Combination Micrografting and Tattooing in the Reconstruction of Eyebrows of Patients With Craniofacial Clefts

Abstract

The absence of an eyebrow, either partial or total, has been observed in patients with craniofacial clefts, such as the Tessier 9 to 13 cleft. Several techniques have been used to improve the appearance of the region, such as island scalp flaps and scalp strip grafting, with limited or marginally satisfactory aesthetic results. The authors report 2 patients with craniofacial clefts in whom a novel technique combining 2 separate surgical approaches, micrografting and tattooing, was used. The use of micrografting with single or double hair units, properly angulated, produces natural-looking and satisfactory results with a minimum of morbidity. Excellent volume and appearance of the eyebrow may be achieved in a single session using this technique. Tattooing performed subsequently over the microimplanted hairs provides the illusion of greater density to the eyebrow, resulting in an appearance closer to normal.

La reconstruction du sourcil par greffon composite du cuir chevelu: une astuce pour faciliter la technique

“…Certains procédés peuvent compléter le résultat final obtenu, tels que le tatouage, la lipostructure [ 3 ] ou les microgreffes. La dermopigmentation ou tatouage peut être utilisée en complément afin de renforcer l'aspect couvrant en cas de sourcil épais et dense [ 9 ]. La lipostructure peut être utile pour redonner à la région sourcilière son galbe naturel.…”

Cicatricial eyebrow restoration using the follicular unit extraction technique

“…Further, there are different hair transplantation techniques used for restoring eyebrows; the most commonly used ones are the "strip" method and the FUE method. 8,9 According to the anatomy, the direction and angle of growth of density and unnatural results. 14 To resolve this disadvantage, Gho et al 14 developed partial longitudinal FUE and achieved higher density results using smaller follicles more frequently.…”

“…Eyebrows cannot be camouflaged using clothes, hats, wigs, or prostheses, and this makes eyebrow restoration critical. Several methods, either surgical or nonsurgical, have been used to reconstruct eyebrows 8,9 …”

Single Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation to Restore Eyebrows

“…The loss of eyebrow hair is not a frequent condition, and there have been few reports of eyebrow restoration using alternative techniques 14,15 . A number of procedures are available for restoration of all or part of the eyebrow.…”