Can you use Minoxidil for weak eyebrows to improve eyebrow growth?
June 27, 2014
Can Minoxidil be used for weak eyebrows to improve eyebrow follicle growth?
Minoxidil is not currently FDA-approved for enhancing eyebrow growth, but in our experience it certainly can work... with a few caveats. The main issue is that minoxidil, like other hair growth medications and treatments require the hair follicle to be present. If the hair follicles (the mini-organs which produce hair) are dead and gone, like from scarring/injury or overplucking for example, minoxidil is unlikely to have an effect.
Which is better, over-the-counter minoxidil solution or compounded prescription Formula 82M minoxidil?
Over the counter minoxidl solution contains propylene glycol, a common irrritant, and does not have any extra ingredients than can help with hair follicle improvement. Prescription compounded minoxidil, like Formula 82M might be a little bit more expensive to use, but has major benefits like quick absorbtion, non-greasy, extra hair growth ingredients (like retinoic acid), etc.
Therefore, at Bauman Medical Group, we absolutely recommend Formula 82M minoxidil instead of the over-the-counter versions because there are fewer side effects and more powerful effects on hair follicles. By the way, Latisse/bimatoprost can also work too, including PRP!
Will topical Formula 82m minoxidil, Latisse/bimatoprost or PRP eyebrows work for me?
The key for eyebrow enhancement success is determining if you have hair follicles that are still alive. If the brow is low density or sparse, these treatments are not likely to help a patient reach their goal. Keep in mind it takes months of treatment twice a day with a topical medication to judge results.
The best way to determine if you have hair follicles is by having a consultation with a full-time, board-certified Hair Transplant Surgeon or Hair Restoration Physician who is experienced in eyebrow enhancement, including medications, PRP, nutrition, as well as transplants. Remember that eyebrow loss can be a sign of certain medical conditions like thryoid imbalace... so seeking a doctor's advice is always a good idea if you are seeing thinning eyebrows.
Remember, thinning brows get worse with time without treatment, so sometimes in severe cases where eyebrow loss is continuing, the medication simply keeps the brows stable... a very good thing (although not very exciting)!
In cases of severe eyebrow loss, of course, you will need eyebrow transplantation using no-linear-scar NeoGraft FUE to restore a complete and beautiful brow.
Where can I get an online or in-person medical evaluation of my eyebrows?
You can ask an eyebrow (or eyelash) question or request a consultation with Eyebrow Loss Expert, Dr. Alan J. Bauman, M.D. at http://hai.rs/BaumanConsult
Dr. Alan J. Bauman, M.D. is a full-time, ABHRS-certified Hair Restoration Physician who has extensive experience in treating hair loss medically (topicals, PRP, etc.) and surgically (minimally-invasive NeoGraft FUE). He is a renowned pioneer and author in the field of eyelash transplantation and eyebrow transplantation. http://www.baumanmedical.com