Eyebrow transplant (eyebrow hair transplant)

What is an eyebrow transplant?

An eyebrow transplant, also called an eyebrow hair transplant, is a procedure in which we take hair follicles (grafts) one by one and place them in sparse or empty areas of the eyebrows. We usually take the grafts from the back and sides of the scalp, that is, from the donor area, using the FUE method. Within the donor area, we choose the part where the hair is closest to your eyebrow hair in thickness and curl.

Eyebrows have a direct effect on facial expression; even the direction of a few hairs can change how they look. That is why we plan an eyebrow transplant as work that calls for patience and precision.

First, we look at the cause of eyebrow loss

Eyebrows can become sparse for different reasons, and not every cause can be resolved with a transplant. That is why we need to understand the cause before we plan a transplant. Some of the conditions that can lead to eyebrow loss:

• Eyebrows that have been over-plucked over the years
• A scar, a burn or previous surgery
• Patchy hair loss (alopecia areata) or some skin conditions
• Hormonal problems such as thyroid disorders
• An urge to pull out hairs (trichotillomania)
• Thinning that comes with age

If eyebrow loss is linked to an ongoing condition or to an urge to pull out hairs, a transplant may not be the right option. In that case, we recommend first finding out the cause and, if needed, treating it; for this, you can also consult a dermatologist or, depending on the cause, another relevant specialist. If the hair in the donor area does not match your eyebrows, or if the scarred skin is not suitable for a transplant, we may also suggest a different approach. Whether an eyebrow transplant is suitable for you becomes clear during the examination.

We design your eyebrows together with you

We set the point where the eyebrow begins, the highest point of the arch and the point where the tail ends according to your facial features and your wishes. We also treat your existing eyebrow hairs as part of the design. Before the procedure, we draw your eyebrows and agree on the final shape of the drawing with you.

It is not easy to make a transplanted area smaller later. That is why, rather than a very sharp shape or one that follows fashion too closely, we suggest a design you can wear comfortably for years to come.

Single-hair grafts and very shallow angles

Eyebrow hairs emerge from the skin almost flat, at a very shallow angle. Their direction also changes along the eyebrow: at the start of the eyebrow, the hairs point mostly upward. In the body of the eyebrow, they run sideways, with the upper hairs pointing slightly downward and the lower ones slightly upward; in the tail, they run sideways and downward. That is why we work mainly with single-hair grafts in the eyebrows. We place each graft individually, making sure its angle and direction match the surrounding hairs.

We can place the grafts into very fine channels opened beforehand or with an implanter pen (DHI); we decide during planning which one to use. An authorized physician opens the channels. We carry out the procedure under local anesthesia. How long it takes depends on the size of the area to be transplanted; we tell you the approximate duration for your case during planning.

After the procedure

The healing process varies from person to person. After the procedure, we give you written aftercare instructions; always follow those instructions rather than the general information on this page.

The first few days

In the first few days, you may notice redness and small scabs on your eyebrows, and mild swelling around your eyes. The scabs fall off on their own over time; do not pick them off. The donor area where we took the grafts goes through a similar healing process. We state in your instructions when and how to wash your face, and when you can wear makeup.

If you notice increasing pain, redness or swelling, discharge, bleeding that does not stop, painful or growing pimple-like bumps, or a fever, contact us without waiting for your follow-up appointment. Our opening hours are every day, 09:00–18:00. In an emergency, or if you cannot reach us outside these hours, go to the nearest healthcare facility without delay.

Temporary shedding and new hairs

In the weeks after the procedure, some of the transplanted hairs or the eyebrow hairs around them may fall out temporarily. This is called shock loss. New hairs take months to grow; seeing the result takes time, and how long varies from person to person. We review your progress together at follow-up appointments.

Why do transplanted hairs need trimming?

Transplanted hairs largely keep the characteristics of the area they were taken from. Hairs taken from the scalp continue to behave like scalp hair in the eyebrows too, and usually grow longer than eyebrow hairs. That is why you may need to trim the transplanted hairs regularly.

Over time, some hairs may also grow in a different direction. You can keep them in shape by trimming and combing them. We discuss together at your follow-up appointment when and how you can trim your eyebrows.

Limitations

An eyebrow transplant also has some limitations; we want you to know them from the start:

• The density that can be achieved in the eyebrows depends on the size of the recipient area, the condition of your skin and your donor area. Sometimes a second session may be needed to reach the density you want; we decide on this together with you after we have seen the result of the first transplant.
• How many of the transplanted hairs take hold varies from person to person.
• Transplanted hairs may look different from your eyebrow hairs in thickness, color and curl.
• A transplant does not stop your own eyebrow hairs from thinning or falling out over time.
• Small, dot-like scars remain in the donor area where we take the grafts.

During the examination, we talk openly about what is possible for you.

Frequently asked questions