Eyelash Transplants: The New Look of Cosmetic Surgery

Eyelash transplant surgery is one of the newest items on the cosmetic surgery menu, and is gaining a following, among women (and men!)

Using similar procedures as those used in hair loss replacement, cosmetic surgeons are using sewn in eyelash extensions which can replace false eyelashes or thick coats of mascara.

In this procedure, a small incision is made at the back of the scalp, just large enough to remove about 30-45 hair follicles. These hair follicles are then sewn one by one onto the patient's eyelids.

Once implanted, they grow like real hair. The procedure works best for people who do not have very curly head hair, as this will make the eyelashes too curly to work with. Implanted eyelashes may need to be trimmed on occasion.

Plastic surgeons are predicting that this will be one of the hottest trends in the cosmetic surgery industry. Though it was first only performed on those patients who had suffered burns or had congenital malformations of the eye which prevented proper eyelash growth. Now, though, 80% of the procedures are purely cosmetic.

The procedure is performed under light sedation with local anesthetics. Cost is about $6,000 for both eyes.