The selection of patients for eyelash transplantation can be considered in two categories: reconstructive or aesthetic. Reconstructive eyelash transplantation is used to correct eyelash loss due to trauma or disease. Patients with a total absence of eyelash hair due to congenital absence are candidates for eyelash transplantation. Aesthetic eyelash transplantation to achieve aesthetic enhancement of existing eyelashes.
As the availability and success of eyelash transplantation become better known, more people (more likely women than men) are considering the surgical approach to gain permanent enhancement of eyelash length and density. Eyelash transplantation for aesthetic facial enhancement is a relatively recent development.
When eyelash transplantation is performed for aesthetic enhancement, the patient’s rationale is usually to gain greater eyelash density (adding eyelashes to the eyelid amongst existing eyelashes) or eyelash length (grafting hairs into the eyelid that have the capacity to grow longer than existing eyelashes). The patient’s wishes for aesthetic enhancement will be discussed in detail with the eyelash transplant specialist.