An eyebrow transplant uses FUE to move 100 to 400 individual hair grafts from the scalp to the brow area, costing between $3,000 and $6,000 per brow. The procedure takes 2 to 4 hours, produces permanent results, and has a satisfaction rate above 85% in clinical studies.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Who Needs an Eyebrow Transplant
Eyebrow transplants are performed for patients who have lost eyebrow hair permanently and cannot regrow it through other means.
Common Reasons for Eyebrow Loss
| Cause | Percentage of Patients | Typical Graft Need |
|---|---|---|
| Over-plucking or waxing | 40 to 50% | 100 to 250 grafts per brow |
| Genetic thin eyebrows | 20 to 25% | 150 to 300 grafts per brow |
| Alopecia areata or totalis | 10 to 15% | 200 to 400 grafts per brow |
| Scarring (burns, trauma, surgery) | 10 to 15% | 100 to 350 grafts per brow |
| Chemotherapy-related loss | 5 to 10% | 150 to 400 grafts per brow |
| Thyroid-related loss | 5 to 10% | 100 to 250 grafts per brow |
Over-plucking is the most common reason. Repeated removal of eyebrow hairs over years damages the follicles permanently, and they stop regenerating. This is particularly common in women who followed thin-eyebrow trends in the 1990s and 2000s.
The Procedure
How FUE Eyebrow Transplant Works
Eyebrow transplants use the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) method almost exclusively. FUT is not used for brow work because the precision required for individual placement makes single-graft extraction the only practical approach.
The surgeon extracts individual follicular units from the donor area, which is typically the back of the scalp near the nape of the neck. Nape hairs are preferred because they are finer and grow at a slower rate than hair from higher on the scalp, making them a closer match to natural eyebrow characteristics.
Each graft is placed individually at the correct angle, depth, and direction to match natural brow growth patterns. This is where surgeon skill matters most. Eyebrow hairs grow at very acute angles (10 to 15 degrees relative to the skin surface) and change direction depending on their position within the brow. Read our FUE vs FUT comparison for more on extraction methods.
Procedure Timeline
| Step | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Brow design and marking | 30 to 60 minutes | Surgeon draws the target shape and density |
| Local anesthesia | 10 to 15 minutes | Numbing of donor and recipient areas |
| Graft extraction (FUE) | 30 to 90 minutes | 100-400 grafts harvested from scalp |
| Graft preparation | 15 to 30 minutes | Grafts sorted and kept in holding solution |
| Recipient site creation | 20 to 40 minutes | Tiny incisions made at precise angles in brow area |
| Graft placement | 60 to 120 minutes | Each graft placed individually |
| Total procedure time | 2 to 4 hours |
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Patients are awake throughout and experience minimal discomfort. Most describe the anesthesia injection as the most uncomfortable part.
Cost Breakdown
Eyebrow Transplant Cost by Region
| Region | Cost Per Brow | Both Brows |
|---|---|---|
| United States (major city) | $4,000 to $6,000 | $7,000 to $9,000 |
| United States (smaller city) | $3,000 to $5,000 | $5,000 to $8,000 |
| United Kingdom | $3,500 to $5,500 | $6,000 to $8,500 |
| Turkey | $1,200 to $2,500 | $2,000 to $4,000 |
| South Korea | $2,000 to $4,000 | $3,500 to $6,500 |
Cost Factors
| Factor | Impact on Cost |
|---|---|
| Graft count needed | More grafts = higher cost |
| Surgeon specialization | Dedicated brow specialists charge 20-30% more |
| Geographic location | Major cities cost 30-50% more |
| Bilateral vs unilateral | Both brows together saves 15-25% vs two separate sessions |
| Complexity (scar tissue, asymmetry) | Complex cases add $500-$1,500 |
Insurance does not cover eyebrow transplants in most cases because it is classified as a cosmetic procedure. Exceptions may apply for patients with hair loss from documented medical conditions, burns, or trauma. Check with your insurer before assuming no coverage.
Recovery and Results
Recovery Timeline
| Day/Week | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Mild swelling, tiny scabs around each graft, redness |
| Days 2 to 5 | Swelling peaks then subsides, bruising possible |
| Days 5 to 10 | Scabs fall off naturally, do not pick them |
| Weeks 2 to 4 | Transplanted hairs shed (shock loss, this is normal) |
| Months 3 to 4 | New growth begins to appear |
| Months 6 to 9 | Significant growth visible |
| Month 12 | Final result |
Post-Procedure Care
- Do not touch or wet the brow area for 24 hours
- Sleep with head elevated for 3 to 5 nights
- Avoid exercise for 7 to 10 days
- No makeup on the brow area for 10 to 14 days
- Avoid direct sun exposure for 4 weeks
- Do not pluck or wax transplanted hairs
Important: Trimming Requirement
Transplanted eyebrow hairs are taken from the scalp. Scalp hair grows continuously and does not have the same short growth cycle as natural brow hair. This means transplanted brow hairs will grow longer than natural brow hairs and require trimming every 1 to 2 weeks.
This is the single most important thing to understand before getting an eyebrow transplant. If you are not willing to trim your brows regularly, the transplanted hairs will grow out to an unnatural length.
Most patients trim with small brow scissors. Some use eyebrow trimmers. The trimming routine takes 2 to 3 minutes and becomes second nature after a few weeks.
Eyebrow Transplant vs Alternatives
| Option | Cost | Duration | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eyebrow transplant | $3,000 to $6,000/brow | Permanent | Trimming every 1-2 weeks |
| Microblading | $300 to $800 | 1 to 2 years | Touch-up annually |
| Brow tattooing | $200 to $600 | 3 to 5 years | Touch-up every few years |
| Brow pencil/powder | $5 to $30 | Daily application | Daily |
| Latisse (bimatoprost) | $100 to $150/month | While using product | Continuous use required |
An eyebrow transplant is the only permanent solution that creates real, growing hair. Microblading and tattooing create the appearance of hair strokes but do not produce actual hair and require periodic touch-ups.
Next Step
Curious about your overall hair restoration options? Upload a photo at myhairline.ai/analyze to get a personalized assessment and see how your pattern factors into your treatment plan.