Eyelash Transplant Techniques

Eyelash transplant surgery was originally confined to individuals who had lost their natural eyelashes for one reason or another. This could have been due to cancer therapies, burns, general alopecia or any number of other illnesses. Today however, eyelash transplants are at the top of many women’s wish lists and are fast becoming one of the most popular forms of cosmetic surgery in America.

 

Each clinic and plastic surgeon has their own preference with regards to the eyelash transplant technique; however most use a method similar to that used to transplant hair into bald areas of the scalp. First, donor hairs are harvested from a suitable area of the scalp, normally from the back or the side where the hair growth is thick and healthy. Generally only 50-80 hairs are needed to transplant both eyebrows, so the graft of hair taken from the scalp area is tiny and does not normally leave a scar.

 

 

The hairs for the eyelash transplant are harvested under local anesthetic so no pain is felt. There may be a small throbbing sensation and a little soreness when the anesthetic wears off but other than that, there is no discomfort. Once the hairs are ready for eyelash transplantation, the acceptance points are made in the eyelids. These are microscopic holes made with a very fine needle that are just big enough to take a single hair. Again a local anesthetic is used and there is very little pain, if any. Following the surgery, the eyelids become slightly bruised and inflamed however this normally only take a few days to a week to heal.

 

Each hair is placed individually to give a natural look. The hairs are also shaped before being transplanted so they have the tapered look of the original eyelashes. A good plastic surgeon will choose donor hair that has the same texture as the original eyelashes, thus the eyelash transplant is not noticeable. Once the eyelash transplantation surgery is complete, the hairs take root and grow continuously. This is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand having scalp hair transplanted into the eyelash line, the procedure is permanent. However, normal eyelashes spontaneously fall out, keeping them a reasonable length. Hair from an eyelash transplant does not fall out, so it needs to be trimmed every 4-6 weeks to maintain the natural look.

 

According to numerous testimonials from women who have undergone eyelash transplant surgery, the results are excellent and permanent. In cosmetic terms, this type of plastic surgery helps to enhance the fullness of the eye area and can provide women with the confidence. In medical terms, an eyelash transplant following an illness or burn can be an important part of recovery, especially when combined with eyebrow restoration.        

 

Eyelash transplant requires one surgery lasting 4 to 5 hours for both eyes. Because the eyelash transplant procedure is still relatively new to the general public and a technically challenging surgery, the cost is fairly high. It has an average price tag of around $6000. Included in that price is transplant of 50 eyelash hairs per eye and the aftercare you need, such as anti-inflammatory drugs and a course of antibiotics. The exact cost varies from clinic to clinic and depends to a large extent on the reputation and experience of the plastic surgeon performing the procedure.