What is an eyebrow transplant?  

An eyebrow transplant is similar to a hair transplant. It involves taking hair from another part of the body and surgically inserting it to make the eyebrows look fuller. Not only do eyebrows play an important aesthetic role, but they also act as a barrier protecting the eyes from sweat and other moisture.  

How does eyebrow transplant work?  

A surgeon will take a hair including its roots, from another part of the body, the donor site. These extracted hairs are called plugs or grafts and are placed in a cool, saline solution for up to 60 minutes. Then, the hair graft is transplanted to the eyebrows. This is repeated until the desired thickness is achieved.  

Where is the hair for eyebrow transplant sourced?  

Usually, the hair is taken from the scalp, either at the nape of the neck or near the ear.   

Why is an eyebrow transplant done?  

An eyebrow transplant can be done for various reasons, namely aesthetic or reconstructive purposes. 

• Some people have sparse eyebrows genetically and want to achieve a fuller brow.  
• Overplucking can result in thinned brows that never grow back.  
• Certain medications or excess vitamin A consumption can cause loss of eyebrow hair. 
• Injuries or medical conditions can result in the thinning of eyebrows.  
• Trichotillomania, a compulsive disorder that results in people uncontrollably pulling their hair out, is another reason why an eyebrow transplant may be done.  

Who is not a suitable candidate for eyebrow transplantation?  

In some cases, however, an eyebrow transplant might not be suitable. For example, people: 

• with alopecia areata  
• with an autoimmune disease  
• have a bleeding disorder. 

Is eyebrow transplantation safe?   

When performed by an experienced surgeon on a suitable candidate, eyebrow transplantation is a very safe procedure. The largest risks are not medical, but rather aesthetic. The eyebrows may be misaligned or hair can grow in different directions if not done correctly.  

Are eyebrow transplants painful?  

Patients usually don’t feel anything during the procedure, as it is performed under local anaesthetic. Bruising and swelling can occur during the recovery period but should settle within five to seven days. It’s advisable to apply a saline spray every few hours and you may be prescribed pain killers, antibiotics, and steroids in the days immediately after the transplant.  

How long does it take for an eyebrow transplant to heal? 

Following an eyebrow transplant, a crust will form over the area, which is left open after the procedure, and around the newly transplanted follicles. This is normal and will begin to fall off in the following days. Don’t pick at the crust as that may result in infections. It’s imperative that the area is protected from moisture and kept dry.  

How much does eyebrow transplantation cost? 

The cost of the transplantation is case-dependent. Important influencing factors include the number of grafts and how much time is needed for the surgery. The surgeon will provide you with a costing during your first consultation.  

Do eyebrow transplants look natural? Do they keep growing?  

The hairs will grow faster than regular eyebrow hairs. They may require more maintenance, like frequent trimming, to achieve a natural look. There is a risk that the transplant won’t take, and the patient will be left with scarring around the eyebrow area. However, this is unlikely to occur at the hands of an experienced surgeon.  

Are eyebrow transplants permanent?

It will take about six months before the eyebrow transplants begin to grow and the desired results are usually achieved in two years. Sometimes the results will be permanent, but in other cases, there will be some hair loss over time and top-up treatments may be needed.  

What are some alternative treatments to eyebrow transplants?

Microblading is an alternative to transplants. It is a technique that involves tattooing hair-like lines to increase the visual fullness of the brows. It is not a surgery and it is usually done by a licensed aesthetician.