If your eyes are the windows to your soul, lashes are the frames. Our quest for fuller lashes has the U.S. lash extension industry booming. Extensions, lifts and false lashes provide a temporary fix. If you have sparse lashes, you may want a more permanent solution. Enter eyelash transplants, the surgery that uses your hair to create thicker lashes. 

Like any procedure, eyelash implant surgery has upsides and potential downsides. If you’re considering taking the plunge, here is everything you need to know. 

What Is Eyelash Transplant Surgery?

At Berman Skin Institute, Dr. Kourosh Kojouri harvests healthy donor hair from elsewhere on your body — typically, the back of your head — and implants it in your upper eyelids. Ultimately, this procedure can result in longer, fuller and natural-looking eyelashes.

Before going through this procedure, weigh the possible benefits and drawbacks. 

Eyelash Transplant Surgery Advantages

The benefits of surgical eyelashes include the following.

• Long-lasting results: When performed by a board-certified surgeon, an eyelash transplant is an excellent alternative to temporary solutions such as extensions or false eyelashes. 
• Real hair: False lashes and extensions use synthetic fibers, which can look unnatural. These substances may also irritate sensitive eyes. Dr. Kojouri uses your naturally growing hair for transplants, usually taken from the back of your scalp. The hair will eventually take root and continue growing in its new location.
• Quick recovery: Unlike many surgical procedures, recovery time for lash implants is minimal. The surgery is fast, and you can resume your normal activities soon. 
• No scarring: While there may be some swelling after the procedure, there are no visible scars. 
• Minimal pain: Local anesthetic reduces pain.
• Cost: While insurance does not cover this procedure, Berman Skin Institute offers flexible financing options for added affordability. Your long-term savings on lash treatments, extensions and serums will offset the initial expense of an eyelash transplant over the years.

Eyelash Transplant Surgery Disadvantages

As with any surgery, eyelash transplants carry risks.

• Surgical risks: Possible complications include pain, bleeding, infection and corneal irritation.
• Result time: An eyelash transplant does not create an immediate improvement. The results can take up to a year to appear.
• Maintenance: Implanted lashes need care to keep them in good condition. 

Ideal Eyelash Transplant Candidates

Suitable candidates for this procedure include those who:

• Have weak, damaged, missing or sparse lashes.
• Have realistic expectations about the results.
• Are healthy and have no underlying medical conditions.
• Experience eyelash loss due to chemotherapy treatment or traction alopecia.

An eyelash transplant may not be suitable for those who:

• Take blood thinners. 
• Suffer from an autoimmune condition.
• Have extra curly hair. Curly hair grafts may look unnatural or irritate your eyes.
• Have trichotillomania — a psychological disorder involving obsessive hair-pulling.

Please arrive at your consultation prepared to discuss your medical history with Dr. Kojouri. He may ask you to see a general practitioner for routine screenings to ensure you are healthy enough for cosmetic surgery.

Eyelash Transplant Procedure

Eyelash implant surgery is intricate to perform, but easy to understand. First, Dr. Kojouri numbs the donation and transplantation sites with a local anesthetic. After removing donor hair, he carefully separates it into single-hair grafts under a stereomicroscope, using a computer-guided system to harvest and transfer healthy hair follicles. 

As a board-certified surgeon and dedicated hair restoration specialist, Dr. Kojouri uses attention to detail and surgical skills while working in the delicate eye area, closely following your hair growth pattern. This ultra-precise procedure creates natural-looking results with faster healing, minimizing the risks of issues like infection. 

The procedure takes between two and four hours. You may bring entertainment to help you relax while you are in surgery, like music or an audiobook.

Eyelash Transplant Recovery

You can expect swelling, bruising and discomfort around your eyes in the days or weeks following the treatment. Scabs will form after a few days. When these scabs shed, so will your new lashes. Don’t panic — this phenomenon is normal. A lash transplant stimulates growth over time, consistent with your body’s hair growth cycle. 

The standard eyelash renewal cycle is six to 10 weeks. Your new lashes will blossom over the next four to six months, with final results within 12 months.

Like the hair on your head, your surgically implanted eyelashes will continue to grow and will need regular trimming. Cutting and curling the hairs helps them blend into your existing lashes.

Eyelash Transplant Cost

The total cost of eyelash transplant surgery depends on your location, desired lash density and your chosen surgeon’s skill. Insurance does not typically cover this procedure unless you have a medical condition that causes eyelash loss. 

Some people travel to locations like Turkey, Hungary or Thailand, lured by cheap treatments. However, the potential risks of having surgery abroad — where fewer health and safety regulations exist — outweigh the possibility of saving a few dollars. 

Contact a reputable practice like Berman Skin Institute for an accurate cost estimate. 

Eyelash Transplant FAQs

Whether you’re considering an eyelash transplant or are curious to learn more about this popular cosmetic treatment, here are answers to your questions.

What Are the Risks of an Eyelash Transplant?

Potential complications may include:

• Irregular hair growth
• Eye irritation
• Nerve damage
• Swelling 
• Bruising
• Scarring

You can minimize these dangers by choosing a board-certified specialist like Dr. Kojouri to perform this procedure. 

Are Eyelash Implants Better Than Extensions?

While eyelash extensions may seem like an affordable alternative to surgery, they need regular maintenance. The cost adds up over months or years, and frequent extension use may cause you to lose your natural lashes. 

Surgery is initially pricier than extensions, but offers a more permanent solution with fewer unwanted side effects.

How Long Do Implanted Eyelashes Last?

Transplanting your natural hair stimulates growth, and the new hair follicles will shed and regrow over time. Your results should be long-lasting unless an unexpected medical condition causes hair loss. You can consider an additional eyelash transplant as needed for long-term maintenance. 

How Do You Choose an Eyelash Transplant Surgeon?

An eyelash transplant is an intricate procedure requiring advanced surgical skill and precise attention to detail. Finding a highly trained doctor is crucial for the best results. Research surgeons’ experience, training, board certification and patient testimonials before choosing one to work with.

Restore Your Lashes With California’s Hair Restoration Experts

Lashes frame the eyes, bringing out their natural beauty. You deserve to feel like your best self and shine with confidence. Dr. Kojouri is a board-certified surgeon using the latest hair restoration techniques. Under his expert care, you can look forward to thicker, fuller lashes. 

Berman Skin Institute is an industry leader in hair transplant procedures and the longest-running provider of ARTAS^® robotic hair transplant technology. Contact us today to learn more about eyelash transplants. We offer face-to-face appointments or virtual consultations!