"Transformative Eyebrow tattoos"

In 2018,  during a dermatology follow-up appointment after having patch testing for a reaction to sunscreens, I was asked if I had any additional issues. I mentioned that I was concerned about my scalp being itchy & that my hairline had been gradually receding since the menopause. I had also been aware that my eyelashes & eyebrows were becoming very sparse.  The consultant examined me & said I had Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia. A condition where the hairline recedes as the hair follicles die irreversibly. A daunting prospect as I had always regarded my, once, thick dark hair, long lashes & eyebrows as my best features. 

Over the next four years I was seen at regular intervals & given various treatments in an attempt to halt the progress of the condition. By the time I was seen in September 2021, my eyebrows had disappeared. I had tried drawing them in using eyebrow pencils but they quickly rubbed off. It was very upsetting so, I was delighted to learn that I could have my eyebrows tattooed on by a Specialist Plastic Surgery Nurse at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. 

Less than five months later I had my first of  three appointments with the very kindly & empathic Specialist Nurse who took time to listen to my story & explained the procedure & what that would involve. 

Together we selected two colours which were the most appropriate. These were applied as very small dots behind my ears as patch tests. I was given literature & advice on after care. My next appointment was arranged for the following month. 

Fortunately, I had had no adverse reaction to the patch test & we both agreed on a preferred colour. The nurse applied an anaesthetic cream to my eyebrows & I waited for the required hour for the cream to take effect. 

We agreed on the length & shape of my new eyebrows. These were marked on & once I was comfortable, the tattooing began. All the way through, the hour long treatment, I was asked how I felt & my eyebrows were reviewed to make sure I was happy with them, small adjustments were made & additional anaesthetic cream was applied when necessary.  Tattooing complete & advice & leaflets on aftercare given, I was free to go. Within a week my scabs had healed & I was thrilled to see I had eyebrows once more. 

On my third visit, almost two months later, after inspecting my eyebrows & discussing my feelings & my experience post treatment. We agreed on a few adjustments to the length & shape of my brows before the procedure was repeated. This time, after having the anaesthetic cream applied & time for it to take affect, the tattooing commenced. It only took  about half an hour to complete.  

I am so grateful that I have been given this opportunity. I would never have considered having my eyebrows tattooed unless it had been done in a hospital setting with a qualified nurse who had access to my medical records. 

I felt safe, valued & respected from my consultations with the dermatology drs & nurses who have treated me both at Ninewells & the Victoria Hospitals.  I hadn’t appreciated how much the loss of my eyebrows had affected my self confidence & it is wonderful not to feel exposed the way I did.

I feel privileged to have met with such caring, professionalism & kindness. I hope this very valuable service is allowed to continue.