Cicatricial eyebrow restoration using the follicular unit extraction technique

Cicatricial eyebrow loss that occurs after trauma or burns considerably reduces a person's self-confidence. Several methods, either surgical or nonsurgical, have been defined to reconstruct eyebrows. This study focused on eyebrow restoration using the atraumatic follicular unit extraction (FUE) technique in patients and emphasized certain details that should be considered during the treatment process. In this study, we discussed the management of 18 cases using this technique and their outcomes with respect to published literature.

This study examined eyebrow restoration performed using a modified FUE technique in 18 patients who had cicatricial eyebrow loss due to trauma, excised congenital giant nevus, or burns. Moreover, special methods, including platelet-rich plasma, microneedling, steroid injections, and fat grafting, were used in each patient to increase the odds of graft survival.

Aesthetically and functionally satisfactory outcomes were observed along with the appropriate orientation and symmetry of the eyebrows in all patients' follow-ups. Moreover, patients exhibited increased self-confidence, and the quality of skin, particularly in the transplantation area, was improved. There was no complication either in the recipient or in the donor site.

Eyebrow restoration using the atraumatic FUE technique should be considered as the first treatment option in cases with cicatricial eyebrow loss as long as an appropriate evaluation and treatment method is followed for each patient.