This meticulous procedure relocates your own hair follicles to create fuller, natural-looking eyebrows. As much as scalp hair restoration, which focuses on density and coverage, is an aesthetic procedure, eyebrow restoration takes that artistry to a new level, while still requiring the highest standards of techniques. The process requires careful design to balance shape, density, and symmetry so the brows harmonize with the patient’s facial proportions.
Understanding Eyebrow Transplantation
The process begins with the design of the eyebrows. Rather than relying on templates, in recognition of the unique shape and size of each individual’s face and orbit region, Dr. Epstein designs by free-hand each eyebrow, according to the patient’s desires. The next step is the harvesting of donor hairs by a specialized FUE technique that has the hairs trimmed to be somewhat longer than when doing scalp hair transplants so that the natural curl of each hair can be appreciated to assure compliance with the surgeon’s vision. The donor hairs are harvested from that portion of the scalp selected to assure the desired curl, texture, and color, which is unique for each patient. Rather than using exclusively all single-hair follicular units, most grafts contain two hairs and in very select cases three hair grafts can be used- permitting the achievement of maximal density without compromising naturalness. These grafts are then carefully examined under the binocular microscope for optimal viability and trimmed so that any excess skin is excised to assure minimal scarring.
The next step is the most critical from an aesthetic perspective–the making of the recipient sites. Here is where Dr. Epstein’s aesthetic eye and years of experience guide him in making 300 to as many as 450 recipient sites on each eyebrow that determine the direction, angle, and position of each eyebrow hair. He uses the very smallest custom-cut blades, 0.5mm in size, that minimize scarring to essentially nonexistent and assure the hairs will grow as flat as possible His highly experienced eyebrow team assistants will then place each graft using implanters (to minimize damage to the donor hairs) into these 0.5mm recipient sites into just the ideal direction and curl. Finally, before the procedure is completed, final adjustments will be made with the patient no leaving the procedure room until the doctor, his team, and the patient are all happy with the final look.

Healing and Hair Growth Timeline
After the procedure the eyebrows are to be kept dry for five days. Most patients are fully presentable at 4 days after the procedure. The transplanted hairs will fall out in most cases by two weeks, then start to regrow at 3 to 4 months, delivering full aesthetic eyebrows by eight months.
Reasons Patients Choose Eyebrow Transplants
People choose this surgery for many reasons, including over-plucking, genetics, scars, burns, or changes from prior tattooing or microblading. Results are long-lasting because transplanted follicles are living, but they follow the normal hair cycle: initial shedding, then regrowth. Because scalp hairs retain their growth characteristics, expect periodic trimming and enjoy real, styleable hair you can shape to your preference.
Benefits and Value
Well-designed brows do more than fill space; they frame the eyes, define expression, and restore balance. A tailored approach respects gender and ethnic nuances, with shapes and densities chosen to complement each person’s heritage and goals. For many, the change brings improved confidence and ease in social and professional settings.
Advantages Over Makeup and Microblading
Compared with makeup or microblading, a transplant provides living hairs you can trim, groom, and style eyebrows. This durability looks natural up close and in motion, where pigment can’t mimic the texture and sheen of real hair. You get an everyday solution that reduces reliance on cosmetics while preserving the flexibility to refine your brow shape over time.
Practical benefits include camouflaging scars and burns, where pigment may not adhere or look authentic. Transplanted hairs withstand daily life—workouts, swimming, and the humidity and heat common in Miami—without smudging or fading. Because the hairs come from the scalp, they can grow longer than native brows. That provides styling versatility but requires trimming every one to two weeks. For those tired of temporary fixes, the investment delivers a lasting solution that behaves like natural eyebrows in every setting.
The Eyebrow Transplant Process
At the Foundation for Hair Restoration, Dr. Jeffrey Epstein starts with a detailed consultation and collaborative design. After discussing goals, he sketches the proposed brow directly on the skin, referencing facial proportions, brow-lid distance, and how the design integrates with existing hair. The blueprint is refined with patient input until the contours, thickness, and arch feel right.
Donor Hair Extraction
Donor harvesting is performed under local anesthesia. Depending on hair characteristics and goals, Dr. Epstein uses follicular unit excision (FUE) to individually extract follicles or, in select cases, a small linear harvest that yields fine grafts with minimal scarring hidden by surrounding hair. The follicles are then dissected under high magnification into ultra-refined single-hair units, trimmed to match brow delicacy while preserving bulb integrity for optimal growth.
Recipient Site Creation and Hair Angles
Recipient sites are crafted with ultra-fine needles or microblades at very acute angles—often nearly flat to the skin—to replicate the natural lay of brow hairs. Direction, angle, and curl are deliberately varied across the head, body, and tail: the inner brow is more upright and feathery, the center more lateral, and the tail subtly downward and tapered. These nuances prevent a “planted” look and create soft transitions.
Graft Placement and Procedure Duration
Grafts are placed one hair at a time, aligned with the plan and any native hairs to avoid kinking or misdirection. Density is layered to create a gentle border and a fuller central body while preserving blood supply for graft survival. Most procedures take several hours with breaks for comfort. Afterward, you’ll learn simple cleansing, apply a light ointment as directed, and protect the grafts from rubbing, sun, and heavy sweating during initial healing.
Suitability and Key Considerations
Ideal candidates have thinning or absent brows from over-plucking, genetics, trauma, burns, or surgical scars, along with adequate donor hair and clear goals. Success depends on realistic expectations about density, texture, and routine grooming, and a shared vision of what looks natural and flattering.

