40+ Eyebrow Transplant Statistics: Demographics, Survival Rates, Facts, and Recommendations
40+ Eyebrow Transplant Statistics:
Demographics, Survival Rates, Facts, and Recommendations
Miriam Otero
14 min
July 1, 2024
Did you know that in 2020, more than 9,500 eyebrow transplant procedures were done in the United States? [Source: 1]
That seems like a lot, and that’s only in the United States. But what does it mean to transplant eyebrow hair?
Oren Tepper, MD, the director of aesthetic surgery at Montefiore and an assistant professor of plastic surgery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, explains: "Current medical techniques employed involve the transfer of single hairs (follicular unit transplant, or FUT). Or even more recently, through transplanting single hair follicles (follicular unit extraction, or FUE).”
Many experience eyebrow hair loss or thinning due to over-plucking, poor permanent makeup, or microblading. An eyebrow transplant restores both function and appearance according to your wishes, and we provide both solutions.
At HAIR & SKIN, we believe eyebrows shape your face and give your expressions a unique character. In addition to aesthetics, they protect your eyes from sweat, dust, and dirt. In addition to these benefits, Tepper maintains that "Eyebrow transplantation not only enables someone to fill in the eyebrow but also to obtain a customized look. For example, the treatment plan can include an arch to the eyebrow."
And on that note, we've prepared amazing eyebrow transplant statistics for you to review so you can learn more about the process and get better acquainted with your brows!
Top 10 Eyebrow Transplant Statistics
An eyebrow transplant can cost over 5,000 Swiss Francs. [Source: 2]
The success rate of eyebrow FUE for FFA is about 80% after one year. However, new data shows that hair follicles often fall out after 24 months. [Source: 8]
The best technique for eyebrow transplantation is the DHI method, which has a 98% survival rate. [Source 10]
About half of the hair survives after one year in cases of inflammatory hair loss like Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA). [Source: 3]
The average cost of an eyebrow transplant is $4,800. It ranges between $2,000 - $13,391. The cost of an eyebrow transplant depends on the amount of hair needed, the surgeon's experience, the location of the practice, and other factors. [Source: 6]
Among women, 17% of procedures were done in non-scalp areas. The most common was eyebrow transplants (11%), followed by repairs from previous Black Market hair transplants (4%), scar repairs (3%), and sideburns (1%). [Source: 5]
Eyebrow transplantation treatment is typically effective for non-inflammatory issues like naturally thin eyebrows or hair loss from trauma, laser hair removal, tattoos, and surgery. You can expect an 85-90% survival rate at 12 months. [Source: 3]
On average, 200-300 grafts are needed to reconstruct eyebrows for females and 300-380 for males. Most of these grafts are single follicular units, but sometimes 2-follicle units are used in the middle part of the eyebrow. [Source: 3]
About 200 to 300 hair units are moved in one session. [Source: 3]
Usually, 50 to 375 individual hairs are transplanted above each eye. [Source: 13]
Eyebrow Transplant Statistics by Demographics
Dr. Okuda began hair transplantation for eyebrow loss in 1939 and has become popular due to its outstanding results. With extensive experience in FUE, advanced baldness, body hair transplants, and facial hair restoration, high-quality surgical techniques now deliver excellent outcomes for patients with realistic expectations.
Looking at this in more depth, both men and women can benefit from this procedure globally. Despite varying cost brackets, eyebrow transplants are becoming a common attraction, and we’ll show you why.
An eyebrow transplant can cost up to £5,000. [Source: 2]
The average cost of an eyebrow transplant is $4,800. It ranges between $2,000 - $13,391. The cost of an eyebrow transplant depends on the amount of hair needed, the surgeon's experience, the location of the practice, and other factors. [Source: 6]
On average, 200-300 grafts are needed to reconstruct eyebrows for females and 300-380 for males. Most of these grafts are single follicular units, but sometimes 2-follicle units are used in the middle part of the eyebrow. [Source: 3]
In women, doctors take hair follicles from the back of the head (occipital area). They mostly use single hair follicles and sometimes two for thicker brow parts to create a natural look. [Source: 3]
For men, doctors sometimes take hair from the beard area, typically from under the chin, where any scarring can be easily hidden. [Source: 3]
Dr Asim Shahmalak, a renowned and globally respected hair transplant specialist based in London, UK, explains his process during the hair transplantation surgery: “I take hair from the back of the scalp where the hair doesn’t naturally recede– picture that horseshoe area of hair at the back of the head which always remains even when people start to bald.”
