The eyes are a focal point of the face. Studies show that long eyelashes and large eyes are considered a sign of youth and beauty. Beautiful eyes are associated with social advantages. Eyelashes that are long and thick are considered to have positive psychological effect on women. To enhance the overall prominence of their eyelashes, women have employed a number of techniques, some dating back millennia. Fuller and longer lashes will emphasize and frame your eyes, giving you a more refreshed, awake or feminine look without the need for mascara, false eyelashes or eyelash extensions.
Beyond their aesthetic and social functions, eyelashes serve a protective function by defending the eye against debris and triggering the blink reflex. People generally have between 100 and 150 lashes emanating from each of their upper eyelids. Lower eyelashes are half as numerous as upper eyelashes. Upper eyelashes are arranged in two to three rows.
Similar to scalp hair, eyelashes are considered terminal hairs, and as such are coarser, longer, and more pigmented than other hair types.
When to Consider Eyelash Enhancement
If you have sparse, thin or nonexistent eyelashes.
If you commonly experience eye discomfort or irritation from small particles of dirt or debris in the air.
If you often use false lashes or eyelash extensions.
Treatment options for Eyelash Enhancement
Non-surgical
Surgical
For those seeking a simple, nonsurgical solution, there are a number of eyelash enhancement options to choose from, most common and effective is eyelash enhancement serums.
The conditioning treatments in lash serums contain ingredients like peptides promote healthy hair follicles, vitamins like biotin strengthen lashes, and amino acids. These ingredients work by moisturizing and strengthening existing lashes and the surrounding skin, which in turn helps promote healthier and fuller-looking lashes.
These serums when applied regularly on a daily basis, eyelashes can significantly appear longer, fuller and darker. They are prescription product which you can apply yourself at home.
Our aesthetic plastic surgeon will instruct you about the correct method for applying eyelash enhancer serum at home. Usually, you apply eyelash enhancer at night so the product can be fully absorbed and irritation is kept to a minimum. Application generally includes the following steps:
Before applying any product, clean the face and eye area so that it is devoid of makeup, dirt and facial products.
Remove contacts and false eyelashes or extensions, if applicable.
Apply the product using a sterile applicator on the upper eyelashes going from the inside out. Do not apply in your eye or to the bottom lashes.
Blot any excess and continue with the opposite eye (with either the same or a different sterile applicator).
It is important to be consistent and to use as directed.
Eyelash growth serums don’t work the same for everyone, so consult your dermatologist in order to find the one that works for you.
Another option is surgical eyelash grafting of individual hair follicles, this is a more invasive but permanent solution. Hair follicles are moved from one area of your body and grafted, or transferred, to form new eyelashes. The donor site is usually on the head. Eyebrow and eyelash reconstruction surgery has expanded the options for hair restoration surgeons to assist patients seeking to recover self-esteem by enhancing their appearance. This type of surgery can be performed efficiently and effectively in a properly equipped clinic.
Unlike false lashes or eyelash extensions, eyelash transplantation is a safe, effective way to permanently restore living and growing lashes to your eyelid. In a comfortable walk-in/walk-out out-patient procedure, eyelash transplantation redistributes live hair follicles from the back of the scalp into the eyelid with life-changing results.
A procedure typically involves the placement of 25 to as many as 50 hairs into each upper eyelid, depending upon the existing amount of hair and the desired size and density.
Although it is a relatively minor procedure, an eyelash transplant is still surgery. Following the procedure, patients may notice some swelling and pinkness in the eyelids, and the transplanted hairs will develop tiny crusts during the first few days. Although the recovery generally involves little discomfort, patients should take at least 3-5 days off from work and normal activities. About 10 days after the procedure, sutures will be removed from the donor site, or if dissolvable sutures were used- as they are commonly- they will dissolve by 4 weeks.
An eyelash transplant is a permanent surgical procedure to add living hairs to the lashes. Treatments like serums can help existing lashes to grow, but cannot replace missing hairs. It is important to discuss all your options with an expert to learn more about the risks and benefits of each treatment before you make a decision.