Since 1998 · Zagreb & Daruvar
Eyebrow Transplant in Croatia
Patients often come to us after years of plucking, with eyebrows that never grew back on their own, with a thinned or completely lost outer part of the brow, or with eyebrows that have always been thin. Your own follicular units can be transplanted into the eyebrow area to replace the hairs long-term. Before any therapy we examine the eyebrows and the donor area and assess the cause of hair loss, because some conditions need to be treated first.
Before the examination, some patients spend years trying to stimulate growth or visually make up for their eyebrows. Some stopped plucking and waited for recovery, some have always had low density, and some used microblading or permanent makeup. Before planning a shape, the cause of the missing growth needs to be assessed, because active disease, the after-effects of treatment, or compulsive plucking that is still ongoing may require treatment and stabilization before a transplant can be considered.
Is this for me?
What an eyebrow transplant is and who it is for
An eyebrow transplant is the procedure of moving your own follicular units, most often from the back of the scalp or from above the ears, into the eyebrow area. The follicular units are extracted and implanted one by one, at the angle and in the direction in which the eyebrow naturally grows at that spot. The transplanted follicles can produce hairs with the properties of the donor area long-term.
Eyebrows take part in facial expression and in conveying emotion, and they also have a protective role, keeping sweat and dust out of the eyes. Losing them can therefore affect the appearance of the face, its expressiveness, and how you experience your own looks.
Eyebrows that never recovered after years of plucking
One of the frequent reasons for coming in is the absence of regrowth after long-term plucking, because the follicle can be permanently damaged and the eyebrows no longer grow back even when the plucking stops completely.
The procedure is also considered by women with congenitally low eyebrow density, whose eyebrows have always been thin or who are missing the outer third.
Scars, burns, and loss after illness or therapy
The second group of reasons is medical. Hairs can be missing on areas of skin damaged by injury or burns, and eyebrows can also be lost due to thyroid disease, lupus, dermatitis, certain dermatological and autoimmune diseases, and as a consequence of medication, chemotherapy, or radiation. Aging also brings gradual thinning, just as it does on the scalp. In these cases the procedure can have a reconstructive rather than a purely aesthetic role.
When the right answer is not a procedure
When the procedure should be postponed or the cause treated first
“Eyebrows strongly shape the expression and balance of the face, which is why I try to establish the cause of their loss before transplanting. If the cause is an active disease or treatment that is still ongoing, it is justified to postpone the procedure until the condition stabilizes.” — Ana Maletić, MD, PhD
There are situations in which a transplant would not bring the expected benefit, which is why assessing the cause is an important part of the examination.
The thyroid and other conditions treated first
Loss of the outer part of the eyebrow can be linked to a thyroid function disorder, and eyebrows can also thin with other systemic diseases, scalp diseases, and as a side effect of medication. When that is the background, the underlying disease is treated first. The ISHRS recommends that the underlying disease be stabilized before a transplant is considered, because active disease can negatively affect healing and the long-term growth of the transplanted hairs. The same applies to unstable or still-active scars and to active alopecia, which require treatment and a period of stabilization before the procedure.
When the plucking is still going on
In some people, repeated eyebrow plucking can be linked to trichotillomania or other forms of compulsive behavior — something some patients find hard to talk about. If the plucking is still ongoing, there is a high risk that the transplanted hairs will be plucked out again, which jeopardizes the result of the procedure. Such behavior is no reason for judgment, but it needs to be recognized and stabilized with appropriate professional help before a transplant. At the examination you can talk about it openly and without any sense of being judged.
At the examination we assess whether the cause of the loss, the condition of the skin, and your expectations are aligned with what the procedure can do, and whether the condition is stable enough for transplantation.
How it is performed
How we perform an eyebrow transplant
- Anesthesia
- local
- Recovery
- home the same day; redness and dry skin most often settle within five to seven days
- Result
- new hairs begin growing at roughly week fifteen to sixteen; final appearance after six to twelve months
- Performed by
- Ana Maletić, MD, PhD
Trichoscopic examination and hair selection
“Before an eyebrow transplant we perform a detailed examination of the eyebrows and the donor area with a trichoscopic camera to assess the required number and the properties of the follicular units.” — Ana Maletić, MD, PhD
We also examine the donor area with the camera, because not all hairs from the donor area are equally suitable for eyebrows. We select hairs whose thickness, texture, and color best match the existing eyebrow hairs — these can be hairs from the back of the head, from above the ears, or from other regions of the body. Hair selection is one of the factors that influence how natural the result looks. Before the procedure we take a medical history and assess your general health and the possible causes of the eyebrow loss.
