Are Eyelash Extensions Safe?

Question

I am 44 years old, with short eyelashes. I would love to have lash extentions done, but am concerned that the fumes from the glue used would cause harm to my eyes when my eyelashes get wet.

Elizabeth Slass Lee, MD · Answer

Eyelash extensions are probably as safe as using false eyelashes if done by an experienced practitioner. They are not very durable though and usually quite expensive. If you are considering eyelash enhancements for a soon upcoming event, extensions are probably the way to go. But if you have some time, why not try Latisse? Grow your own lashes luxurious and long. Add mascara and voila, as glamorous as extensions and more long lasting. Newly FDA approved, Latisse is applied once a day to the lash line like an eyeliner and within 8 weeks your eyelashes will be visibly longer and fuller and darker. Maximum growth is usually obtained in 16 weeks. After that, maintenance application one to two times per week is all that is needed.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

When performed by an experienced aesthetician in a hygienic environment, eyelash extensions are perfectly safe. However, there is still no guarantee that you won't experience irritation from them. If your lashes get wet, it shouldn't adversely affect the glue used. However, you'll have to wait until the glue dries before wetting your lashes.

Gregory Turowski, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Eyelash extensions are safe if done by properly trained and certified professionals, and with sterile instruments. Although well-done eyelash extensions look fantastic, they do not last longer than month or two and you need touch ups. Perhaps you should consider Latisse, the only FDA approved lash conditioner that will grow your own lashes as well as make them thicker and darker. It takes 4 months for full effect, so you have to be patient, but it is worth it.

Susan F. Lin, MD · Answer

Selection of glue is very important in usage of eyelash extensions.  One needs to use good quality adhesives that does not cause irritation to eyes.    Also best to use glue that dissolves with water so no excessive force is needed to remove the extensions which can damage your natural lashes.

Yael Halaas, MD · Answer

Eyelash extensions are safe for the most part; however irritation from the glue is always a possibility. On the downside, extensions need constant maintenance, can interfere with the density of your own lashes and can be quite costly. Latisse, is a safe, FDA approved treatment, which naturally enhances your lashes, avoiding the risk of harm to your eyes. Latisse promotes the growth of your own lashes by simply applying a drop of the product onto a small applicator and brushing to the top lid, directly above your lash line once daily.

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Eyelash extensions applied properly are a safe way to enhance eyelashes, although Latisse has caused a dramatic drop in the need for extensions since you can now naturally grow your own lashes at home hassle-free.

Nasrin Mani, MD · Answer

Actually, eyelash extensions are passe with the new lash growth products on the market. When you can have your own long lashes with Latisse, going to the trouble and expense of glue on temporary extensions seems to be a waste of money and time.
As an Ophthalmologist, I would not actively recommend extensions unless a patient had an eye condition that would make Latisse contraindicated.
Sometimes short lashes appear shorter than they are because there is excess skin lying on top of the lashes. Thermage will tighten the eye area and Botox can actually raise the brow so that your eyes have more physical space to stand out.
There are so many possibilities it would be useful to have a consult with an aesthetic physician who has expertise in the eye area.

Sandy Feldman, MD · Answer

While eyelash extensions are safe for most individuals, they do require constant touch ups and application of glues close to the eye. Why not try a more natural approach by using Latisse, an FDA approved drug for eyelash growth? Latisse has been shown to increase the length as well as number of eyelashes. Seek the care of an eyeMD to obtain proper care and examinations for potential side effects as well as results.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Generally, extensions are safe for most people with the few concerns that have already been mentioned by the panel members. For the time involved for appointments, upkeep, and cost of the service, one may find a much better value in Latisse by Allergan. Rather than relying on extensions, one may be able to lengthen, darken, and thicken their own existing lashes while growing new lashes with the use of Latisse.

Lee Kleiman, MD · Answer

Eyelash extensions are usually safe but is a minority of patients an eyelid dermitis or irritation can rusult necessitating their removal. Extensions require monthly maintenance that can take up to an hour and can cost up to $100 in addition to the average $300 initial fee.  
Latisse, ultimately is less expensive, can be applied at home and has a low rate of side effects. Increased pigmentation at the lid margin( where mascara is often applied) can rarely occur as can discoloration of the iris to a brown color. All these infrequent side effects are temporary and reversable.

Are Eyelash Extensions Safe?

Answers (12)

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