Miles Berry, Leading SurgiCare Cosmetic Surgeon, Comments on the Growing Trend for Larger-than-Life Lashes

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND, October 24, 2010 (Press-News.org) "Eyelashes have remained with us and most other animals throughout evolution, to protect the eyeball itself against trauma from dirt and small debris," says Miles Berry, leading SurgiCare cosmetic surgeon.

"They also have an ornamental function and contribute to the individual's unique facial appearance. Eyelashes may be enhanced in three different ways;

1. The trompe l'oeil effect of colour and/or volume - mascara
2. False eyelashes attached with adhesive
3. Transplant of hairs from another area

"With the rise in popularity of voluminous and full lashes (Superdrug yesterday reported a 33 percent rise in the sales of false eyelashes) we have seen a 200% spike in people enquiring about eyelash transplants at SurgiCare.

"The cosmetic surgery procedure was first performed by a German doctor, Franz Krusius, in 1914 and surgical advances have been made over the years in response to the demand for treating male baldness. Hairs may now be harvested and transplanted as either a thin strip or individual hairs (known as 'follicular units') and this technique works in the same way on eyelashes.

"Areas used to provide closely matching hairs include; the nape of the neck, behind and above the ear or a bushy eyebrow. Anywhere between 20 and 100 lashes may be required according to the starting point and result desired. Some people need two or three sessions, which take between one and three hours.

"SurgiCare is not currently offering eyelash transplants, although with the surge in demand, this may well be added to our procedure portfolio soon.

"Anyone considering hair transplantation must be aware that it is a surgical procedure so carries potential for complications including infection, bleeding and failure of the transplant to take root. Some hairs may grow inwards and risk corneal damage and scarring to the lower eyelid can, in unusual cases, cause the lid to pull away from the eyeball. The hairs may need to be cut and curled to mimic the lashes.

"If the transplant works, it is important to realize that the extra lashes will remain permanently and the very full look may not always be in fashion."

For more information about Miles Berry and SurgiCare visit http://www.surgicare.co.uk.