Special Conditions to Consider
Certain conditions require special planning. Patients with trichotillomania need a documented period of stability to protect new grafts. Autoimmune conditions such as alopecia areata must be inactive, and medical issues including thyroid disease or skin disorders should be controlled. Hair caliber, curl, and color are matched carefully; skin type and any history of hypertrophic or keloid scarring are reviewed for safety.
Transparent discussion of aftercare and maintenance is part of the plan. Some patients benefit from a staged touch-up several months later to refine density or shape once growth declares itself. Understanding risks, recovery, and cost supports a confident decision and sets the stage for a satisfying outcome.
Implementation, Results, and Outcomes
Recovery is typically straightforward. In the first week, mild crusting and pinkness may appear around the grafts, with manageable swelling for some patients. Gentle cleansing and a light ointment keep the area clean and hydrated, and sleeping with the head elevated for the first couple of nights helps reduce puffiness. Most people resume non-strenuous activities within a day or two, while avoiding rubbing and heavy sweating.
Shedding and Regrowth
In the first few weeks, many transplanted hairs shed—an expected part of the cycle as follicles reset. This can be surprising, but it signals entry into a resting phase before new growth. Skin tone gradually normalizes, and the outline of the new brow remains as a roadmap. Fresh growth typically starts at three to four months, initially fine and lighter, then thickening and darkening as hairs mature.
Long-Term Results
By six to nine months, the brows soften and integrate with the face. At 12 months, most patients see the full result, with a natural shape that can be groomed like native brows. Ongoing care includes occasional trimming and shaping to maintain your style. Some patients choose a small refinement session for added density or to sharpen the tail or arch once the primary result has matured.
Discomfort is minimal, downtime is short, and scarring risk is low with careful technique. Rare issues such as ingrown hairs, asymmetry, or uneven growth are usually minor and addressed at follow-ups.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing the right surgeon is the most important factor in brow restoration. This specialized procedure rewards experience, artistic judgment, and a deep understanding of how eyebrows should look in real life. Review a robust portfolio, confirm board certifications, and evaluate a surgeon’s design approach to gauge both competence and artistry.
Assess technique and process. Precise graft handling, attention to angles and curl, and the consistent use of single-hair units all influence how natural the final brows appear. A collaborative design—one that welcomes your input and aligns with your aesthetic ideals—builds trust and ensures your brows reflect you.
Why Choose Dr. Epstein and the Foundation for Hair Restoration
At the Foundation for Hair Restoration in Miami, Dr. Jeffrey Epstein brings experience from more than 22,000 procedures to each patient, combining advanced techniques with individualized plans for safety and results. The practice emphasizes customization, meticulous care, and attentive follow-through, from consultation to aftercare. For local and out-of-town patients alike, the team provides a streamlined, supportive experience that prioritizes outcomes and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many grafts are typically needed?
Most cases use a few hundred single-hair grafts per brow, tailored to starting density, scar patterns, and desired fullness. Dr. Epstein designs for a soft outline with strategically layered density.
Does the procedure hurt, and what anesthesia is used?
Patients are kept comfortable with local anesthesia and, when appropriate, light oral sedation. You may feel pressure but not pain, and recovery is typically mildly sore or tight rather than painful.
Will my brows look natural up close?
Naturalness comes from single-hair units placed at very shallow angles that mimic real brow growth. Direction, curl, and density vary across the brow to achieve soft, feathered borders and avoid a stenciled look.
Can I've a transplant if I've microblading or previous tattooing?
Yes. Eyebrow transplantation can enhance or replace microblading, and they work over faded tattoo pigment. During consultation, Dr. Epstein assesses skin quality and residual ink to design graft placement that looks natural in all lighting.
How soon can I return to normal activities?
Most patients return to desk work within a day or two, avoiding strenuous exercise and heavy sweating for about a week. Minor crusting and pinkness resolve over one to two weeks, and shedding precedes new growth starting around month three. Dr. Epstein’s expertise in hair restoration and beard transplantation ensures comprehensive facial hair solutions for all patients.

Written by: Dr. J. Epstein
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Foundation Aesthetic Hair Restoration
About Dr. Epstein