One example of a woman with an eyebrow transplant is Chrissy Teigen. She posted a video on Instagram captioned, “Welcome, new brow hairs!!!” In a follow-up post-surgery video, Teigen mentions that her brow hairs are growing “like weeds I tell ya!”
Among women, 17% of procedures were done in non-scalp areas. The most common was eyebrow transplants (11%), followed by repairs from previous Black Market hair transplants (4%), scar repairs (3%), and sideburns (1%). [Source: 5]
Both men and women benefit from this procedure, often seeking a natural look. Scarring is normal in this procedure, but experienced doctors know where to collect donor hair from sites that are easy to hide. But, with experience comes differences in costs - and that excludes insurance costs that may play a role. High-profiles like Chrissy Teigen are just a handful of success stories from around the world that endorse this procedure, which aids an accepting community surrounding transplants. This growing trend around cosmetic surgery is seemingly starting to be accepted.
The cost can range from $3,000 to $6,000 in the United States. In Turkey, it is around $3,500; in Brazil and Thailand, it ranges from $4,505 to $4,533. [Source: 7]
Dr Angela Sturm, a double-board certified facial plastic surgeon with certifications with the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery, says: “Eyebrow transplants are now quite popular among both men and women. But the procedure does seem to be a growing trend among men. If you look at the “leading men” in Hollywood, many of them have strong, even bushy eyebrows. It is common for men to get hair and eyebrow transplants simultaneously, as the result will look more natural and youthful.”
Celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin posted a vlog on YouTube, elated by the results of her eyebrow transplant. She said, “I have just been waking up [feeling] naturally pretty. I love it.”
As Dr Sturm points out, eyebrow transplants are popular among men and women. There isn’t an observable gender-specific trend in this area, except for wanting a more natural look. Again, the cost of the procedure differs across countries and based on the experience of your doctor, but we can ensure that you can trust us to give you the best results and the best price by using our FUE Sapphire Method. The FUE Sapphire Method allows for reduced healing time (3-7 days) and a more natural result for your eyebrows after the follicles have healed.
Statistics by The Survival Rates for Eyebrow Transplants
The survival rate for eyebrow transplants is dependent on the type of graft your doctor uses, but there is a constant high success rate for eyebrow transplants and very happy patients at that.
Dr Shahmalak says that the surgery is generally very safe and has a high success rate ranging from 95% to 98% - “unless there are any underlying skin diseases or issues, which can be examined at the time of consultation.”
Eyebrow transplantation treatment is typically effective for non-inflammatory issues like naturally thin eyebrows or hair loss from trauma, laser hair removal, tattoos, and surgery. You can expect an 85-90% survival rate at 12 months. [Source: 3]
About half of the hair survives after one year in cases of inflammatory hair loss like Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA). [Source: 3]
In a study on eyebrow and eyelash transplants published in the JCAD, 354 patients from 18 countries were reviewed. Almost all patients had more than 75% of their transplanted follicles survive. [Source: 4]
Cases of lower follicular survival often happen in patients with burn injuries or significant scarring. For instance, Motamed et al. described poor results in two patients with severe burns who had FUT. Similarly, Toscani et al. reported poor outcomes in two burn patients who had FUT, with an average graft survival rate of 60%. [Source: 4]
The success rate of eyebrow FUE for FFA is about 80% after one year. However, new data shows that hair follicles often fall out after 24 months. [Source: 8]
The best technique for eyebrow transplantation is the DHI method, which has a 98% survival rate. [Source 10]
Patients with significant scarring in the eyebrow area may need to add $750 to the procedure cost for Acell, an FDA-approved wound healer, to improve graft survival in scar tissue. [Source: 11]
For most people, eyebrow transplants produce favorable outcomes; the DHI technique stands out for its excellent success rate. Those with inflammatory diseases like FFA or extensive scarring, however, have more difficulties and sometimes need further therapies like Acell to help with results. Although methods like FUT demonstrate different success, especially in burn patients, eyebrow FUE offers good temporary results, but over a few years, graft survival declines. The long-term success of eyebrow transplantation is highly influenced by the patient's condition and the technique used.
