Eyebrow Transplant

An eyebrow transplant moves individual hair follicles, usually from the scalp, into the brows to restore shape and density. It suits brows that are thin, patchy or over-plucked, and is a longer-term alternative to pencils, microblading and tattooing.

What is an eyebrow transplant?

An eyebrow transplant is a precise, minimally invasive procedure that moves healthy hair follicles — usually from the scalp — into the eyebrow area. It can help people with genetically thin eyebrows, or with brow loss from over-plucking, injury or some medical conditions.

• Uses your own hair follicles, usually single hairs from behind the ears or the back of the scalp
• Each hair is placed individually, following the direction in which natural brow hair grows
• Transplanted hair usually keeps growing long term, but it behaves like scalp hair and needs regular trimming
• Suitable for men and women

Who is a good candidate for an eyebrow transplant?

• People with sparse or thinning eyebrows
• People with eyebrow loss from over-plucking, scars or injury
• Those who want to change or define the shape and thickness of their brows
• People looking for a longer-term alternative to make-up or tattooing for patchy brows

If brow loss is caused by a medical condition — such as alopecia areata, thyroid disease or a skin disorder — it is assessed and treated first. A transplant is not advised while such a condition is active.

How is an eyebrow transplant performed?

• Design – the brow shape is drawn and agreed with you before the procedure, with attention to symmetry.
• Extraction – single-hair grafts are taken by FUE, which leaves tiny dot scars that are usually hidden by surrounding hair.
• Implantation – each graft is placed at a very flat angle and in the direction of natural brow hair, so the brow lies flat rather than sticking out.
• Anaesthesia – the procedure is done under local anaesthesia and usually takes a few hours.

Recovery and results after an eyebrow transplant

Small crusts form around each graft and fall away within about a week, and some swelling around the eyes for a few days is common. Most transplanted hairs shed within the first few weeks. New growth usually starts at three to four months, and the final result is seen at around nine to twelve months.

Because the transplanted hairs come from the scalp, they keep growing longer than natural brow hair and need regular trimming; some people also use a brow gel to train their direction. Some patients choose a second session to add density.

What are the risks of an eyebrow transplant?

Side effects are usually mild and temporary: swelling, bruising, redness, tenderness and small pimple-like bumps (folliculitis). Less commonly, hairs grow in the wrong direction or curl upwards, density is lower than hoped, or some grafts do not grow. Infection is rare, and results vary between individuals.