A person’s eyelashes play an important role in protecting and beautifying the eyes. Losing eyelash hair, therefore, can be distressing in more than one way. With an eyelash transplant, however, it is possible to permanently restore hair in that area. Nevertheless, there are some cons to this treatment you should know if you’re considering it.
In this guide, you will learn more about the procedure and safety of eyelash transplants, as well as whether there are any alternatives to this treatment.
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Although quite uncommon, eyelash transplantation is carried out — usually using scalp hair as the donor area. However, it has also been reported that body hair can be used for eyelash restoration.
Surgical eyelash transplantation is possible for both cosmetic and reconstructive purposes. The biggest concern with eyelash transplants, however, is that they might give poor and unnatural results. It’s because scalp hair is substantially different from eyelash hair in terms of type and texture. Therefore, achieving a natural appearance can be particularly challenging. In addition, the surgery may cause severe complications, including loss of vision.
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Eyelash transplants may be considered if sparse eyelash hair is negatively impacting the aesthetics of the eyes.
While genetics might be to blame for sparse eyelashes in some individuals, loss of eyelash hair (madarosis) can also occur due to a number of other reasons, for example, traumatic injury, accident, burns, or trichotillomania (compulsive pulling of the hair). In this case as well, you might be considered suitable for an eyelash transplant.
It is important to keep in mind that while eyelashes do enhance the appearance of the eye, they also serve a functional purpose by acting as a “dust controlling system for the eyes,” according to one research. Therefore, this can be another reason why an eyelash transplant might be done.
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Eyelash recovery may take a few days to a week or so.
You might experience some temporary side effects during recovery, such as scabbing, swelling and bruising. In addition, one study reports temporary loss of transplanted eyelash hair 2-3 weeks after the procedure; however, the eyelashes begin regrowing by 8 to 10 weeks.
For the final results, you may have to wait for a year. In the meantime, make sure to follow the aftercare instructions of your own doctor to achieve the best possible results.
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It is possible to get an eyelash transplant safely with the help of a qualified, experienced, and board-certified surgeon. However, you should bear in mind that this procedure is not without risks, some of which include:
- Infection
- Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids)
- Folliculitis
- Scarring
- Poor results
A 2018 review published in The Journal Of Clinical And Aesthetic Dermatology noted that certain surgical complications can also scar the cornea in severe instances. This can, in turn, lead to a permanent loss of vision.
The authors of the same study also emphasise the importance of grooming in eyelash transplantation. If the hair is not “trimmed and curled” to keep the hair from growing in a downward direction, it can cause “trichiasis” (lashes are misdirected and rub against the eyes) and corneal damage.
To make a fully informed decision about getting an eyelash transplant surgery, you must discuss all the potential complications of this procedure with your surgeon. Additionally, make sure you ask them how they’ve dealt with any of those complications in the past.
Why Longevita does not offer eyelash transplants
Longevita neither recommends nor offers eyelash transplantation surgery because of the unsatisfactory results achieved from the surgery. Additionally, when scalp hair is used for transplantation into the eyelashes, it will require regular grooming; as the hair grows, it will need to be trimmed, and you’ll have to work to give the eyelash hair its characteristic curl.
How Much Does Eyelash Transplant Cost?
An eyelash transplant may cost you around £4,000 to £5,000 in the UK. The prices, however, may vary depending on the experience and qualifications of your surgical team as well as the location of the clinic.
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An eyelash transplant may cost you around £4,000 to £5,000 in the UK. The prices, however, may vary depending on the experience and qualifications of your surgical team as well as the location of the clinic.
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Bimatoprost — sold under the brand name Latisse — is an FDA-approved drug that is used in the treatment of “hypotrichosis of the eyelashes” — helping improve the “length, thickness and darkness” of lash hair. It is prescription-only.
Regardless, in any case, if you’re experiencing eyelash hair loss, you must get in touch with a qualified medical practitioner to determine the underlying cause of the problem and get treated accordingly.
You should also be cautious about the use of fake eyelashes and eyelash extensions as they may cause damage to your existing eyelash hair.
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Longevita is a trusted provider of surgical and non-surgical solutions for hair loss in London and Istanbul. If you have any questions or concerns about the treatments we offer, please feel free to contact us.
Dr Cagla
Dr Cagla earned her medical degree at Trakya University’s Faculty of Medicine in Bulgaria and has almost 6 years of hair transplantation experience. She is a specialist in FUE, DHI and Sapphire hair transplants of the scalp, eyebrows and beard and has performed over 6,000 surgeries. Dr Cagla is multilingual, with fluency in English, Bulgarian and Turkish.