The trend for full, fluttery eyelashes is nothing new – eyelashes play a key role in facial symmetry and help to emphasise our eyes, as well as keeping the eyes safe from airborne dirt and debris. Treatments such as eyelash lifts and extensions have soared in popularity over the past few years, as more people seek fuller lashes.
Eyelash transplants are a lesser-known treatment to permanently improve the appearance of sparse eyelashes. The procedure is very delicate and requires extreme skill – Crown Clinic’s surgeon, Dr Asim Shahmalak, carried out the UK’s first eyelash transplant surgery back in 2009, and remains one of the few surgeons in the country who can perform this procedure.
It may sound intimidating, but eyelash transplants are a relatively straightforward procedure – here’s what you should know.
Why do people get eyelash transplants?
There are many reasons why somebody may consider getting an eyelash transplant. If somebody has physical trauma or scarring around the eye area that has damaged their hair follicles, they may seek a permanent way to restore their lashes. If the eyelashes have been plucked out repeatedly due to conditions such as trichotillomania, this may cause the hairs to stop growing entirely.
In some instances, beauty treatments such as false eyelashes and extensions can lead to traction alopecia when used frequently, and both may damage the natural lashes and follicles when removed.
However, some people just have naturally sparse lashes and would like to achieve a fuller look for cosmetic reasons.
How are eyelash transplants carried out?
Eyelash transplants are carried out in a similar way to typical FUE and FUT hair transplants – they involve hair being taken from one area, usually the back of the scalp, and carefully transplanted in the upper and/or lower eyelid. As each hair is individually transplanted, the surgery can take around 3 to 4 hours.
How long do transplanted eyelashes last?
One of the main benefits of an eyelash transplant is that it is a permanent solution. It may seem like a significant cost upfront – a transplant typically costs around £4,000 – but compared to a lifetime of false eyelashes, lash lifts and eyelash extensions, it can actually be a very cost-effective option.
Do eyelash transplants look natural?
When done properly, eyelash transplants look very natural and can be transformative for people who have previously struggled with their appearance and self-esteem due to their lashes. With that said, the new eyelashes will require some maintenance – after all, the hairs are taken from the head, which means they will grow like hairs on the head. Because of this, they will need to be trimmed and curled to make sure they blend seamlessly with the existing eyelashes – Crown Clinic provides handy kits after surgery to help you master the styling techniques in no time.
If you’d like to find out more about eyelash transplant surgery or are wondering if you would be a suitable candidate, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our clinic.