Anyone who hasn’t been blessed with naturally curled, long and lustrous eyelashes will know just how tedious it is to curl their lashes and apply mascara every morning. It’s almost as tedious as taking it off at the end of the day – and that’t not to mention the misery of those who prefer waterproof formulas.
Luckily, there’s a throng of beauty treatments that offer longer-term results. From eyelash extensions, to eyelash tinting (which we’ve even learned how to do from home during lockdown), to eyelash perming and LVL Lash Lifts, there’s plenty available that is able to boost your natural set of lashes and negate the need for daily makeup.
However, none of these treatments last more than a few months at the most. Plus, they can be expensive and time consuming to maintain, with appointments often taking hours at a time.
Now, it seems, there’s a new eyelash treatment available that boasts results that can last years. Introducing “laser lash lifting”, an innovative albeit slightly scary sounding procedure that involves a laser to change the direction that lashes grow out of the eyelids – making it the ultimate solution for anyone with straight or downwards facing lashes.
Here, we speak to Dr Daniel Ezra, specialist ophthalmic and oculoplastic consultant based at prestigious eye hospital Moorfields in London and Harley Street, to find out everything you need to know…
What is a laser lash lift and how does it work?
A Laser Lash Lift uses a CO2 laser, which are commonly used in skin resurfacing treatments, to make small ablations, which are precise areas of controlled damage to the top layer of skin. “The ablations are made above the lash line in two or three rows just above the lash root,” explains Dr Ezra. “When a laser touches the skin, the skin shrinks or tightens, contracting the skin. Most people have lashes tilting downwards or straight forwards, so, with the Laser Lash Lift, as the laser touches the skin, you can actually see the lashes standing up so that they’re tilting upwards.” This redirecting of the lashes creates a lifting effect and making the eyes look brighter and wider and the lashes longer.
Does it hurt?
According to Dr Ezra, the procedure is minimally painful but he applies topical anaesthetic to the area to make sure. “I use aesthetic cream on the eye before the treatment, so it is very comfortable during. I often also carry out the lash lift in patients who are also getting more invasive eye surgery, such as a Blepharoplasty [eyelid surgery], in which case they would be under general aesthetic.”
As with most ablative laser treatments, the skin can be sore for a few days afterwards and there might be some visible marks where the laser has treated the skin.
Are there any risks?
The CO2 laser that is used is very precise and used in a very controlled way. “When carried out by an expert, the procedure is very safe and precautions such as eye shields are used to protect the eye,” he says.
How long do the results last?
According to Dr Ezra, results typically last around one year, however there have been reports of results lasting even longer.
Does the treatment work on everyone?
Most people can have this procedure but it’s essential to have a consultation with an experienced doctor to make sure this type of laser is suitable for your skin type. “I would be less lightly to give it to darker skin tones due to the fact pigmented skin tends to absorb about 40% more laser energy than non-pigmented skin, and the thermal injury can extend beyond targeted areas causing damage,” warns Dr Ezra.
You’ll see best results if you have naturally straight, downwards facing lashes and a mild droop.
How much is it?
The Laser Lash Lift with Dr Ezra costs £750, so it’s definitely an investment. However, if you are considering the treatment, it’s absolutely vital that go to a specialist.
Not for you? Check out our round up of the bbest mascaras instead.