Question 1

What is an eyelash transplant?

Accepted Answer

Eyelash transplant surgery improves the appearance of sparse eyelashes along the upper lash line.

During an eyelash transplant, individual hair follicles are moved from one part of the body—usually the back of the head, but sometimes leg hair or even pubic hair is used—and implanted one by one, to create fuller lashes.

“In a typical procedure, 90–100 hairs, divided into grafts of two hairs each, are placed into each eyelid,” explains Dr. Jeffrey Epstein, a hair restoration surgeon in Miami.

When it’s performed correctly by an experienced surgeon, an eyelash transplant procedure can create natural-looking lashes, with permanent results.

“Patients who have opted for eyelash transplantation often end up feeling liberated to have their own naturally growing set of ideal lashes, without having to constantly rely on products or services,” says Dr. Sanusi Umar, a dermatologic surgeon in Manhattan Beach, California.

RealSelf Tip: Many providers don’t offer lower eyelash transplants. One reason is the increased risk of complications, including trichiasis, during which the eyelashes turn inward and irritate the eyes. This can cause corneal abrasion, scarring, infection, and, in extreme cases, may threaten vision. Trichiasis usually requires surgery to remove the misdirected eyelash. If you’re considering having your lower eyelashes restored through transplantation, be aware of this risk.

Question 2

What are the pros and cons of eyelash transplants?

Accepted Answer

Pros

The procedure can create longer, fuller eyelashes.
When performed properly, the new lashes should last for the rest of your life.
The hairs are taken from your scalp, so they’re real, not synthetic—like some lash extensions.
Any scarring after the procedure is usually invisible to the naked eye.

Cons

Not all transplanted hair will survive.
It can take a full year to see your new eyelashes.
New eyelashes will require maintenance. That includes daily curling (or monthly perming) and regular trimming, since they grow back continuously, like the hairs on your head.
Eyelash transplantation is more expensive than temporary alternatives like eyelash extensions, and insurance plans don’t usually cover it unless you have hair loss due to a medical condition.
Very few surgeons perform this procedure on a regular basis, so you may have to travel to find one you trust.

RealSelf Tip: Eyelash hair transplants are very delicate and exacting procedures that can be difficult to get right. It’s not uncommon for transplanted hairs to grow in odd directions. To get a sense of what your results might look like, ask to meet or speak to former patients—especially those with your hair type—before booking your surgery, advises Los Angeles-based hair restoration surgeon Dr. Jae Pak.

Question 3

Who’s a good candidate for eyelash transplants?

Accepted Answer

Though eyelash transplants for strictly cosmetic purposes are becoming more common, many providers will discourage patients from having the procedure unless they have genetically thin eyelashes or hair loss caused by trauma (from surgery, an accident, or excessive plucking or curling), cancer treatment, or trichotillomania, a medical condition that causes you to involuntarily pull your hair, often leading to permanent hair loss. This impulse control disorder should be treated prior to having eyelash transplant surgery.

Good candidates include people who:

The transplanted hair type and donor site are also factors. “The exact degree of curl needs to be evaluated,” says Dr. Epstein. For instance, curly—but not kinky—hair may be effectively used. In fact, it may actually work better, according to Dr. Alan Bauman, a hair restoration surgeon in Boca Raton, Florida. “Having a ‘strong’ curl to the hair and hair follicle makes orienting the direction of hair growth easier when we implant the follicles.”

Question 4

What happens during eyelash transplant surgery?

Accepted Answer

Eyelash transplantation is done as an outpatient procedure. It’s a meticulous process that can take several hours.

Here’s how it works:

Both the eyelash area and the donor area are numbed with local anesthesia, so you’ll be awake but won’t feel anything. “It’s just like getting eyelash extensions,” says RealSelf member Sandra224. “I fell asleep cause I was bored.”
As with traditional hair transplant surgery, donor hairs are first removed from one area of the body. “My preferred technique is to remove a small, 1” donor strip from the scalp with the hairs left long,” says Dr. Epstein.
The follicles are dissected out from the strip under a microscope, with most of the desired grafts having two hairs apiece.
The hairs from these grafts are individually threaded into a French needle, a specialized instrument that helps the surgeon accurately and efficiently implant the grafts.
The needle is inserted along the crease in the upper eyelid and exits at the lid margin, where the desired eyelashes emerge.
The final step is to trim the new lashes to the desired length.
No sutures or dressings are used at the recipient site, but you’ll have stitches or staples at the donor site that will be removed after about 10 days.

Question 5

How long does eyelash transplant recovery take?

Accepted Answer

The recovery process is typically quite simple. Some RealSelf members report that their eyelashes were pretty much healed after two days.

That said, it’s not uncommon to experience scabbing or crusting along the lash line, along with some bruising and (sometimes asymmetric) swelling that resolves after a week or so. Cold compresses, arnica, and sleeping with your head raised can help ease discomfort and speed healing.

The grafts take 72 hours to “set,” so take it easy for a few days and avoid touching the area: Manipulating the grafts in the early stages of growth can lead to complications, including infection, scarring, cysts, or the the loss of grafts.

Every provider has their own post-op protocol, so follow your surgeon’s instructions. Dr. Epstein advises his patients to keep their eyelids dry for five days and to apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.

Other common aftercare advice includes avoiding eye makeup (especially mascara) or contact lenses for a week after surgery, and wearing glasses or soft protective goggles when sleeping for a few nights to protect your new lashes.

Question 6

How soon will you see eyelash transplant results?

Accepted Answer

You’ll see the results immediately, but a few days to a few weeks post-procedure, the implanted hairs will fall out. Don’t worry: This is a natural part of the healing and growth process.

At about 4–6 months post-op, you’ll start to see real results, as the new hair grows in. Within 10 months to a year, you’ll see your final result.

EYELASH TRANSPLANT

Karyn Repinski

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Karyn Repinski

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