Eyebrow Transplant: Your Questions Answered

Eyebrows frame the face. Thin, light or patchy brows bother some people. For some this has always been the case, and for others the brows have thinned over the years.

In this article we answer the most common questions about eyebrow transplants in plain language.

The shape of the brows changes the expression of the face. Brows that are too thin, too thick or unbalanced can give a different impression. That is why an eyebrow transplant is not rushed, and the planning is done with care.

This article gives general information; only our team can decide whether it suits you after looking at you. You can take your time over the decision.

What is an eyebrow transplant, and who is it for?

An eyebrow transplant means placing roots taken from the hair on your head into the thin or empty areas of the brow, one by one. Nothing from outside is added; we work with your own roots. Brow hairs are very fine and small, so delicate work is needed.

Unlike a hair transplant, an eyebrow transplant is done on a very small area. So the direction and angle of every root directly affect the look. Even a small mistake can show on the face, and our team keeps this sensitivity in mind.

Our team first looks at your brows and the hair on your head and tells you whether it may suit you. In general, an assessment is made in these situations:

• Brows that have been thin or light since birth
• Brows that have thinned over the years
• Hair that has not grown back after frequent plucking or shaping
• Gaps in the brow because of a burn, cut or surgical scar
• Wanting a more defined brow shape

How is the brow shape designed?

Design is the most important part of the procedure. Your face shape, the distance between your eyes, your existing brows and your preferences are considered together. The aim is to draw a natural shape that suits your face.

The line is drawn on you with a pencil before the procedure. If there is anything you do not like, you can say so at that stage; the procedure starts only after you approve. Some health conditions can cause brow loss, so we also ask about the cause, and you may be referred to a specialist if needed.

It is normal for the two brows not to match exactly; a human face is never perfectly symmetrical. The goal is not perfect symmetry but a natural look that suits your face.

During design, the thickness, arch and length of the brow are discussed one by one. Bringing old photos helps us understand your natural brow shape, and this makes the plan fit your face better.

How is an eyebrow transplant done, and how long does it take?

The procedure is done under local anaesthetic. You may feel a brief pinch when the numbing is given, and after that the area is numb. First, the area where roots will be taken is prepared. Roots are taken one by one and placed as single hairs in small openings, in the natural direction of the brow. The hair direction differs between the head, the body and the tail of the brow, and getting this right matters for a natural look.

The time depends on the number of roots to be placed. In general it can take between 2 and 5 hours. Breaks are given so that you stay comfortable. Before the procedure, tell the team about your medicines; if you use blood thinners, speak to a specialist and do not stop them on your own.

Come on the day without make-up on your brows. Choose comfortable clothes and have breakfast. There may be slight swelling around the eyes afterwards, so it is a good idea to plan your first days with that in mind.

How does healing go, and how do you care for transplanted brows?

In the first days there may be mild redness, small scabs and slight swelling around the brow. This is normal and usually settles in a short time. Do not pick the scabs, and do not rub the area. Our team gives you written instructions on washing, moisturising and sleeping position. If you notice heavy swelling, discharge, a fever or pain, tell the team straight away.

Healing of the brows is usually faster than on the scalp, but it is still best not to rush. Staying away from the sun, hot steam and heavy exercise that makes you sweat in the first days helps the area heal comfortably.

Over time, regular care can become a small habit that helps you keep the shape. You can ask your team in the early period how often you will need to trim.

Over time, differences in direction and curl may appear in transplanted brows. Brushing them briefly in the morning makes daily routine easier; ask the team when you can use any shaping product.

Redness and scabs on the brow usually reduce within a few days. During this period do not put make-up on the brow; ask the team when you can. Planning your social calendar with this period in mind is reassuring.

Because roots transplanted to the brow are taken from the scalp, they may behave like scalp hair, which means the hairs can grow longer over time. This is normal:

• You can trim the longer hairs now and then with small scissors.
• Do not use tweezers, wax or pencil in the first weeks; wait for the team’s approval before shaping.
• Brushing the brow in its natural direction helps keep the shape.
• Your team will tell you when you can return to your normal routine.

When do results show?

Some of the transplanted hairs may shed in the first weeks; this is normal. After that the roots rest and new hairs begin to appear. In general, a clear change is seen in the brow at around the 6th month, and the final look can continue to develop up to the 12th month.

But everyone’s process is different. In some people the new hairs grow thick and in others fine, and results vary from person to person. That is why it is important to talk about your expectations realistically at the initial assessment.

In short

An eyebrow transplant is an option that can be considered for thin or empty brows. The design is made together with the team, the procedure generally takes 2 to 5 hours, and the result appears over months. It is important to know that transplanted hairs can grow longer, and to follow the team’s instructions for care.

If you would like to talk through what you are wondering about, you can write to us for a initial assessment. We will look at your photos and answer your questions.