Everything You Need to Know About Eyebrow Transplants

By Your Beauty Plug
January 23, 2024

Eyebrows are one of the most important features of your face. They frame your eyes, express your emotions, and enhance your beauty. But what if you are unhappy with your eyebrows? Maybe they are too thin, sparse, or uneven due to over-plucking, medical conditions, or genetics. Or maybe you have a scar or an injury that affects your eyebrow growth. If you are looking for a permanent solution to improve your eyebrows, you may have heard of eyebrow transplants. But what are they, how do they work, and are they worth it? In this blog post, we will answer all these questions and more. Read on to find out everything you need to know about eyebrow transplants.

What is an eyebrow transplant?

An eyebrow transplant is a cosmetic procedure that transfers hair follicles from another part of your body, usually the back of your scalp, to your brow area. The goal is to create fuller, natural-looking eyebrows that match your facial features and preferences. The procedure is performed by a cosmetic or plastic surgeon who has experience and expertise in eyebrow design and hair restoration techniques.

How is an eyebrow transplant done?

An eyebrow transplant is done under local anesthesia, which means you will be awake but not feel any pain. The procedure takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on how many hairs are needed and the shape of your eyebrows. The steps are as follows:

First, the surgeon will draw the outline of your desired eyebrows on your skin, taking into account your facial symmetry, bone structure, and personal preferences. You will have the opportunity to review and approve the design before the surgery begins.
Next, the surgeon will harvest hair follicles from the donor area, which is usually behind your ears or at the back of your head. The surgeon will use a special device to make tiny circular incisions around each follicle, and then gently extract them with forceps. The donor area will be covered with a bandage and heal within a few days.
Then, the surgeon will make small slits in the recipient area, which is your brow region. The slits will be angled and spaced according to the direction and density of your natural eyebrow hairs. The surgeon will then carefully insert each follicle into the slits, using a microscope and fine instruments. The transplanted hairs will blend in with your existing hairs and create a fuller look.
Finally, the surgeon will apply some antibiotic ointment and dressing to the treated area, and give you some instructions on how to care for your eyebrows after the surgery. You will be able to go home the same day, but you will need someone to drive you.

What are the benefits of an eyebrow transplant?

An eyebrow transplant can offer many benefits for people who are unhappy with their eyebrows. Some of the advantages are:

It can restore your confidence and self-esteem, as well as your appearance. Having fuller and more defined eyebrows can make you look younger, more attractive, and more expressive.
It can correct various eyebrow problems, such as thinning, balding, scarring, asymmetry, or over-plucking. It can also create a new shape or style for your eyebrows, according to your wishes.
It can produce natural and permanent results, unlike other eyebrow enhancement methods, such as makeup, microblading, or tattooing. The transplanted hairs will grow and shed like your normal hairs, and you can trim, shape, and color them as you like.
It can be a safe and effective procedure, as long as it is done by a qualified and experienced surgeon. The risks and complications are minimal, and the recovery is relatively quick and easy.

What are the risks and side effects of an eyebrow transplant?

As with any surgery, an eyebrow transplant can have some risks and side effects, although they are rare and usually mild. Some of the possible complications are:

Bleeding, swelling, bruising, or infection at the donor or recipient site. These can be prevented by following the surgeon’s instructions on how to clean and protect the area, and by taking antibiotics and painkillers as prescribed.
Scarring, either at the donor or recipient site. The scars are usually very small and hidden by the hair, but they may be visible in some cases. The surgeon will try to minimize the scarring by using the smallest possible incisions and grafts, and by placing them strategically.
Poor growth or survival of the transplanted hairs. Some of the hairs may not take root or may fall out prematurely, resulting in gaps or unevenness in your eyebrows. This can be caused by various factors, such as poor quality of the donor hairs, improper handling or placement of the grafts, or infection or inflammation of the follicles. The surgeon will try to maximize the growth and survival of the hairs by selecting healthy and suitable donor hairs, using the best techniques and tools, and monitoring your progress closely.
Unnatural or unsatisfactory appearance of the eyebrows. Some of the hairs may grow in the wrong direction, angle, or color, or may not match the shape or style of your natural eyebrows. This can be due to poor design, technique, or communication between you and the surgeon. The surgeon will try to achieve the most natural and satisfactory appearance of your eyebrows by consulting with you before and during the surgery, and by making adjustments or revisions if needed.

