Eyelash transplants types procedure and potential side effects

Long, thick eyelashes are a dream for every woman, as they highlight the beauty of the eyes and give a more attractive and enchanting look. However, some women suffer from sparse or thin lashes due to genetics, aging, or health issues. This is where eyelash transplantation comes in as a safe and effective solution to restore lash density and length naturally. In this Dalili Medical article, we will explore the types of eyelash transplantation, how the procedure is performed, the expected results, potential risks, and essential tips to maintain the results for as long as possible.

What is Eyelash Transplantation?
Eyelash transplantation is a cosmetic procedure designed to increase the density and length of eyelashes by transferring hair follicles from other parts of the body, usually the scalp, and implanting them along the eyelash line in a natural way. The procedure is performed with great care and precision to ensure the transplanted lashes grow in a way that mimics natural eyelashes.

Are Eyelash Transplants Permanent?
Transplanted lashes are usually permanent if the procedure is done correctly because they grow naturally. With proper care, the results can last a very long time.

Recovery Time After Eyelash Transplantation
Recovery typically takes 3 to 5 days. During this time, you may experience flaking, redness, or slight swelling around the eyelids, but most people can resume their normal activities within a week.

Caring for Transplanted Eyelashes
Since these are real hair follicles, the lashes will continue to grow. You should:

Trim the lashes regularly, about once a month.
Use an eyelash curler to guide their growth upward and away from the eye.
Keep the eyelids clean and avoid rubbing or pulling on the lashes.

Biggest Risk in Eyelash Transplantation
The main risk is trichiasis, where lashes grow toward the eye if implanted at the wrong angle or if the hair is too sharp. This can cause discomfort or scratching, so proper implantation angle and surgical skill are essential.

When Can I Use Mascara or Eye Makeup?
You can start using mascara or light eye makeup after 2–3 weeks, once all flaking has fallen off and the eyelid area has fully healed.

Do Transplanted Eyelashes Grow Naturally and Curly?
Transplanted lashes from scalp hair grow straight. To achieve a natural curl:

Curl the lashes daily using a special eyelash curler.
Some people may need a permanent curl (perm) after one year in a specialized salon.

Is the Procedure Painful?
With local anesthesia, the procedure is generally painless. You may feel some mild discomfort or swelling afterward, which is normal and temporary.

Is Eyelash Transplantation Safe?
Yes, it is generally safe when performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon. Like any medical procedure, minor risks such as swelling or infection may occur but are very rare and can be avoided by following proper post-operative care.

Do Lost Lashes Grow Back?
Yes, any lashes that fall out after the procedure typically grow back. Transplanted lashes need time to settle and grow naturally, so patience is required to see the final results.

Recovery Timeline After Eyelash Transplantation

Stage	Duration	Details & Tips
Day 1–3	1–3 days	- Mild swelling or redness around the eyes. - Slight itching or tension. - Avoid rubbing or touching lashes. - Use cold compresses to reduce swelling.
Day 4–7	4–7 days	- External healing continues; swelling and bruising decrease. - Transplanted lashes may appear fragile. - Clean eyes gently as per doctor’s instructions. - Avoid makeup or strong creams.
Week 2–3	8–21 days	- Some lashes may shed (shock loss is normal). - Eyelid healing continues. - New lashes begin preparing to grow. - Avoid sauna, steam, or swimming.
Week 4–Month 2	4–8 weeks	- New lashes begin growing gradually. - Initially short and weak. - Use gentle moisturizing products.
Month 3–4	12–16 weeks	- Most transplanted lashes are visible. - Density improves gradually. - Light makeup may be used as recommended by the doctor.
Month 5–6	20–24 weeks	- Lashes increase in length and density. - Results approach a natural look. - Follow up with doctor to evaluate growth and adjust direction if needed.
After 6 Months	6–12 months	- Final results are usually clear. - Lashes are strong and natural. - Some cases may require a touch-up session to enhance density or final shape.

