A Side-by-Side Comparison of Results in Eyebrow Restoration Using Single-Hair Grafts vs Two- and Three-Hair Grafts

Abstract

Background: In eyebrow restoration, the senior author has primarily relied on multi-hair grafts to achieve the greatest density without any perceived compromise in naturalness. Our goal was to scientifically assess the results in eyebrow transplantation using all 1-hair grafts on one eyebrow vs 2- and 3-hair grafts on the other eyebrow, with subjects serving as the control. Methods: Subjects underwent eyebrow transplantation, with one eyebrow restored with all 1-hair grafts on one side and all 2- and 3-hair grafts on the other side. A combination of patient self-assessment and third-party photographic evaluation, blinded as to which side was transplanted with all 1-hair grafts vs the side transplanted with all 2- and 3-hair grafts, was conducted to assess naturalness, density, and overall aesthetic appearance. Results: Mean number of grafts placed into the 1-hair side was 307.5 per eyebrow, and 291 per eyebrow for the multi-hair side. Self-assessment and third-party photographic evaluation yielded consistent results. For the multi-hair side, the overall aesthetic look score was 8.0 (out of a scale of 10) by self-assessment, and 8.49 (out of 10) by third-party evaluation. For the 1-hair side, the overall aesthetic score was 6.44 by self-assessment, and 6.02 by third-party assessment. This confirms the author’s position that eyebrow restoration, when carried out by an experienced surgeon and team, is best performed using 2- and 3-hair grafts.