How much does an eyebrow transplant cost?

The cost of an eyebrow transplant can vary depending on several factors, such as the location, reputation, and experience of the surgeon, the number and quality of the grafts, the complexity and duration of the procedure, and the type of anesthesia and aftercare. According to RealSelf, a website that provides information and reviews on cosmetic procedures, the average cost of an eyebrow transplant in the United States is $6,334, based on 167 reviews. However, the actual cost can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more. It is important to note that an eyebrow transplant is usually considered a cosmetic procedure, and therefore not covered by most insurance plans. You may have to pay out of pocket or look for financing options.

How to prepare for an eyebrow transplant?

Before you decide to have an eyebrow transplant, you should do some research and consultation to make sure that you are a good candidate and that you have realistic expectations. You should also follow some steps to prepare for the surgery, such as:

Find a reputable and experienced surgeon who specializes in eyebrow transplants. You can ask for recommendations from your doctor, friends, family, or online sources. You can also check the surgeon’s credentials, portfolio, reviews, and ratings. You should schedule a consultation with the surgeon to discuss your goals, concerns, options, and costs. You should also ask the surgeon any questions you may have about the procedure, such as the risks, benefits, alternatives, and outcomes.
Stop smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking any medications or supplements that can affect your blood clotting or healing, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or vitamin E. You should do this at least two weeks before the surgery, and follow the surgeon’s instructions on what to avoid or take.
Arrange for someone to drive you to and from the surgery, and to stay with you for the first night. You will not be able to drive or operate machinery after the surgery, and you may need some help with your daily activities.
Pack a bag with some essentials, such as your ID, insurance card, payment method, comfortable clothes, sunglasses, hat, pillow, and phone charger. You should also bring any medications or supplies that the surgeon has prescribed or recommended for your aftercare.

What to expect after an eyebrow transplant?

After the surgery, you will be able to go home the same day, but you will need to take some precautions and care for your eyebrows for the next few weeks. You should expect some:

Pain, discomfort, or soreness at the donor or recipient site. You can take over-the-counter painkillers or prescription medications as directed by the surgeon to ease the pain. You should avoid touching, scratching, or rubbing your eyebrows, as this can damage the grafts or cause infection.
Swelling, bruising, or redness at the donor or recipient site. You can apply ice packs or cold compresses to the area to reduce the swelling. You should also keep your head elevated when sleeping or resting to improve the blood circulation and drainage. The swelling and bruising should subside within a few days.
Scabbing, crusting, or flaking at the donor or recipient site. You can gently wash your eyebrows with a mild shampoo or soap and water, as instructed by the surgeon, to remove the scabs and crusts. You should not pick at them, as this can pull out the grafts or cause scarring. The scabs and crusts should fall off within a week or two.
Shedding of the transplanted hairs. You may notice some of the hairs falling out after a few weeks. This is normal and expected, as the hairs go through a resting phase before they start growing again. You should not panic or worry, as this does not mean that the procedure has failed. The new hairs will start to grow within 3 to 4 months.
Trimming of the transplanted hairs. You may need to trim your eyebrows regularly, as the transplanted hairs will grow at the same rate and length as your scalp hair. You can use scissors or a trimmer to keep your eyebrows at your desired shape and size. You can also dye or wax your eyebrows, but only after they have fully healed and grown.

How long does it take to see the results of an eyebrow transplant?

The results of an eyebrow transplant are not immediate, but gradual and progressive.

