Managing Eyebrow Keloids and Performing Eyebrow Hair Transplant in a Patient of African Descent

Abstract

Introduction: This case is of an African-American woman who had a chemical burn that was accidentally self-inflicted while attempting to remove a prior poor eyebrow tattoo. She developed keloids that required a series of injectable scar dissolvers followed by eyebrow transplant. Postoperatively, the keloid returned, requiring additional injections, and ultimately an excision of the residual scar.

Methods: This is a retrospective clinical case that is reviewed to discuss the clinical pathology of keloids as they relate to eyebrow hair transplants in patients of African descent.

Results: Eyebrow hair transplant led to reawakening of the keloid scar that ultimately required surgical excision of the residual keloid to attain an optimal outcome for the patient.

Conclusion: The hair surgeon should have a good understanding of keloid clinical pathology along with how to recognize, avoid, and manage the condition. In this unusual presentation, the patient would have been better served with an excision of her keloid prior to eyebrow hair transplant rather than after.