Drawing the shape before the procedure
We agree on and mark the eyebrow shape before the procedure, according to the proportions of your face, your existing eyebrows, and their natural asymmetry — not according to a template. We show you the planned shape and agree on it before the procedure begins. Eyebrow fashion has swung throughout history from very thin to very thick, while the arrangement of hairs we implant today remains permanent. That is why we plan the shape according to the long-term proportions of your face, not the current trend.
The angle and direction of implantation
Eyebrow hairs grow at a very shallow angle to the surface of the skin and change direction along the brow, so they are implanted one by one, each at its own angle. For that reason we perform the procedure under optical magnification, and the follicular units are counted, arranged on special trays, and temporarily stored in a suitable solution under controlled temperature conditions while they are outside the body.
The procedure is performed in an operating room and under local anesthesia. For extracting the follicles, the FUE method is used most often, with instruments less than one millimeter in diameter, which leaves no linear scar — only tiny dot-like marks at the extraction sites. When the STRIP method is more suitable, the incision can be closed with a trichophytic technique, which can allow part of the hair to grow through the scar area, so the scar can be less noticeable when covered by hair. If hairs are taken from other parts of the body, only FUE is used.
Single-hair follicular units are implanted into the eyebrow area, because multi-hair units can contribute to an unnatural-looking result.
What to expect
The day of the procedure and recovery
On the day of the procedure. Disinfection of the donor area and the face, sterile draping, local anesthesia, and the procedure itself follow in turn, and you go home the same day.
The first few days. Tiny crusts are visible on the treated areas, and redness, mild swelling, and bruising are possible.
Days five to seven. The redness and dry skin settle.
Around day ten. The hairs from the transplanted follicular units most often fall out, while the follicle stays.
Weeks fifteen to sixteen. New hairs begin to grow.
Months six to twelve. We assess the final result, and depending on the findings and the possibilities of the donor area, an additional procedure to increase density can be considered.
After the procedure, proper hygiene and care of the treated area with a spray you receive at the Polyclinic are important, along with avoiding heavier physical exertion. You receive all instructions in writing.
See the full price listWhy us
Why choose us for your eyebrow transplant
ABHRS Diplomate
Dr. Ana Maletić is the only physician in Croatia with this title, one of 260 physicians worldwide
Croatia’s only ISHRS member
regular membership in the world society for hair restoration surgery, alongside the FISHRS title
One of 6 clinics worldwide
with this level of international certification for transplantation
Since 1996
the year hair transplant training began at Polyclinic Maletić
Trichoscopic hair selection
with a trichoscopic camera we assess the hairs and select those whose thickness and other properties best match the eyebrows
Performed in an operating room
the procedure is performed in an operating room with an air-recuperation system and controlled conditions
Work under magnification
follicular units are implanted one by one under optical magnification, and the angle and direction matter for a natural-looking result
A device that eases anesthesia discomfort
when applying the local anesthetic, we use a device that can ease the feeling of discomfort
A common dilemma
Eyebrow transplant or microblading
Patients often ask what the difference is between an eyebrow transplant and microblading, because these are procedures with a different goal, duration, and way of being maintained.
Microblading is a semi-permanent cosmetic tattoo that provides color and shape, fades over time, and needs refreshing. A transplant moves your own hairs, which, once successfully taken, keep growing long-term.
If the goal is eyebrows made of your own hairs, a transplant may be the more suitable choice over a procedure that creates its effect through pigmentation. On the other hand, if you like the option of changing the shape in a few years, the permanence of a transplant is a drawback for you, not an advantage. Once we have explained the differences, possibilities, and limitations of both procedures, you make the decision in line with your own goals.
Honest about the risks
Risks and what the procedure cannot do
An eyebrow transplant carries possible risks and side effects. Pain and swelling, bruising, rarely infection, as well as partial loss of sensation or weaker growth of some of the transplanted hairs are possible. The share of transplanted follicular units that go on growing varies between patients and cannot be guaranteed in advance.
With an eyebrow transplant, the aesthetic result depends particularly on the angle, direction, and arrangement of the implanted hairs. If hairs are implanted at an unsuitable angle or direction, or multi-hair instead of single-hair follicular units are used, the eyebrow looks unnatural, and a later correction can be demanding. In the professional literature, these — along with a poorly blended transition to the existing brow and insufficiently aligned expectations — are the most common reasons for dissatisfaction after the procedure.