You can expect to see the final results of your eyebrow transplant after about 6 to 12 months, depending on your individual hair growth cycle and the number of grafts. You will notice that your eyebrows will become thicker, fuller, and more defined, and that they will match your natural hair color and texture. You will also see that your eyebrows will have a natural shape and curve, and that they will complement your facial features and expressions. You will be able to enjoy your new eyebrows for a lifetime, as long as you take good care of them and follow the surgeon’s advice.

How to maintain your eyebrow transplant results?

To maintain your eyebrow transplant results, you should follow some simple tips, such as:

Protect your eyebrows from sun exposure, especially in the first few months after the surgery. You can wear a hat, sunglasses, or sunscreen to shield your eyebrows from the harmful UV rays, which can damage the follicles or fade the color.
Moisturize your eyebrows regularly, especially in dry or cold weather. You can use a gentle moisturizer or oil to hydrate your eyebrows and keep them soft and smooth.
Avoid using harsh chemicals or products on your eyebrows, such as bleach, peroxide, or alcohol. These can irritate your skin or damage your hairs. You should also avoid using hot tools, such as curling irons or blow dryers, which can burn or break your hairs.
Visit your surgeon for regular check-ups and follow-ups, especially in the first year after the surgery. Your surgeon will monitor your healing and growth, and address any issues or concerns you may have. Your surgeon may also suggest some touch-ups or revisions if needed, to improve your results or correct any problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about eyebrow transplants

Here are some of the most common questions and answers about eyebrow transplants:

Q: Who is a good candidate for an eyebrow transplant?
A: A good candidate for an eyebrow transplant is someone who has thin, sparse, or missing eyebrows due to over-plucking, medical conditions, genetics, or trauma, and who wants to improve their appearance and confidence. A good candidate should also have enough donor hair on their scalp or body, and have realistic expectations about the outcome and process.
Q: How many hairs are needed for an eyebrow transplant?
A: The number of hairs needed for an eyebrow transplant depends on the size, shape, and density of your eyebrows, and your desired result. Typically, an eyebrow transplant requires between 200 to 400 hairs per eyebrow, or 400 to 800 hairs in total. However, some people may need more or less, depending on their individual case.
Q: Is an eyebrow transplant painful?
A: An eyebrow transplant is not very painful, as it is done under local anesthesia, which numbs the area. You may feel some pressure, pulling, or pinching sensations during the surgery, but not much pain. After the surgery, you may experience some mild pain, discomfort, or soreness, which can be relieved by taking painkillers or applying ice packs.
Q: How long does it take to recover from an eyebrow transplant?
A: The recovery time from an eyebrow transplant varies from person to person, but generally, it takes about 7 to 10 days for the donor and recipient sites to heal, and about 3 to 4 months for the new hairs to start growing. You can resume your normal activities within a few days, but you should avoid strenuous exercise, swimming, or sauna for at least two weeks. You should also avoid wearing makeup, contact lenses, or glasses for at least a week, and avoid plucking, waxing, or threading your eyebrows for at least six months.
Q: How much does an eyebrow transplant cost in the US?
A: The cost of an eyebrow transplant in the US can vary depending on the surgeon, the clinic, the technique, and the number of grafts. The average cost of an eyebrow transplant in the US is $2,500, based on 11 clinics. However, the actual cost can range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more. You should consult with your surgeon to get an accurate quote and breakdown of the cost.

Conclusion

An eyebrow transplant is a cosmetic procedure that can help you achieve fuller, natural-looking eyebrows that suit your face and personality. It can be a safe and effective way to restore your eyebrows and boost your confidence. However, it is not a quick or easy fix, and it requires some preparation, care, and patience. You should do your research and consultation before you decide to have an eyebrow transplant, and choose a reputable and experienced surgeon who can deliver the best results for you. If you are interested in learning more about eyebrow transplants, or if you want to book a consultation, please contact us today. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and help you achieve your eyebrow goals.