Your Guide to Microblading, Eyelash Extensions, and More in Life With Alopecia
You don't have to put up with thin lashes and haphazard brows. When hair loss on the face concerns you, these cosmetic procedures can be helpful.
Alopecia hair loss can be depressing. It affects not just how you look on the outside but frequently how you feel about yourself. While many alopecia patients feel comfortable displaying their condition openly, others might be more interested in hiding or camouflaging hair loss.
The hair loss condition known as alopecia areata (AA) is distinguished by patchy or total hair loss. When the body's immune system assaults its own hair follicles, it develops an autoimmune condition that can lead to hair loss in any area where it typically grows. Thus, it might have an impact on more than just your scalp.
Near-total body hair loss is a common symptom of more severe alopecia areata conditions, such as alopecia totalis (AT) or alopecia universalis (AU). In fact, studies reveal that alopecia can damage the eyebrows and eyelashes, two of the most noticeable and conspicuous parts of the body, in up to 76% of instances.
But if you don't like losing your facial hair, you don't have to accept it because you have alopecia areata. There are several cosmetic procedures that can help with AA and hide the appearance of facial hair that is sparse or nonexistent.
Find out more about these temporary cosmetic solutions for reducing brow and eyelash thinning.
Microblading
Similar to tattooing, microblading is a semi-permanent cosmetic technique. The results give off a highly natural appearance and are frequently used to fill in sparse or nonexistent eyebrows.
A licensed aesthetician or cosmetic dermatologist uses a hand-held equipment with small blades filled with ink when performing microblading. The semipermanent pigment is then added through tiny incisions in the skin.
The first process frequently requires a few hours. To make changes to the initial design, a second appointment is often scheduled. Future touch-ups are required to preserve the appearance because microblading fades after about a year.
Depending on where you reside and who does the work, microblading prices might vary greatly, but you should plan to spend at least several hundred dollars.
Microblading is typically regarded to be less unpleasant than getting a tattoo, though it can occasionally be slightly uncomfortable. According to Robert Finney, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Entière Dermatology in New York City, "the primary difference is that the depth of microblading is more superficial than a traditional tattoo."
If you have alopecia areata and are thinking about getting microblading, talk to your dermatologist first. Alopecia may be accompanied by a number of factors, including:
Your Age. If you are over 55, consult your doctor since microblading may not be effective on aging skin.
Your Medical History. For instance, those with lupus or psoriasis who also have other autoimmune or skin diseases may not be suitable candidates for microblading.
Your Alopecia Treatment Plan. The color might not look as natural as you'd want if you're taking thyroid medication to treat your alopecia.
Dr. Finney adds that there is a slight chance of Koebnerization, a condition in which the disease develops in patches as a result of friction or trauma. There is a little possibility that microblading could cause a flare-up since it causes the Koebner phenomenon, also known as the emergence of new lesions on apparently healthy skin.
Given that microblading is a delicate surgery, be sure to thoroughly investigate the professional who will execute the procedure. To undertake this operation, think about finding a cosmetic physician who is knowledgeable with alopecia areata.
Nanoblading and Microshading
Recent years have seen an explosion of novel versions on the microblading technique.
One method is known as nanoblading, which produces extremely small lines that resemble real human hair while using needles that are even more delicate than those used in microblading. Want more specifics above your eyes? Use short and lengthy strokes of the tool during 6D microblading to give the appearance of additional brow hair.
To add color or create an ombre effect, another technique called microshading or micropigmentation can be used on the brow and eyelash area. A motorized pen-shaped tool is used to create small spots known as micropigmentation. This gadget can last up to twice as long as microblading since it enters the skin more thoroughly.
Regarding the hazards associated with any of these blading and shading procedures, swelling and bleeding are occasionally conceivable, along with the potential for infection and allergic responses to the inks. When considering this kind of procedure, it's crucial to work with an aesthetician or cosmetic dermatologist who is familiar with AA.
Extensions and Fake Lashes
If there is enough lash hair left to attach the extensions to, eyelash extensions may be suggested for people who have alopecia areata and are losing their eyelashes. This can be an option for you if you're going through a regrowth phase and wish to thicken and enhance your current lashes.
Extensions are semipermanent pieces that a skilled esthetician glues on individually, yet they are linked to artificial eyelashes. While artificial eyelashes are typically a one-time thing that you wear for a day, extensions persist for a few weeks. Also more expensive are extensions. The initial application, which may cost you $150 and take an hour or more to complete, might be required. The cost of the lashes will also need to be paid for maintenance and replacement, which might increase by several hundred dollars.
According to Finney, persons with more severe alopecia who have little to no eyelash hair to deal with may have no other option except to use false eyelashes. The best option, according to the majority of patients, is to glue the strip of artificial eyelashes to the skin just above the lash line because it doesn't require existing eyelashes.
The use of eyelash extensions carries some risk. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, some formaldehyde-based adhesives used to make extensions may induce an allergic response, eyelid swelling, or an infection of the cornea or eyelid. Even worse, using cosmetic eyelash extensions may cause more severe and long-lasting eyelash loss.
Therefore, proceed with caution and seek the advice of your dermatologist before deciding on a procedure like this.
Hair removal with lasers
When the condition reappears, patchy hair thinning and uneven growth are common symptoms of alopecia areata. Think about laser hair removal to prevent this outcome. This frequent medical technique involves heating hair follicles with a laser beam to prevent new hair from growing.
Although not entirely permanent, laser hair removal can be a quick and reasonably priced option to get rid of stray hairs on the chin, upper lip, and other places. Even so, it does require several visits to get the desired outcome.
Redness and swelling at the treatment site, as well as a potential lightening or darkening of your skin tone after the procedure are all hazards associated with laser hair removal. Blisters and modifications to the skin's texture can occasionally happen. Remember that since the eyelids and brows are delicate and prone to injury, this cosmetic procedure is not advised for them. Before trying laser hair removal, see your dermatologist as you would with any other cosmetic surgery.
Makeup for the eyebrows and eyelashes
This is a good alternative if you're hesitant to get cosmetic work done. There are many cosmetics alternatives available at cosmetic counters that can help:
• Crowd out sparse brows.
• Create a more natural (or dramatic!) appearance.
• Improve or darken splotchy eyelashes
Particularly brow fillers, which come in the form of pencils, powders, and crayons that can produce the desired shape, are more well-liked than ever. Gels can hold your design in place while adding shine. Makeup for the eyebrows and eyelashes is available in a variety of hues to complement various skin tones and hair colors.
Determine which techniques you are most comfortable utilizing to help increase your self-assurance regarding your appearance by consulting your dermatologist.
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