There are a lot of ways to extend your eyelashes these days- fake eyelashes, individual eyelash extensions and eyelash growth serum all of which are popular. Eyelash implant surgery is yet another route, but is it right for you?
The process of eyelash implants was originally developed for burn victims who had lost their natural lashes. Over time, people have discovered the asthetic benefits of eyelash surgery and it is offered as a cosmetic enhancement.
Sometimes eyelash implants are misleadingly referred to as ‘permanent eyelash extensions’ which is misleading because they are not extensions but true implants.
Individual hairs from the back of the neck are used and primed to put in the base of the eyelid where, just like any other hair they will continue to grow. Depending on the individual 40-80 hairs are implanted. Each hair is positioned at a slight angle just like real eyelashes in order to make them seem as real as possible. Generally most of them survive the transplant although their may be a few that don’t make it and will subsequently fall out never to regrow. A local anethetic will be used so you will be awake during the procedure.
Afterward the eyelash transplant is complete, you’ll be ready to go home almost immediately. It is likely will experience some downtime and discomfort around the eyes. The effect will be immediate however and you will have a new set of permanent eyelashes.
The eyelash implant surgery is fairly rare, and expensive. Each eye could cost around $3,000, making a pair of new permanent eyelashes come out to be about $6,000 (some variation depending where you live.) Unless you have a medical condition that is responsible for eyelash hair loss, medical insurance will unlikely cover the expense. The upside is that there is no upkeep expense like with eyelash extensions that grow out and need to be replaced at a cost of $50-150 per month.
Why isn’t everyone getting eyelash implants? Aside from the cost of surgery, eyelash implants, although permanent have one major drawback- the eyelashes keep growing as a regular hair would. The new permanent eyelashes will need to be trimmed regularly. Another drawback is that they are thinner than real eyelashes and sometimes don’t look as normal. Curling the eyelashes regularly to give them a natural shape and thickening them with mascara will help achieve a normal natural look.
Before you jump at the chance to get eyelash implant surgery for cosmetic purposes, think over the decision before committing, because they will be permanent.
