Eyelash Transplant Examined and Explained

The need to wear a mask during the current coronavirus pandemic has made the eyes one of the main points of focus on the face. Because of the increased emphasis on the eyes, it is not surprising that the appearance of the eyelashes has grown in popularity. Eyelash transplant surgery is a cosmetic procedure that is performed to improve the look of eyelashes that are sparse in appearance. The surgeon transfers hair form one part of the body to the eyelash area. Unlike eyelash extensions, this surgery provides permanent results to patients who want to improve the look and fullness of their eyelashes.

Eyelash Transplant Surgery – Why is it Performed?

Patients that want to gain a full and longer look to the eyelashes can have eyelash transplant surgery. The hair that is moved from another part of the body usually comes from the back of the head. If there is not enough quality hair on the back of the head to use during the surgery, the cosmetic surgeon can take hair from another area of the body.

Even though there are patients who want to have the procedure for cosmetic reasons (such as improving the aesthetic appearance of the eyelashes), there are other reasons for the surgery to be performed on a person. Someone who has experienced some form of accident or trauma (such as burns) to the eyelashes can have an eyelash transplant to address the trauma to the area. In addition, cancer treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy can sometimes cause the eyelashes to fall out.

There are also some patients who are missing hair in the eyelashes due to a mental disorder known as trichotillomania. This mental disorder is characterized by an irresistible, and recurrent, urge to pull out the hair on various parts of the body such as the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes.

Eyelash Transplant Surgery – How is it Performed?

Transplanting hair into the eyelashes is a form of hair transplant surgery which means the hair that is placed in the eyelashes is taken from another part of the body. The hair on the back of the scalp is normally resistant to balding which is why it is such a popular area for surgeons to harvest donor hair.

Once the donor hair is removed from the other area on the body, the surgery will then transplant it/place it in the area of the eyelashes where hair is lacking and/or missing. The hairs are placed one by one in the targeted area of the eyelashes.

This procedure can be considered “permanent eyelashes surgery” as the hair that is transplanted during eyelash transplant surgery will provide permanent results in the treated area.

Eyelash Transplant Cost

The total cost of eyelash transplant surgery depends on a number of factors including the technique used to perform the surgery, the number of hairs that are transplanted by the surgeon, the area of the country where the procedure is performed and any additional fees that are charged by the medical facility or the surgeon.

In general, the cost of eyelash transplant surgery is anywhere from $2500-$6000. The cost is typically not covered by insurance since it is not considered to be a medically necessary procedure. Patients should check with their insurance provider to see if part of the cost will be covered if the surgery is being performed because of a medical condition caused by trauma to the area or the eyelash hair loss is caused by cancer and/or cancer treatment.

Risks of Eyelash Transplant Surgery

There are a few risks that patients need to know about before they make the final decision to have eyelash implants placed during eyelash transplant surgery. These risks include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Corneal irritation
• Less than desired aesthetic outcome

Eyelash Transplant Recovery

Patients will experience some swelling and bruising of the eyelid area after the procedure. The bruising and swelling will last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

Since the procedure is performed like a regular hair transplant surgery, the transplanted hairs will fall out after the procedure is performed. Patients should not worry as this is a normal part of the recovery process. The new hair shafts will start to grow again after about four months.

It can take a year (or longer) for the final results of the surgery to be visible. Once the final results are achieved, patients will enjoy fuller and thicker eyelash hair.

Eyelash Transplant Surgery – Finding a Qualified Surgeon

Eyelash transplant surgery is a delicate procedure, so it is important to find an experienced, board-certified surgeon who has experience in performing the procedure. It is also important for patients to take the time to gather their thoughts before meeting with the surgeon to determine the questions they want to ask during the consultation appointment. Ask the doctor to see “before and after” photos of actual patients in order to get a better idea about the results that can be achieved and the type of aesthetic changes that can be provided to the eyelashes. It is important to get as much relevant information as possible before making the final decision to have eyelash transplant surgery.

- MA