Eyebrow transplants typically place 200 to 400 FUE grafts per side, and tracking documents which placement zones show the best survival. Unlike scalp transplants where thousands of grafts create broad coverage, eyebrow work demands millimeter-level precision, so documenting graft take and density growth is essential for evaluating your results.
Why Eyebrow Transplant Tracking Is Different
Scalp transplants cover large zones where individual graft placement is less critical than overall density. Eyebrow transplants are the opposite. Each graft must be placed at the correct angle (10 to 15 degrees), direction (following the natural brow arch), and depth to produce a natural appearance.
This precision means tracking eyebrow results requires a different approach than scalp tracking. You need to document not just density but also graft angle, direction consistency, and symmetry between both brows.
Graft Count and Placement Zones
A typical eyebrow transplant uses FUE grafts harvested from the scalp (usually behind the ear, where hair caliber is finer). The graft distribution follows the natural eyebrow anatomy:
| Brow Zone | Graft Count (per side) | Hair Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Head (inner) | 60-100 grafts | Upward at steep angle |
| Body (middle) | 80-150 grafts | Lateral, following arch |
| Tail (outer) | 60-120 grafts | Lateral and slightly downward |
Your surgeon should provide a graft map showing exactly how many grafts went into each zone. This map becomes your tracking reference. At month 6, compare your density in each zone against the original placement count to calculate zone-by-zone survival rates.
Step-by-Step Tracking Protocol
Week 1: Immediate Post-Op Documentation
Photograph both brows within 24 hours of the procedure. Document:
- Redness and swelling levels
- Visible graft placement points
- Any crusting or scabbing
These initial photos establish your day-one baseline. Swelling peaks at days 2-3 and should resolve by day 7.
Weeks 2-4: Healing Phase
Scabs fall off during weeks 1-2. The transplanted hairs will shed during weeks 2-4. This shedding is normal and expected, with a 90-95% graft survival rate despite the visible hair loss.
Photograph every 5 days during this period. You are documenting the healing process, not growth. Look for even healing across all zones and flag any areas of prolonged redness or irritation.
Months 2-3: Dormant Phase
Very little visible change occurs during this period. The transplanted follicles are establishing blood supply and entering a new growth cycle. Continue monthly photos to document the transition from dormant to early growth.
Months 3-6: Early Growth Phase
New hair begins emerging around month 3. This is when tracking becomes valuable. Photograph every two weeks and measure:
- Number of visible new hairs per zone
- Hair texture (transplanted hairs from the scalp may grow faster and need regular trimming)
- Direction consistency (are hairs growing in the planned direction?)
- Symmetry between left and right brows
Months 6-9: Density Building Phase
By month 6, 50-60% of final density should be visible. Your tracking data at this stage reveals whether any zones are underperforming. The body (middle) zone typically shows the strongest growth, while the tail may take longer.
Compare your zone density against your surgeon's original graft map. If a zone received 100 grafts but shows significantly fewer than 90-95 growing hairs, document this for your follow-up appointment.
Months 9-14: Final Results
Full eyebrow transplant results appear between months 12 and 14. At month 9, you should see 70-80% of your final density. Continue bi-weekly tracking through month 12, then switch to monthly for the final assessment.
Photography Best Practices for Eyebrow Tracking
Eyebrow tracking demands more photographic precision than scalp tracking because the area is smaller and angle differences are more visible.
Camera position: Hold your camera (or phone) at eye level, 12 inches from your face. Use portrait orientation.
Lighting: Natural front-facing light from a window works best. Avoid overhead lighting, which casts shadows that distort brow appearance. Use the same lighting setup every session.
Angles to capture:
- Straight-on frontal view
- 45-degree angle from the left
- 45-degree angle from the right
- Close-up of each individual brow (6 inches distance)
Consistency tips: Mark your photo position with tape on the floor and wall if possible. Keep your facial expression neutral. Do not raise your eyebrows, as this changes the skin tension and spacing.
What to Watch For: Red Flags
Track these potential issues and report them to your surgeon:
Uneven growth. Some asymmetry is normal during months 3-6, but persistent unevenness at month 9 may indicate graft loss in specific zones.
Incorrect hair direction. Grafts growing against the natural brow direction affect the final appearance. This is a technique-dependent outcome that cannot be corrected without revision.
Pitting or scarring. Small depressions at graft sites indicate grafts were placed too deep. Document these with close-up photos.
Excessive growth rate. Transplanted scalp hairs grow faster than native eyebrow hairs. You will need to trim them regularly (every 1-2 weeks). This is expected, not a problem, but documenting the growth rate helps you plan your grooming routine.
Maintenance Tracking After Full Growth
Even after reaching final results at month 12-14, continue quarterly tracking. Eyebrow transplant results are permanent because the grafts retain the characteristics of their donor site (scalp). However, natural aging and skin changes can affect the overall appearance over time.
Your long-term tracking data also serves as documentation if you ever consider a touch-up procedure. Surgeons can review your density progression to determine exactly which zones need additional grafts.
Start documenting your eyebrow transplant journey at myhairline.ai/analyze to build a complete visual record from day one through final results.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a board-certified surgeon specializing in facial hair transplantation before pursuing an eyebrow transplant.