Periauricular hair transplantation enhances the cosmetic results of eyebrow transplantation: A retrospective study in Chinese recipients

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BackgroundEyebrow transplant surgeries have become increasingly popular in recent years. Periauricular hair, with its slow growth rate and fine caliber similar to eyebrow hair, has been strategically utilized in eyebrow transplants to achieve enhanced and authentically natural aesthetic results. ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the postoperative clinical outcomes of periauricular hair for eyebrow transplantation. MethodsData from 81 patients (72 women and 9 men) who underwent eyebrow transplantation using periauricular hair between October 2020 and September 2022 were analyzed. They were followed up for 15 months post-surgery to evaluate recovery and complications. Patient satisfaction and quality of postoperative life were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. ResultsFor female patients, the average total number of transplanted hair grafts and surgery duration were 402.33±158.48 FU and 193.86±66.69minutes, respectively. In contrast, male patients exhibited slightly higher values, with an average of 481.78±126.43 FU and 229.00±96.80minutes, respectively. No significant complications were reported during the postoperative follow-up. Patients expressed general satisfaction with both immediate and 15-month postoperative outcomes, reflected in a mean overall satisfaction score of 4.90. The overall satisfaction of the subjects at 15 months postoperative was significantly higher than the preoperative satisfaction (Z=-8.483, p<0.001). The eyebrow/forehead surgery did not have a significant impact on postoperative satisfaction (H=5.355, p=0.374>0.05); however, patients without tattoos tended to report higher levels of postoperative satisfaction (Z=8.056, p=0.004<0.05). Patient satisfaction ratings for physical function, psychological function, social function, and quality of life post-operation were 5, 4.95, and 4.94, respectively. ConclusionsEyebrow transplant using periauricular hair can improve cosmetic outcomes and is a viable option in clinical practice.