Eyebrow and Eyelash Enhancement and Their Related Risks

Introduction:

Technological advancement paved the way for numerous procedures that help one to improve facial appearance and thereby enhance the beauty of a person. It eventually contributes to a person’s self-confidence. Eyebrow and eyelash enhancement are typical cosmetic procedures that work by enhancing the features of eyebrows and eyelashes to make a face appealing and attractive.

What Is Eyebrow and Eyelash Enhancement?

• Eyebrow and eyelash enhancement, as the name suggests, enhances the appearance of eyebrows and eyelashes. Defined and evident eyebrows remarkably contribute to facial beauty by intensifying the expressions.

• Eyelashes shape the eye and make eyes more attractive and highlighted. Long and thick lashes are considered esthetically engaging and charismatic.

• These forms of enhancement procedures are extensively undertaken by women who have thin and sparse eyebrows and eyelashes. The type of enhancement procedure is chosen considering the person’s requirements and expectations.

• Most of these techniques entail the use of chemical substances. As the procedure is done in close contact with the eyes, these enhancement techniques potentially carry the risk of causing ophthalmic issues.

• Hence, it is advised to perform with utmost caution to prevent the precipitation of ophthalmic complications. In the modern era, the acceptance and adoption of these cosmetic procedures are peaking like anything, and so are the complications.

What Are the Procedures That Come Under Eyebrow and Eyelash Enhancement?

A wide spectrum of cosmetic procedures comes under the broad terminology - eyebrow and eyelash enhancement. However, the most widely adopted procedures include the following:

• Tinting: This technique is designed to render color and volume for both eyelashes and eyebrows and thereby enhancing the facial outlook of the person. In this procedure, the brows or lashes are stained using certain dyes to create a fuller and denser appearance. Properly shaped dense brows and lashes specifically draw attention and make the face appealing and charismatic. It takes hardly 15 minutes for the procedure to complete. However, it is semi-permanent. The hue lasts for almost six months, and after that, it fades over time.
• Eyelash Lift: This procedure facilitates and guides the growth of eyelashes in a relatively more upward direction rather than the typical downward direction. It works by producing an aesthetic curve in the lashes, which eventually acts as an add-on to the facial appearance and enhances the beauty. Occasionally, eyelash lift is coupled with eyelash tinting, producing a more pronounced impact on facial aesthetics. Here, a specific chemical solution is utilized to precipitate the eyelash proteins and is then molded at a more upward angle. Its effects remain for a period of six weeks, after which it gradually returns to its normal shape and form.
• Eyebrow Microblading: It is one of the extensively performed enhancement procedures, which is well known by the synonym: eyebrow tattooing. Just like skin tattooing, certain pigments are utilized to draw eyebrows in such a way that it mimics natural brows. It requires artistic skills to draw the brow with such originality. Fine abrasions are drawn on the superficial skin layer, which is then loaded with pigments. It almost stays for a year and later on fades off, as it is done on the superior skin layer. It makes eyebrows look thicker and properly defined. It is usually adopted by individuals who have very thin and scanty brows. Eyebrow micro-shading is a variant of micro blading where the brow strokes are indistinct.
• Eyelash Extensions: Artificial lashes are bonded onto natural lashes in such a way that it creates a natural appearance. The bonding is done with the help of a special glue. It is quite a technique-sensitive procedure that demands qualified and experienced hands to do the procedure without notable complications. Improper placement and bonding precipitate ocular issues. It is a permanent solution for false eyelashes and volumizing mascaras and makes the lash look thicker and fuller, enhancing the facial features. This procedure requires precision and takes a couple of hours to perform.
• Eyelash Perm: It is done to enhance the eyelash curl and make it last for a prolonged period. Curl is produced with the help of rollers and is retained with the help of liquid chemicals that are applied to it before curling. It makes the lash look voluminous and lifted, enhancing facial aesthetics. An alkaline chemical solution is employed for this purpose. It is less long-lasting when compared with the lash lift technique, and the curl remains for a couple of months.
• Eyebrow Lamination: When the perming process is done on the eyebrow, it is technically known as eyebrow lamination. It is effective for those individuals who have unruly brows. A special cream is employed for this purpose, which helps in holding the eyebrow in the specified position, even after it is washed off. Eyebrow lamination guides unruly and scanty brows in an even and more defined manner, enhancing the shape and fullness of the brows.

What Are the Risks Associated With Eyebrow and Eyelash Enhancement?

Cosmetic enhancement of eyebrows and eyelashes should be performed with caution to prevent ocular issues. Improper knowledge and experience in the technique end up in various eye issues. It also demands proper maintenance, the failure of which precipitates ocular complications and can even endanger a person’s vision. Some of the potential risk encountered after eyelash and eyebrow enhancement includes the following:

• Blepharitis: It is an ocular condition where eyelids elicit redness and bulging. It is often encountered in eyelash dyeing and eyelash extension. The dyeing agent and the chemical glue trigger the development of blepharitis. The application of chemical substances close to highly sensitive eyes often projects irritations, itching, pain, and peeling away of skin near the tip of the lids.

• Eyelid Dermatitis: At times, the chemical used in the enhancement technique evokes an allergic response in the eyelid skin, which manifests in the form of eyelid dermatitis. Coloring agents, glues, and creams used in the enhancement procedure potentially carry the risk of triggering an allergic reaction over the eyelid skin upon contact.

• Conjunctival Erosion: Disintegration and washing out of the conjunctival surface often develop as a response to the chemicals used in the enhancement procedure. In addition, corneal erosion is also encountered in eyelid tattooing.

• Bacterial Keratitis: Eyelash and eyebrow enhancement, when performed without following proper bacterial control measures, could give rise to various bacterial infections in the eyes. When the bacteria pile up over the corneal area, it ends up in bacterial keratitis.

• Loss of Eyelashes: Eyelash extensions often precipitate a tractional force on the natural lashes, which eventually pulls out the lashes leading to premature loss of lashes over time.

• Pigment Penetration: Sometimes, the pigment used for tattooing the eyelid accidentally creeps into the eye, which significantly impacts the person’s vision. The toxic effect of the pigment also influences the functioning of the meibomian gland (a tiny gland seen within the eye that prevents the drying of eyes) and gives rise to frequent infections. It can also affect the stability of tear film, which is essential to keep the eye hydrated and moist.

• Allergic Conjunctivitis: The chemical substances, when comes in contact with the conjunctiva (protective covering lining the eye ) by chance, stimulate allergic reactions in the conjunctiva. As a result, the conjunctiva acquires redness and appears watery.

Conclusion:

Eyebrow and eyelash enhancement techniques aid in augmenting the facial appearance. It entails the need for a skilled esthetician or cosmetologist to perform the procedure. Nowadays, these procedures are even performed by other nonprofessionals, which increases the likelihood of developing complications. As it involves the usage of various chemicals, proper caution should be given to safeguard the eyes. Hence, it is strictly advised to get the enhancement done by a qualified person.