Facts & Recommendations on Eyebrow Transplantation by Medical Experts
Before deciding whether getting an eyebrow transplant is suitable for you, it’s only fair that you have all the facts of the procedure in its entirety and some advice from accredited and renowned specialists to guide you through it.
Thin eyebrows can be due to genetics or injury. [Source: 3]
Brow transplantation involves moving your natural hair to your eyebrows. [Source: 3]
This treatment is often very successful for most hair loss issues. [Source: 3]
Transplants require precision to ensure a natural appearance. [Source: 3]
About 200 to 300 hair units are moved in one session. [Source: 3]
It takes about 10 months to see the best results. [Source: 3]
Side effects after an eyebrow transplant are rare. They can include:
Pigment changes in the donor area. [Source: 3]
Infection. [Source: 3]
Acne, pimples, and microcysts in both the donor and recipient areas. [Source: 3]
Graft failure, especially in cases of frontal fibrosing alopecia. [Source: 3]
Dr Anthony Bared, M.D F.A.C.S, a board-certified plastic surgeon and hair transplant specialist from Miami, says, “For example, patients with rosacea or cystic acne may experience prolonged redness and swelling, leading to a lengthier recovery period. Equally, severe eczema may distort the graft site, thereby impairing the healing.”
Before
Before getting an eyebrow transplant, you must see if you're a good candidate. [Source: 12]
Dr Bared explains, "Ideal candidates are individuals who’ve experienced hair loss due to an underlying medical condition, individuals with naturally sparse eyebrows, or trauma victims. Factors such as long-term commitment to post-procedure care, the person’s age, and their ability to tolerate minor surgical procedures significantly influence a person’s suitability. Therefore, it’s crucial that patients understand all the factors to take into consideration before moving forward with the procedure.”
Once the ideal candidate is selected, you'll meet with your doctor to discuss your goals and the procedure details, including risks. The doctor will also check your eyebrow area and scalp for suitable donor sites. [Source: 15]
Eyebrow transplantation is done in a doctor's office with local anesthesia. [Source: 14]
Dr Natalie Anttenello, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and hair restoration specialist ensures that, “You will not require general anesthesia. Pain and discomfort will be managed with medication so you can relax. Discomfort is usually minimal, and many patients will sleep, listen to music, or watch television during the procedure.”
A small area of hair is shaved to collect donor hair follicles and tiny punch incisions are made to remove each follicle. [Source: 15] Dr. Zandifar, a double board-certified and fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon, advises that “Stitches are usually not needed because the incisions are very small.”
After harvesting the follicles, small cuts are made in your eyebrow, and the hair follicles are carefully transplanted one by one to ensure a natural look. [Source: 15]
During
During the procedure, doctors and specialists use microscopes to dissect the grafts. They transplant only one or two strands at a time and carefully insert the new hairs into the right spot at the correct angle. [Source: 13]
Usually, 50 to 375 individual hairs are transplanted above each eye. [Source: 13]
Dr Yael Halaas, M.D. F.A.C.S, a Facial Plastic Surgeon in New York City, explains the process in detail, “Fine hairs from the back of the head are removed by either a small linear scar or through tiny little circles around the base of each individual hair follicle and then placed into small, very carefully designed sites in the eyebrow [area].”
An eyebrow hair transplant typically takes 3-5 hours. [Source: 14]
Mr Michael Mouzakis M.D., MSc, a Consultant Plastic Surgeon, working at the award-winning The Private Clinic of Harley Street (TPC) in London and at London Plastic Surgery in Athens, explains that, “Eyebrow hair transplants are a walk-in walk out procedure performed under local anaesthetic. It takes roughly 3 hours, and the patient gets minimal swelling, and the downtime is 5 to 6 days.”
