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Dr. Kalberer’s before and after lash lift by licensed esthetician Darielle DeViccaro (Stetik Spa in Westbury, New York).
dysfunction are appropriate: mild tear-free soap and water, OCuSOFT wipes and/or cleansing foam. Regardless of the cleansing technique, the goal is to prevent buildup of debris and bacteria, which now have a larger surface area on which to accumulate.
My Experience
Even though I love the look of more prominent and feminine lashes, I don’t wear eye makeup on a regular basis. As I considered my options, I admit that I was a little apprehensive after having treated some of the complications associated with lash extensions—such as chronic blepharoconjuntivitis and even one corneal abrasion. My instinct was to go with a lash-enhancing serum, so I tried Latisse. Unfortunately, within two weeks, I developed a chronic low-grade hyperemia and decided to discontinue treatment before I could see any of the bene cial effects.
I was nervous about having a lash lift, but after some research it seemed to be a safe option that offered a more natural-looking enhancement than extensions (for me the extensions were a bit too dramatic). I found a licensed esthetician in my area and made an appointment. When I scheduled, I was told to wear neither makeup nor contact lenses. During my appointment, the technician made me feel very comfortable. I relaxed with closed eyes as she applied the solution to my lashes. The process was painless and took about 60 minutes. Occasionally I felt a slight tingling sensation at my lash line, but that was the worst of it. After the treatment, I was instructed not to get my lashes wet or near
hot steam for the next 48 hours. My results were signi cant and lasted for about six weeks. The best parts? No itching, redness, burning or tearing or adverse effects whatsoever. And, after the initial 48- hour period, no upkeep was needed!
I was very excited to nd a safe, easy option to improve the appearance of my lashes and now make the recommendation to my inquisitive patients, speci cally those patients who had complications from extensions or from Latisse or Zoria.
To Consider
You may consider reaching out to respected salons in your area. Speaking to esthetic professionals regarding their treatments and protocols will give you valuable information with which to guide your patients through the process. It also allows you to emphasize the ocular health risks and decrease potential complications for their clients. Working together as a team, we can guide our patients to achieve the beautiful eyelashes they desire safely and successfully.
References
1. “From Lashes to Brows: Eye-Opening Trends in Cosmetics.” Nielsen, 28 Sept. 2018.
2. Koffuor, GA, et al. “Ocular Discomforts Following Eyelash Extension.” Journal of Medical and Biomedical Sciences, vol. 1, no. 3, 2012.
3. Matossian, Cynthia, et al. “OSD: Beauty Has a Price.” Ophthalmology Management, 1 Apr. 2016. This article was originally published in Women in Optometry (www.womeninoptometry.com).
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