OBJECTIVETo search a new option for aesthetic reconstruction of the eyebrow.

METHODSUnder local anesthesia, a scalp strip was harvested from the back of the head, closed to the hairline. Under 2 times magnification, the strip was then divided into a series of follicular-unit micrografts with 1-3 hairs. Usually, 150 micrografts were needed per eyebrow in a man whereas 100 micrografts in a woman. After the micro-slits or micro-slots were prepared in the recipient site, the grafts were implanted into the holes, parallel to the original hair directions.

RESULTSFrom Apr 1998 to Feb 2000, thirty-two patients with 48 eyebrow-losses, resulted from burn scar, skin grafting, chemical peeling, lesion excising or congenital loss, were treated by this one-session operation. All of the patients were satisfied with the results. The grafted hairs grow in the direction of normal eyebrow, which achieve 95%-96% survival even in a scarring area. The appearance of the reconstructed eyebrows was more natural, close to the normal eyebrow, compared to the traditional methods.

CONCLUSIONThe above-mentioned technique is a simple, safe and effective method for eyebrow reconstruction. It might be an ideal method for eyebrow reconstruction with the appearance much closer toa normal eyebrow.