Benefits of Eyelash Transplantation

Longer, Fuller Lashes: Natural-looking length and density.
Enhanced Eye Appearance: Highlights the eyes and facial features, reducing the need for mascara or false lashes.
Relatively Permanent Results: Transplanted follicles grow naturally and last long with proper care.
Increased Confidence: Gives a youthful, attractive look while reducing reliance on temporary cosmetic enhancements.
Solution for Natural Lash Loss: Restores lashes lost due to disease, poor nutrition, aging, or harmful cosmetic products.
Simple Post-Recovery Care: Once healed, lashes are maintained like natural lashes, with optional nourishing oils.

Types of Eyelash Transplantation by Area

Upper Eyelash Transplant: Most common; implants along the upper eyelid margin to mimic natural curvature and growth.
Lower Eyelash Transplant: Rare; requires more precision due to shorter, sparser lashes.
Scar Coverage: For patients who lost lashes due to burns or scars; requires careful assessment of skin and follicle acceptance.

Eyelash Transplant Techniques

FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) – Traditional Method:
- Strip taken from donor area (usually behind the ear); hairs extracted individually.
- Advantage: longer follicles for precise implantation; disadvantage: small linear scar.
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) – Precise Method:
- Individual follicles extracted, prepared as single hairs, and implanted with fine needles or DHI pens.
- Advantage: no linear scar; natural, soft-looking results.

Importance of Precision Tools and Implantation Angle

Micro-Needles: Very fine needles (<0.6 mm) used for safe, natural implantation.
Correct Angle: Hair should be implanted at a sharp upward angle, away from the eye. Incorrect angles can cause inward growth (trichiasis) and eye irritation.
Securing Hairs: Transplanted hairs are often fixed with very fine stitches (e.g., 7-0 Prolene) to ensure stability until healing.

Comparing FUT vs FUE for Eyelash Transplant

Feature	FUT	FUE
Procedure	Strip removed from scalp, follicular units extracted	Individual follicles harvested from scalp
Surgery Time	Longer (3–6 hours)	Shorter (2–4 hours)
Anesthesia	Local	Local
Scarring	Small linear scar	Tiny dot scars, barely visible
Recovery	7–10 days	3–5 days
Number of Lashes per Session	Suitable for many lashes	Fewer per session; multiple sessions possible
Cost	Usually lower	Slightly higher due to precision
Final Result	Very natural but requires skill in distribution	Very natural with minimal scarring and more comfort

Potential Risks of Eyelash Transplantation

Common/Temporary:

Redness, swelling, itching, mild tearing, or eyelid discomfort for a few days.

Less Common:

Infection from improper hygiene, temporary loss of natural lashes, uneven growth, minor bruising.

Rare/Long-Term:

Chronic infection, follicle damage, unnatural growth direction, allergic reactions.

Factors Increasing Risk:

Smoking, weak immunity, chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes), inexperienced surgeon, or poor post-operative care.

Tips to Minimize Risks:

Choose an experienced eyelash transplant specialist.
Maintain hygiene before and after surgery.
Avoid touching eyes or using heavy makeup in the first week.
Contact your doctor immediately if severe redness, discharge, pain, or unusual swelling occurs.

Pre-Transplant Tips

Consult a specialized doctor.
Avoid heavy makeup or mascara for at least 2 days prior.
Complete required medical tests and inform the doctor about allergies.
Avoid blood-thinning medications and certain supplements unless approved.
Ensure good rest and avoid fatigue before the procedure.

Post-Transplant Tips

Rest: Avoid rubbing or pressing the eyes; sleep on your back.
Cleaning: Gently clean eyes and lashes; avoid makeup or creams near lashes for the first week.
Avoid Makeup & Contact Lenses: Wait 1–2 weeks; consult your doctor before wearing contacts.
Protection: Use sunglasses, avoid sun, dust, saunas, or steam in the first two weeks.
Follow-Up: Visit the doctor as scheduled and report any unusual symptoms.
After Two Weeks: Gently brush lashes and use light oils like coconut or castor oil after doctor approval.
Patience: Temporary lash shedding is normal; final results appear after 2–3 months.