Eyebrow transplantation is one of the fastest-growing areas of hair restoration. For patients with sparse, thin, or completely absent eyebrows — whether from over-plucking, alopecia, scarring, or genetics — a transplant offers a permanent solution that no pencil, powder, or microblading can match.
How Eyebrow Transplants Work
The procedure follows the same core principle as scalp hair transplantation: healthy follicles are harvested from a donor area (typically the scalp, usually behind the ear or from the nape) and transplanted to the eyebrow area.
The critical difference is scale and precision. Each eyebrow typically requires 150–350 grafts — a fraction of a scalp transplant. But each graft must be placed at an extremely precise angle, direction, and depth to mimic the natural flat, directional growth of eyebrow hair.
DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) using a fine-gauge Choi implanter pen is the preferred technique for eyebrow transplants because it allows the most precise control over graft placement angle.
How Many Grafts Are Needed?
A full eyebrow restoration typically requires:
- Partial restoration (filling gaps): 80–150 grafts per eyebrow
- Full eyebrow restoration: 150–350 grafts per eyebrow
- Both eyebrows combined: 300–700 grafts total
The exact number depends on the current state of the eyebrows, the desired shape and density, and the patient's facial structure. Your surgeon will plan the graft distribution in detail during consultation.
The Design Process
Eyebrow shape design is as important as the procedure itself. The surgeon and patient agree on the eyebrow shape — arch, thickness, length, and position — before any grafts are placed. This design must complement the patient's face shape, natural brow remnants, and personal aesthetic preference.
Good eyebrow design looks completely natural: it should enhance the face without looking drawn-on or overly structured.
What to Expect After the Procedure
The recovery process is similar to scalp transplantation but faster due to the smaller scale:
Days 1–7: Small scabs form around each graft. Mild swelling possible. Avoid touching, wetting, or applying makeup to the area.
Weeks 2–4: Scabs resolve. Transplanted hairs begin to shed (shock loss) — this is normal and temporary.
Months 3–6: New hair growth begins. Eyebrows become visible and progressively denser.
Months 9–12: Final result. Full density and natural appearance achieved.
Important: Transplanted eyebrow hair grows at scalp hair rate — meaning it needs trimming every 3–4 weeks. This is a permanent feature of the result and patients should be prepared for this minor maintenance.
Cost of Eyebrow Transplant in Istanbul
Eyebrow transplants in Istanbul typically cost €1,200–€2,500 for both eyebrows, depending on graft count and clinic. This compares to £3,000–£6,000 in the UK.
The procedure can be performed as a standalone session or combined with a scalp hair transplant in the same day (if total graft count is manageable).
Who Is a Candidate?
You may be a good candidate if you have:
- Naturally sparse or thin eyebrows
- Eyebrow loss from over-plucking with incomplete regrowth
- Eyebrow loss from alopecia areata (where the condition is stable)
- Scarring in the eyebrow area from injury or surgery
- Eyebrow loss from chemotherapy
Patients with active alopecia areata should wait until the condition is stable before proceeding.
Our Approach
At Estetİstanbul, Dr. Hamid Aydın performs eyebrow transplants using DHI for maximum placement precision. Eyebrow design is discussed and agreed in detail before the procedure. We perform both standalone eyebrow sessions and combined scalp/eyebrow procedures.
Free eyebrow consultation via WhatsApp. Send photographs now.