implants or eyebrow implants utilizes the same methods as hair transplants for scalp hair. Note that since hair follicles from the scalp will be used, hair growth will be consistent with head hair, necessitating regular trimming and maintenance.- Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
- Overview: This procedure involves removing a portion or “strip” of healthy scalp tissue to individually harvest hair follicles for reimplantation where needed.
- Cost: $1,000 - $6,000
- Recovery & Results: Most patients return to normal activity within 10 days. Hair will begin to grow within three months and continue over the course of a year. Results are permanent.
- Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
- Overview: This is similar to the strip method, however, a “donor” portion of the scalp is not removed. Rather, individual follicles are harvested directly from the scalp and reimplanted.
- Cost: $1,000 - $6,000
- Recovery & Results: Most patients are able to return to work within one week. Hair growth progresses over the course of a year and is noticeable after three months. The results are permanent.
Non-Surgical Eyebrow & Eyelash Restoration
For less invasive methods, an individual may consider one of many non-surgical options. Common solutions like threading and waxing can help with brow shaping. Microblading involves pigmenting skin to create the appearance of more fullness. Extensions and topical medications can also be utilized all with minimal disruption to your daily routine.- Eyelash Extensions
- Overview: Lashes (synthetic, mink, horse hair, silk, etc) are individually adhered to the lash line. Generally 25-80 lashes are placed depending on the desired look.
- Cost: $75 - $400
- Recovery & Results: There is no recovery associated with this procedure. The results typically last three to five weeks.
- Eyelash Lift
- Overview: Ideal for those with adequate volume, but lack of lash definition. A solution is placed on the upper lashes, curled to the desired shape, and then cleansed.
- Cost: $75 - $100
- Recovery & Results: Mild irritation may occur. The lashes are to be kept dry for one day. Results last two to three months.
- Latisse®
- Overview: A prescription product eyelash enhancement solution applied nightly to the upper lash line or eyebrow. Latisse works to enhance natural lashes. It promotes eyelash growth to fill in the lash line for fuller lashes, longer lashes, and darker lashes.
- Cost: $120 - $445 (learn more in our guide to Latisse® cost)
- Recovery & Results: The solution may cause temporary irritation. Results will begin to show after four months of regular use.
- Microblading
- Overview: Pigment is placed within the brow area to create the desired shape and full appearance. For longer results, a motorized pen can penetrate the skin more deeply. Alternatively, strokes can be applied by hand. Basically these are semi permanent enhancement tattoos.
- Cost: $100 - $1,000 (learn more in our guide to microblading cost)
- Recovery & Results: Skin will heal over seven to 10 days. Avoid irritants in the area for two to four weeks. Results can last from one to five years.
- Threading
- Overview: Utilizes a very precise technique to shape and contour the brow. Eyebrow hair needs to be at least 1mm in length for this procedure.
- Cost: $5 - $20
- Recovery & Results: Patients may experience minimal and temporary tenderness and redness. Most individuals pursue maintenance treatments every three to four weeks.
- Waxing
- Overview: A classic. Soft or hard wax depending on the area and practitioner is applied to unwanted eyebrow hair for removal.
- Cost: $10 - $100
- Recovery & Results: Mild irritation and redness typically resolves within a few hours. Treatments are usually every three to four weeks.
The Takeaway
Long-lasting or even permanent eyelash enhancement and eyebrow alterations are possible through both surgical and non surgical restoration procedures. Whether your genetic code just isn’t up to snuff, you overdid it with the tweezers, or you’re looking to switch things up, a cosmetic procedure to restore and enhance eyelash and eyebrow appearance is a safe and effective way to create your ideal look.
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Source List
- Bhupendra C. Patel; Michael J. Lopez; Zachary P. Joos. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Eyelash PubMed.gov; 2020-07-27
- Dailey RA, Wobig JL. Eyelid Anatomy PubMed; 1982-12-01
- Kun Hwang Eyebrow Shapes Over the Last Century PubMed.gov; 2016-11-01
- MJ Elder Anatomy and Physiology of Eyelash Follicles: Relevance to Lash Ablation Procedures PubMed.gov; 1997-03-01
