Everything you need to know about eyebrow transplants

28th May 2019

Eyebrows are a very important and prominent feature of the face, and as both maintaining and styling them has become even more important with current trends for fuller, “HD” brows, it’s easy to see why those that are follicularly challenged may feel insecure.

Although a simple eyebrow pencil can mask some thinning, for those after for a more permanent solution an eyebrow transplant could be something to consider.

An eyebrow transplant or reconstructive surgery can often help to restore eyebrows. However, it requires a lot of precision and knowledge regarding anatomy, designing of brows, extraction and implantation techniques, in order to achieve a natural look. Why? Because eyebrow hairs do not all sit in the same direction i.e. some face slightly upwards, some down, all combining into a herringbone pattern.

What does an eyebrow transplant involve?

The process of a Follicular unit transplant typically involves removing a section of hair, most commonly from the back of your scalp, and grafting the individual hairs to your eyebrow/s. This process helps to shape the brow and fill in areas of thinning, whilst maintaining a natural look.

How do you achieve a natural look?

During the procedure, follicles are inserted at specific angles to ensure that, overall, the natural herringbone pattern is preserved. We take into account both the direction of hair growth (towards or away from the eye) and the angle of lift of the hair as it grows away from the skin. Such precision is needed to ensure a natural finish that will not be noticed and will enhance the face.

Where is the hair transplanted from?

Most commonly it’s taken from a small area of the scalp at the back of the head. You’ll be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area first, before the tiny section is removed and the 2cm or so wound is then closed with dissolving stitches.

Technical members of the surgical team will then take the scalp strip and separate the hair tissue into individual hair follicular grafts. These are then implanted into the brow, one at a time, in order to fill out and shape the brow accordingly.

How many grafts does a typical procedure involve?

On average, a typical procedure involves 400 transplanted grafts, although this can vary between patients.

How many procedures will it take/how long will they be?

Eyebrow microsurgery can often be completed in one session, which can take approximately three to four hours, from start to finish.

What to expect post-surgery

Your eyebrow area will be a little delicate for a few days after the procedure, which is totally normal and nothing to be alarmed about. It will quickly return to normal after a few days; however, it will take around six months for the new strands of hair to fully settle and to look their best.

What, if any, maintenance is involved?

As hair from the scalp grows more quickly than the eyebrow, you will have to trim your eyebrows lightly each week or two. 

 If you’re considering an eyebrow transplant and would like some additional advice, our experts are here to help.