After
Minoxidil can help eyebrows grow after a transplant. Typically, a 5% strength is used twice a day. [Source: 3]
Dr Davin Lim, a highly rated Dermatologist in Brisbane, recommends that " you should take special precautions not to apply too much, as this can cause hair growth in other areas, such as the sides of the face.”
Since the donor hairs come from the scalp, the new eyebrows will have the same characteristics as the donor hairs. [Source: 3] Dr. Lim recommends that “You will need to trim your eyebrows every 2-4 weeks. Over time, transplanted hair will adjust to the transplanted, and timing can be reduced.”
After an eyebrow transplant, you need to be careful for 10-14 days to help with healing. [Source: 12]
Dr Bared recommends, “Avoiding strenuous activities is vital to protect new hair follicles. Abstaining from forehead-stressing activities, like wearing headbands or sunglasses, ensures a smoother recovery, reduces risks, and enhances the procedure’s success.”
After an eyebrow transplant, you'll see progress in about four months. The transplanted hairs may initially shed, but new growth will start, similar to your natural hair. [Source: 12]
By six months, your brows will take on a natural shape, which you can refine to your liking, with occasional trimming needed to keep them natural. [Source: 12]
By the tenth month, you'll notice significant improvements and your brows will continue to look naturally full and with proper care. [Source: 12]
Dr Bared further recommends, “Regular grooming, like tweezing or waxing, helps maintain the shape, ensuring longevity, though these transplanted hairs are resilient and don’t easily shed.”
Eyebrow transplants have pros and cons but ultimately prove to be a beneficial life-long decision for both men and women. Success rates are highly praised, and doctors like Dr Davin Lim advocate for the process overall: “This can make a huge difference as brows frame the eyes. This procedure can be cosmetic, namely adding density to genetically thin brows, or it can be medical, namely adding hair follicles in areas where hair loss is due to inflammation.”
Mr Mouzakis agrees that eyebrow transplants are effective. “The results are incredible, very natural-looking. The only drawback is that the patient has to trim the eyebrows often as the hair continues to grow. It is very popular and a reliable procedure.”
As you can see, all treatments have pros and cons, but the decision is up to you. We at HAIR & SKIN have tried and tested our method, and we have a tremendous success rate. Don’t believe us? Just look at some of our positive patient testimonials, which show that our treatments have “changed their lives.”
Frequently asked questions
Who gets an eyebrow transplant?
Those who have lost their eyebrow hair, have a fading brow tattoo, or wish for bigger eyebrows might choose to undergo an eyebrow transplant. Suppose you have a medical disease causing hair loss, such as trichotillomania or alopecia areata, or if you had an accident compromising your skin, like burns or scars. In that case, you may wish for an eyebrow transplant. [Source: 1]
Do eyebrow transplants work?
Yes, one successful kind of cosmetic surgery to increase eyebrow fullness is eyebrow transplants. The result of your eyebrow transplant will rely on the degree of adaptation of the hair follicles to their new site. Your general health and how you treat your skin following surgery will affect this. Before you start to experience the effects, several months might pass. [Source: 1]
Do eyebrows grow long after an eyebrow transplant?
Though it is currently on your eyebrow, the hair used for your eyebrow transplant comes from your scalp; hence, it will continue to grow as if it were still on your scalp. You might have to routinely cut the hair of your eyebrows after an eyebrow transplant to maintain the desired length for them. [Source: 1]
What are the risks or complications of an eyebrow transplant?
Like any cosmetic surgery, the operation carries hazards that might include:
Scaring.
Pain.
Swelling.
Infection.
Bruising.
Absence of sensation or some hair follicles at the surgery site.
During your appointment, your surgeon will review these hazards and potential adverse effects of the surgery. Ask your surgeon for any queries regarding the operation; make sure you bring such issues forward. [Source: 1]
What is the recovery time for an eyebrow transplant?
When compared to other cosmetic procedures, an eyebrow transplant heals quickly. Within the first two weeks, you should be able to resume modest exercise and work. Your eyebrows should start to scab throughout this period. Although picking at these scabs might be tempting, try not to do so since it will impede your healing.
It takes six to twelve weeks to see fresh hair growing out of the transplanted location. Normal is losing hair from the surgery location; this helps create space in your hair follicles for fresh hair development. [Source: 1]
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