What Can I Do About Loss of Outer Eye Lashes with Upper and Lower Bleph?

Question

Has been a year since my my surgery which included upper and lower bleph with canthopexy.I have lost a significant amount of my outer lashes on both upper eyelids as a result of the surgery.I hoped they would regrow with Latisse but no luck.The outer follicles seem damaged. My lashes are fair and thin but at least with mascara I can accentuate them except for the outer corners where they no longer grow. Surgery has made my eyes appear smaller and narrower so I need the lashes to widen my eyes.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is unusual for eyelashes to fall out after surgery, and usually this is temporary. If at a year out they have not grown back, it is unlikely that they will. Hair transplant has been done for this.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Loss of eyelashes following a blepharoplasty is rare. I would think that it should only be temporary. Latisse only prolongs the active phase of hair growth and will not stimulate the follicles to make an eyelash. Hopefully over time your eyelashes will improve.

Gregory J. Vipond, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Eyelash loss after upper and lower eyelid surgery, while rare, is usually temporary and the result of stress to the eyelash follicles. However, this loss, called telogen effluvium, usually improves after 3-6 months. With canthopexy, there may have been some damage to the lash follicles at the outside corner. Latisse can sometimes help awaken a stunned follicle, but if there is significant injury, the follicle may no longer be able to produce a hair. Eyelash extensions may help provide a cosmetically acceptable result. Another option would be to undergo eyelash hair transplantation. An experienced hair transplant surgeon would be best suited to speak with you regarding your options.

What Can I Do About Loss of Outer Eye Lashes with Upper and Lower Bleph?

Answers (3)