The procedure does not change the biological properties of a hair from the donor area — it comes from the scalp and keeps the scalp’s growth rhythm, so at least at first it needs occasional trimming.
Who we are
Who welcomes you
The procedure is performed by Ana Maletić, MD, PhD, a specialist in plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgery and the head of the Hair Center. She holds the FISHRS and ABHRS Diplomate titles, is the only physician in Croatia with the ABHRS Diplomate title and one of 260 physicians worldwide to have earned it, and is the only physician from Croatia in regular membership of the ISHRS. Alongside scalp hair transplantation, she also performs hair transplantation to the eyebrow area and to the beard and mustache.
“From the donor area we choose hairs closest in thickness to those of the eyebrows, because their selection is one of the factors that influence how natural the result looks.” — Ana Maletić, MD, PhD
The Polyclinic has been operating since 1998; it was founded by Dr. Ana’s parents, and today two generations of the family work here. Training in transplantation dates back to 1996, and we perform the procedure in Zagreb and in Daruvar.
Meet the whole teamWatch
See what it looks like
Eyebrow transplantation at Polyclinic Maletić
Price
Price and the first step
The price of an eyebrow transplant is €5.50 per follicular unit. The total amount depends on the number of units, and that number is determined at the examination and depends on the agreed shape and on the density your existing eyebrows and the donor area allow. The trichoscopic analysis costs €135.00, and its findings are important for assessing the number of follicular units and selecting the right hairs.
The consultation is free of charge, and after the examination you decide for yourself whether to continue planning the procedure. You can also see the prices of all procedures in the price list, and the other hair and scalp procedures in the Hair Center. If, alongside your eyebrows, you are also thinking about your scalp, see hair transplantation as well.
Once growth is complete, transplanted eyebrows can be washed, combed, and groomed, with occasional trimming of the hairs, which keep the properties of the donor area. The need for daily drawing-in or pigment touch-ups can be reduced, and the goal is eyebrows shaped in harmony with today’s proportions of your face and your existing hairs.
If you are not sure whether an eyebrow transplant is suitable for you, an examination can clarify the cause of the loss, the indication, and the possibilities and limits of the procedure.
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Eyebrow transplant (per follicular unit)
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Trichoscopic scalp analysis (TrichoLAB FotoFinder)
Patient reviews
What our patients say
Reviews taken from our Google Business profiles, Zagreb and Daruvar, translated from Croatian.
★★★★★
“A great experience, team, and final result. In short, I had an eyebrow transplant. Everything went exactly as Dr. Ana Maletić explained. The whole team was very kind and professional from start to finish, and I am now at peace because I finally have eyebrows. They look very natural, and the density is just as it should be. All recommendations!”
★★★★★
“A month ago I had an FUE hair transplant with Dr. Ana Maletić. From the professional side, my hair was done perfectly. I was lucky that my hair did not shed and started growing right away. Dr. Maletić’s expertise is obvious and makes her, without question, the leader in this field in Croatia. But my real satisfaction and gratitude lie in how the Polyclinic treats its patients. They are highly professional, yet approachable and compassionate at the same time. Nurses Matea M. and Valerija left a positive mark on my whole experience and made it more pleasant and calming. To anyone in Croatia looking for a hair transplant, I warmly recommend this Polyclinic. You will get top results and excellent care!”
★★★★★
“I had a hair transplant and I am more than satisfied with this extraordinary, exceptionally professional, life-changing procedure! A big thank you to Dr. Ana, Danijela, Romana, and everyone else who took part in this wonderful experience. My sincerest thanks! Marko S.”
★★★★★
“All praise to the entire staff of the polyclinic. I have already had my second PRP scalp treatment and I can only commend the whole team. I would especially like to praise the doctor for her exceptional expertise, patience, and warm approach. From the first examination to the procedure itself I felt safe and informed. The whole course of treatment was professional and well organized — I received clear and detailed instructions before, during, and after the procedure, which gave me extra confidence. The procedure itself was stress-free, with every step explained along the way, which meant a lot to me. The atmosphere is pleasant and relaxing, and the staff exceptionally kind and helpful. I am very satisfied with the results so far and look forward to further progress. I definitely recommend it to anyone considering a PRP scalp treatment — you are in safe and expert hands!”
