Eyebrow Transplant Cost and Procedure Guide

Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, "the '90s stole my eyebrows"? If so, you're among countless others who are also facing the lasting effects of the ultra-thin brow era. Years of over-plucking can lead to persistent thinning, and many brows simply never grow back to their original fullness.¹

There are plenty of temporary fixes. In fact, Americans spend hundreds of millions of dollars on eyebrow growth products.² But these serums, lotions and creams only work with continuous usage.¹

Eyebrow transplants provide permanent restoration. A specialized type of hair transplant, an eyebrow transplant involves surgical techniques like those used for scalp hair transplants.¹

Read on to learn more about these specific hair transplantation procedures, including how much they cost and what you might expect from the surgery.

What Is an Eyebrow Transplant?

An eyebrow transplant is a surgical procedure that restores or fills in eyebrow hair by moving healthy hair follicles from the fine hair located on the back of your neck to your brow area.³

Fuller eyebrows aren’t just trendy, they’re timeless. Not only do luscious brows create a more youthful appearance, but they also frame the face and enhance symmetry.¹ Eyebrow transplants may help improve your self-confidence by permanently addressing hair loss.

Eyebrow hair loss can arise from several underlying issues:⁴

• Genetics
• Over-plucking or waxing
• Physical trauma⁵
• Poor diet or nutritional imbalances
• Scarring
• Thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism)

Good candidates must have sufficient donor hair that matches eyebrow texture. This procedure may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as alopecia totalis or alopecia universalis, because there is not sufficient donor hair available.⁶ Scarring alopecia can also be problematic as it damages the hair follicle.⁵

Eyebrow transplant techniques

Like other hair transplant procedures, including eyelash implants, there are two main techniques for eyebrow hair transplantation. Both methods are proven hair transplantation techniques offering distinct advantages depending on your goals and preferences.⁵

Follicular unit transplantation (FUT)

Also known as the “strip method,” this technique involves removing a thin strip of scalp from the donor area, which is then divided into individual follicular units for transplantation, offering benefits and drawbacks such as:⁵

• Allowing many grafts to be transplanted in one session, ideal for extensive coverage
• Leaving a linear scar and requiring a longer healing period

Follicular unit extraction (FUE)

This method extracts individual hair follicles directly from the donor area using a small punch device, with key advantages and considerations including:⁵

• Avoiding the linear scar left by FUT and enabling faster recovery
• Being a good choice for those who prefer shorter hairstyles

How Much Do Eyebrow Transplants Cost?

The price of an eyebrow transplant depends on several factors, including type of procedure and geographical location. In Palm Desert, California, for example, an eyebrow transplant can cost between $6,000 and $12,000.⁷

In addition to procedure type and geographical location, there are a few notable reasons that can impact the cost of eyebrow restoration surgery:⁷

• Availability, location and quality of donor hair. Donor hair may be sparse or of poor quality, requiring more time, specialized techniques or alternate locations.
• Customization. Customized designs, such as creating a specific arch or matching a unique eyebrow style, will cost more because they require more time and skill.
• Number of grafts. As the number of grafts required to achieve the desired eyebrow density or shape increases, the overall cost will also increase.

The national average cost* of a hair transplant using FUT or FUE methods ranges from $4,637 to $12,513, with variations based on technique, number of grafts and geographic location.⁸

Does Health Insurance Cover Eyebrow Transplants?

It’s not customary for insurance to cover eyebrow transplantation. Perhaps, if you have hair loss due to a medical condition or trauma, some coverage may be available. You may want to ask your surgeon and insurance company.⁷

How an Eyebrow Transplant Works

Preparation

Your surgeon will guide you through several preparation and procedure steps, including the following:⁶

Initial consultation. During this appointment, your surgeon will assess the quality and quantity of your donor hair and discuss your goals.⁶ Consider bringing pictures to help your surgeon design your new eyebrow shape.

Preoperative instructions. Each case varies. Be sure to follow your surgeon’s specific pre-op guidelines, which may include:⁶

• Arranging for transportation home after the procedure
• Avoiding blood-thinning medications for a specified period
• Protecting your skin from sun exposure
• Stopping smoking at least two weeks before surgery

Procedure

Extraction. Your surgeon will extract hair follicles from the donor area using either the FUE or FUT technique. This process typically takes three to five hours, depending on the number of grafts needed.⁶ Each hair follicle is carefully removed with precision instruments. This gentle approach minimizes discomfort while avoiding noticeable scarring at the donor site.⁹

Preparation. Once your donor hair is collected, your surgical team meticulously examines and prepares each follicle under high-powered microscopes. This detailed preparation process is essential for ensuring that every transplanted hair will integrate naturally with your existing eyebrows, creating a seamless and authentic appearance.⁹

Transplantation. Your prepared follicles are then strategically placed into your eyebrow area with exceptional attention to detail. Your surgeon carefully follows the natural growth direction and angle of your current eyebrow hairs during implantation. This precise technique is what creates full, natural-looking brows that appear symmetrical and beautifully shaped.⁹

Recovery

This is a quick outpatient procedure, and you can typically go home within a few hours. You will receive customized aftercare instructions to help you recover quickly and safely.⁶

During the healing process of the donor site and recipient site, you may experience some mild discomfort. Taking over-the-counter painkillers is usually permitted after the procedure.⁶

Your surgeon may advise you to take it easy after the procedure. That may include keeping your head elevated for a few nights to reduce possible swelling, and keeping any bandages on for the advised time period. During this time, it’s recommended that you refrain from smoking or drinking alcohol.⁶

You may also be advised to avoid strenuous activities for at least a week to avoid disturbing any of the grafts. When washing your face, it's recommended to take extra care and use only mild soap. It is perfectly normal to see the newly transplanted hair falling out after the procedure, as this leads to new hair growth at the transplant site.⁶

Your New Fuller Brows

Eyebrow transplants offer a permanent solution to over-tweezing regret and other causes of sparse brows. Both FUE and FUT techniques can provide natural-looking results when performed by experienced surgeons. With proper planning, realistic expectations and commitment to the recovery process, you can achieve the full, well-shaped eyebrows you’ve been wanting.

Financing Eyebrow Transplants With the CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for eyebrow transplants and related expenses not covered by health insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Pamela Cagle, R.N., has extensive experience in a range of clinical settings, including ER, surgical and cardiovascular. For the past decade, she has leveraged her nursing experience in writing for health and technology publications such as AARP, VKTR, National Council on Aging and others. She is passionate about blending her medical and storytelling expertise to bring authenticity to health and wellness topics.