Eyelash Implants: Your Guide to Permanently Luxe Lashes

Eyelashes perfectly exemplify the harmony of nature blending beauty and functionality. These delicate strands do more than just frame your eyes. They also serve as natural shields, filtering out dust and debris to protect your vision.¹

You can get longer, fuller lashes through mascara, falsies or eyelash extensions, but these methods can be harsh and may lead to permanent lash loss. The absence of eyelashes, a condition known as madarosis, can have physical and emotional impacts on individuals.²

While many products and procedures say they treat lash loss, the results are temporary. The good news is that permanent solutions are available. Read on to learn more about the eyelash implant procedure and what you might expect.

What Are Eyelash Implants?

Eyelash implants are an innovative cosmetic procedure designed to enhance the appearance of your lashes. Unlike extensions, which are applied to existing lashes using bonding or adhesive and require regular maintenance,³ eyelash implants involve the surgical implantation of hair follicles into the eyelid area. This method not only provides a fuller look but also allows for natural hair growth, resulting in a more authentic appearance.

Since the procedure uses your own hair follicles, the resulting lashes may blend seamlessly with your natural lashes, creating a look that is both beautiful and believable.

Types of Eyelash Implant Procedures

Follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE) are two popular techniques used in hair transplantation that can also be adapted for eyelash implants.⁴ Both methods aim to restore hair in areas where it is thinning or absent, including the eyelashes.

FUT (follicular unit transplantation)

In the FUT procedure, a strip of skin containing hair follicles is surgically removed from the donor area, typically the back of the scalp. This strip is then dissected into individual follicular units implanted into the recipient area, such as the eyelash line.⁵

Some considerations of FUT include:⁵

• More lash grafts can be harvested in a single session.
• It is potentially more cost-effective than FUE due to its efficiency.
• The procedure leaves a linear scar at the donor site, which may be difficult to hide.
• Recovery may be longer due to the invasive nature of the procedure.

FUE (follicular unit extraction)

FUE is a less invasive technique in which individual hair follicles are extracted directly from the scalp using a specialized tool. This method does not involve removing a strip of skin and thus results in minimal scarring.⁵

Things to consider about the FUE procedure include:⁵

• FUE leaves tiny scars that are less noticeable.
• Recovery time is generally quicker compared to FUT.
• FUE may require multiple sessions to achieve the desired density, especially for larger areas.
• FUE can be more expensive than FUT due to the meticulous nature of the extraction process.

How Much Do Eyelash Implants Cost?

The national average cost* of eyelash implants can vary between $2,946 and $8,736, depending on the type and location.⁶

Eyelash implant cost by procedure type

Below is a breakdown of the average cost* and cost ranges of eyelash implants according to the type of procedure. Prices for both FUT and FUE do not include preoperative or postoperative costs such as medications, therapies and more.⁶

Eyelash implant cost by state/district

Below is a breakdown of the average cost* of FUT and FUE by all 50 states and the District of Columbia.⁶

Getting Started With a Pre-Op Consultation

Now that you've done your research, it's time to get the ball rolling by scheduling a consultation. During this visit, you'll meet with your surgeon and get to know the other members of your healthcare team. Take this time to discuss your goals and expectations and get clarity on any potential side effects and limitations.

During your consultation, the surgeon will examine your eyes and eyelids to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Together, you'll work with your team to develop a customized treatment plan based on your needs.

What to ask during your pre-op consultation

• What are the potential complications of the procedure?
• How much downtime should I expect?
• What can I expect regarding the final appearance and longevity of the transplanted lashes?
• How much experience does the surgeon have performing eyelash transplantation?
• What is the cost, what is included in the total price and are there financing options?

Eyelash Implant Procedure, Post-Op Care and Recovery Timeline

Preparing for a successful eyelash implant surgery involves coordination and planning. It helps to understand what to expect before, during and after the procedure.

Eyelash implant surgery typically takes three to four hours, depending on the number of grafts you need.⁷ It would be wise to clear your schedule for the procedure day and the following few days to allow ample time for rest and recovery without interruptions.

Procedure

A member of your surgery team will administer local anesthesia to numb the harvest site and your eyelid to ensure comfort. Depending on the procedure, either a strip of hair follicles or individual hair follicles will be surgically removed (harvested) from the base of your neck, where hair growth begins. The surgeon will then meticulously implant the hair grafts into the eyelid.⁸

Post-op care

Post-op care is especially important. You'll be given detailed instructions to follow, including:⁹

• Cleaning and applying salve to your eyelids
• Caring for the harvest site
• Managing swelling using cold compresses
• Avoiding eye makeup for a week to facilitate healing

Full recovery timeline

You can expect some swelling and bruising around the eyelids, which typically subsides within a week.⁸ During this initial recovery period, avoid activities that could strain the eyes, such as reading or watching TV.

Tiny scabs will form around the transplanted hairs and naturally fall off in a few days. You may also lose your transplanted lashes; but don't worry, the implanted follicles will begin to show signs of new growth within three months. However, it may take six months before you see full growth.¹⁰

Alternatives to Eyelash Transplants and Implants

LATISSE^® is currently the only FDA-approved eyelash growth serum available. It contains the active ingredient bimatoprost, a prostaglandin analog that was originally developed for treating glaucoma and is specifically designed to address eyelash hypotrichosis, which is characterized by having inadequate or insufficient eyelashes.¹¹

The average cost* of LATISSE is $1,101, and the price can vary depending on where you live.⁶

How LATISSE works

LATISSE is applied to the base of the upper eyelashes using a sterile applicator. Over time, users can expect to see noticeable improvements in the length, thickness and darkness of their eyelashes.¹¹

Frequently Asked Questions About Eyelash Implant Surgery

Do you still have questions about eyelash implant surgery? Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about this procedure.

Financing Eyelash Implants With the CareCredit Credit Card

Ready to revitalize your appearance and boost your confidence? The CareCredit credit card makes it easy to pay for eyelash implants and related expenses not covered by health insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit so you can stop dreaming and start living your best life. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Pamela Cagle, R.N., has extensive experience in a range of clinical settings, including ER, surgical and cardiovascular. For the past decade, she has leveraged her nursing experience in writing for health and technology publications such as AARP, VKTR, National Council on Aging and others. She is passionate about blending her medical and storytelling expertise to bring authenticity to health and wellness topics.