★★★★★
“A few years ago I saw Dr. Ana Maletić for a facial hair correction using the FUE method, which made my beard somewhat denser. The results are fantastic — the work was done with such dedication and care. From the first meeting at the polyclinic she radiated confidence and knowledge of her work, along with a readiness and kindness to answer every question I had. All recommendations for Dr. Ana and her entire professional and friendly team.”
★★★★★
“I have been their patient and admirer for years. They have always known how to make my mom and me feel comfortable and welcome. My mom had a neck lift six years ago, and today I came in for PRP for hair growth. I cannot recommend them enough. Thank you, Ana!”
★★★★★
“I am very satisfied with Dr. Maletić’s results, from the beginning to the end of the hair transplant process. Five months after the procedure my hair looks phenomenal. The results I got, considering the number of grafts transplanted, pleasantly surprised me when compared with other clinics outside Croatia. As for the price, there is no big difference compared to clinics abroad, while the quality and expertise are on the level of top clinics. A big plus is that I did not have to travel outside the country, which made the whole process far less stressful for me.”
★★★★★
“I have rarely experienced such a professional, coordinated, and harmonious team. The atmosphere during the hair transplant was so pleasant that they even treated me to the occasional musical number. That relaxed atmosphere made the boredom of the procedure easier to bear. Although I do wonder whether some of you might be better off on a stage than in an operating room. Once again, a big thank you — I am already looking forward to the results in a few months!”
★★★★★
“A more than positive experience at Polyclinic Maletić, both in Zagreb and in Daruvar. I had a hair transplant and I am very satisfied with the approach and the procedure. I recommend it to everyone, especially to women who, like me, lost their hair after an illness. Once again, thank you to the kind team, and especially to Dr. Ana Maletić.”
★★★★★
“I just had a hair transplant. I am satisfied. Well done to Dr. Duško Maletić and the team in Daruvar. They are kind, professional, and do quality work. I recommend them.”
Questions and answers
Frequently asked questions
How many follicular units does an eyebrow transplant take?
It depends on how many eyebrow hairs you already have, and on the agreed shape and the density your existing eyebrows and the donor area allow. The number is set after the examination, a trichoscopic assessment of the donor area, and an agreement on the eyebrow shape. Eyebrows usually require considerably fewer follicular units than a scalp transplant, but each one is implanted individually and at its own angle.
Does an eyebrow transplant hurt?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain while it is being carried out. Brief discomfort may be felt when the local anesthetic is applied, and for that we use a device that can ease the feeling of discomfort. After the procedure, mild sensitivity is possible and can be eased with common painkillers if needed.
Is it visible right after the procedure, and when can I go back to work?
For the first few days, tiny crusts are visible on the eyebrows, and redness, mild swelling, and bruising are possible. Redness and dry skin most often settle within five to seven days. You go home the same day, but it is wise to plan a few days of avoiding heavier physical exertion.
Why do the transplanted hairs fall out, and when do new ones grow?
The hairs from the transplanted follicular units most often fall out after about ten days, while the follicle stays in place and enters a resting phase. New hairs begin growing around week fifteen or sixteen, and the final appearance is assessed after six to twelve months. In some patients the transplanted hairs may keep growing without shedding first.
Do I have to trim transplanted eyebrows?
As a rule, especially at first, they need occasional trimming, because a hair taken from the scalp keeps the growth rhythm of scalp hair and grows longer than a natural eyebrow hair. In some patients the growth rhythm may adapt somewhat to the new area over time, but we cannot promise that in advance.
Is the result permanent, and can I change the eyebrow shape later?
The transplanted follicles are intended for long-term growth, but the final growth and density cannot be fully guaranteed in advance. That also means the placement of the transplanted follicles is long-lasting, so we do not plan it according to what is in fashion this year. The eyebrows can be groomed and trimmed later, but a significant change to the transplanted shape is limited and may require additional corrective procedures. That is why the shape and its longevity are considered in detail when planning the procedure.
Which is better, an eyebrow transplant or microblading?
They are two different things. Microblading is a semi-permanent cosmetic tattoo that fades over time and needs refreshing, while a transplant moves your own hairs, which, once successfully taken, keep growing long-term. Microblading provides color and a visual shape, while a transplant adds your own hairs. If the goal is eyebrows made of your own hairs, a transplant may be the more suitable choice over a procedure that creates its effect through pigmentation.