(Creative Commons) Eyelash transplant produced marvelously long lash hairs using grafts taken from the nape.*
Many women want long, lustrous eyelashes full of volume and are now seeking a permanent solution. Traditionally, women’s only options were mascara, false eyelashes, eyelash extension and Latisse. Eyelash hair transplant procedures now make radiant, long eyelashes possible with a minimally invasive outpatient procedure with little downtime.
NON-SURGICAL EYELASH ENHANCEMENTS
Different methods of eyelash enhancements may be used to address thin lashes, ranging from temporary to permanent solutions. They vary in cost, efficacy and appearance. A patient may choose one of these methods over surgery.
Previous options for improving the length and volume of eyelashes:
- Mascara: Mascara is applied directly to lashes to darken, thicken, lengthen and/or define them. The usually contain some type of pigments, oils, waxes and preservatives.
- False Eyelashes: Strips of lashes or segments of lashers (usually artificial fibers) are self-applied to the lash line with an adhesive.
- Eyelash Extensions: Extensions are artificial fibers applied individually to an eyelash with surgical grade adhesive by a professional.
- Latisse: Latisse is a prescription treatment used on eyelashes for hypotrichosis. It is a bimatoprost ophthalmic solution to grow longer, fuller and darker eyelashes. Latisse is applied to only the upper lid line and must be used with the included sterile applicator.
EYELASH HAIR TRANSPLANT PROCEDURES EXPLAINED
The issue with all these non-surgical eyelash enhancements is that they are time consuming and must be applied daily or on a semi-regular basis. The constant application of false eyelashes or extensions with adhesive may also cause eyelash hairs to fall out. Additionally, Latisse can cause eyelid discoloration at the application site. False lashes can be very time consuming when applied on a daily basis. Because of these reasons, the patient in this video chose eyelash hair surgery to address her thin lashes. She wanted a permanent solution with little side effects.
Eyelash hair transplants allow for eyelash restoration that is permanent and has minimal maintenance. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) entails the extraction of individual follicular units one at a time with harvesting is done using 0.8 to 1.2 millimeter punches
Dr. Sanusi Umar uses his uGraft technique, also known as the Umar Procedure, to extract follicles from the nape area on the back of the neck. Dr. Umar invented the UGraft technique as a surgical system that includes highly specialized punches. This is a more advanced form of FUE.
The uGraft technique is ideal for harvesting unconventional hair such as nape hair that grows at sharp angles. It’s precision and safety allows for follicles to be safely extracted. Eyelash hair transplants and restoration procedures typically require approximately 30 to 40 hair follicles to achieve the desired density and length of eyelashes.
Before and after photos of the patient’s eyelashes. She had an eyelash hair transplant four months ago.*
Before and after close-ups of this eyelash hair transplant patient. Her eyelashes are not curled or permed, and she has not applied mascara.*
After extraction, grafts are inserted through tiny slits into the lash line. Hair shafts shed in the first two weeks to start a new growth cycle. A new growth cycle begins in six to twelve weeks following the eyelash hair transplant. Optimal results continue to develop for up to a year.
This video reveals the results of the patient four months after her procedure with continued development expected. Minimal maintenance is required of the transplanted nape hair because of continued growth similar to how it would on the back of the neck. Nape hair is also generally straight, so patients will need to use an eyelash curler to shape lases into a curve.
This eyelash hair transplant patient is happy with the results from her procedure.*