Permanent fake eyelashes or eyelash transplants are different from semi-permanent eyelashes that can be applied by certified aestheticians. The permanence of eyelash transplants sets them apart from those that need to be touched up biweekly. Instead, they are implanted and fully permanent, without the need for maintenance. They must be implanted by a doctor, in an office, usually by a hair loss specialist. If you are thinking about having permanent eyelashes implanted, first consider the side effects to decide whether it's the right choice for you.
Pruritus
Pruritus is a moderate or intense itching of the eye. This can occur as the stitches in your eyelid begin to dissolve and heal. The scar tissue can also feel itchy, warns the Bauman Medical Group in Florida. Patients are typically advised to treat itching with ice packs, over-the-counter medication and ointment, rather than scratching. Goggles should be worn at night to prevent inadvertant night scratching. The itching subsides as the implants shed and begin to regrow.
Discomfort
Discomfort can be a temporary side effect of having permanent lashes implanted. The small, individual hairs are placed with needles into the eyelid. Local anesthetic will be used to numb the area, but following the procedure you may notice pain, swelling and tenderness around the eyelid, according to DermaDoctor.com. Applying ice packs can help to relieve discomfort, and your doctor should prescribe a temporary pain reliever to help with the discomfort.
Infection
As with any type of operation, the risk of infection is real. Through unsanitary conditions or poor workmanship, the stitches and wound site can become infected. Through infection you might also experience discharge, bleeding and scarring. Using a reputable hair restoration doctor with a reputable office, and listening and following all after-care instructions, can help to ward off potential infection risks.
Swelling
Swelling can occur in the first few days after your eyelashes have been implanted. The trauma that the procedure causes to the thin and delicate skin of your eyelids can cause swelling and pinkness, says the Foundation for Hair Restoration. This side effect usually goes away in the first few days following your surgery. If it doesn't, you may need to contact the doctor who performed your procedure to have a look at the dressings and the healing to make sure it is going smoothly.
Ectropion/Entropion
Ectropion is the downward pull of the eyelid and separation of the eyelid from the eye, caused by scar tissue and trauma to the eyelid. Entropion is a similar condition, only dealing with an inward turning of the eyelid, according to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery. Endotopion can also cause trichiasis, a condition where the eyelashes begin growing the wrong direction and into the eye. Both conditions can be remedied through cosmetic surgery to repair the skin of the eyelid
