If you’re wearing eyelash extensions and your surgery is on the agenda, it’s common to wonder if you need to remove the extensions first. You might even wonder how long after surgery you’ll be able to wear eyelash extensions again.

Throughout my lashing career, I’ve had a few clients scheduled for surgery asking me about this so I decided to write an article on the topic.

In this article, I’ll share the details about wearing eyelash extensions before and after eye and non-eye surgeries so that you don’t go unprepared.

Let’s get started!

Can You Have Eyelash Extensions During Surgery?

On top of that, your eyes are shut when under anesthesia with medical-grade tape. This procedure is done to prevent corneal abrasion, scratching, and dry eyes.

Another reason for taping the eyes shut during surgery is to cope with the lack of blink reflex. Without this reflex, your eyes don’t naturally clean out the debris. So, there’s a higher chance of infections when your eyes aren’t shut.

At the end of the surgery, this tape is removed. Hence, there’s a high chance you might lose a few false lashes when they peel out the tape.

So, why lose your precious extensions in the process or have gaps after?

According to Dr. Sheaffer Williams, an anesthesiologist, it’s better to remove the extensions for surgery. He states: “We tape or cover the eyes with a clear plastic dressing to prevent corneal scratching. Extensions will likely be torn off and at worst will be dislodged and cause corneal abrasions. Leave your makeup off too.”^[1]

Now, not all surgeries are the same. You don’t always need general anesthesia.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common surgeries where you might be wondering if keeping your lash extensions is safe.

1. Eyelash Extensions During BBL Surgery

BBL surgery, also known as a Brazilian Butt Lift, is a cosmetic procedure that involves transferring unwanted fat from one area of the body to the buttocks. This is done through liposuction. The fat is then injected into the buttocks. The procedure was designed to help people achieve a shapely and perky backside.

When you are getting ready for surgery to take place, it is important to make it as easy as possible on yourself.

While eyelash extensions can help you look great, they can get in the way during surgery. In addition, the chemicals used in some eyelash extensions may not be ideal for the area around your eyes after surgery.

The main reason why eyelash extensions aren’t recommended during BBL surgery is that they could cause an infection. During plastic surgery procedures, there will be cuts made on your skin so that the doctor can either insert implants or remove fat from different parts of your body.

The last thing you want after going through all of this discomfort is an eye infection or another type of bacterial infection.

2. Eyelash Extensions During C-Section

Eyelash extensions can be a real confidence booster. Several women want to look their best on the day of delivery (or any other important event for that matter!)

But what happens if the delivery doesn’t go as planned and you need a C-Section? Could you keep your lash extensions?

According to the Northwest Memorial Hospital, nail polish, hairpins, false eyelashes, hearing aids, dentures, hairpieces and jewelry, cannot be worn during surgery.^[2]

Most C-sections are done under a regional anesthesia but sometimes general anesthesia might be required.

3. Eyelash Extensions During Rhinoplasty

A rhinoplasty is a common cosmetic surgery. It is mostly used to change the shape of the nose. During this procedure, the surgeon will make incisions in the nose, separate the skin from the bone and cartilage, remove or add tissue as necessary, and then put everything back in place.

Although a rhinoplasty doesn’t interfere with your eyes, there are multiple reasons why you might still want to remove your eyelash extensions for the surgery.

According to Jacqueline T. Cheng, MD: “False eyelashes may contain bacteria and lead to infection. Also, false eyelashes may get damaged by the surgical tape used around the eyes by your anesthesiologist.”^[3]

4. Eyelash Extensions During Eye Surgery

Eye surgery centers will have their own protocol for you to follow. It is best to consult with your surgical center to know what their guidelines are about eyelash extensions.

Most eye surgeries will require the removal of eyelash extensions to avoid infections and have easier access to the surgical area.

Some may even trim your lash extensions during the treatment if they get in the way!

For example, here is the Wilkinson Eye Center policy for eyelash extensions: “If you get eyelash extensions done on a regular basis, we may encourage you to have them removed before Lasik. Long, artificial eyelashes may get in the way of the surgery and make it harder for us to do our job. If you can’t have them removed, we may trim them down a little bit so they aren’t in the way.”^[4]

How Long After Surgery Should You Wait Before Having Eyelash Extensions?

1- Eyelash Extensions After BBL Surgery

It is generally recommended to wait at least 3 weeks after BBL surgery before getting eyelash extensions. This waiting period is required to prevent getting an infection that would compromise wound healing or worst.

2- Eyelash Extensions After Rhinoplasty

Most surgeons would recommend avoiding makeup or any facial product for up to 3 weeks after rhinoplasty.

Even if lash extensions do not touch the nose directly, the application process is more of a concern. If pressure would be applied to the nose during the application of lash extensions, this could be problematic for your post-surgical outcome.

3- Eyelash Extensions After Eye Surgery

The most common protocol is to wait at least 1 month after corrective eye surgery to get a new set of eyelash extensions.

According to UCLA Health Center, the one month period is required to avoid getting debris or glue in your eyes.^[5]

4- Eyelash Extensions After Other Non-facial Surgeries

if you’re going through non-facial surgeries, getting eyelash extensions within three weeks or sooner may be approved by the doctor. Different procedures might have different recommendations therefore you should always consult with your doctor before getting your lashes done.

When Should You Remove Lash Extensions Before Surgery?

It is recommended to remove eyelash extensions at least one week before surgery in most cases. This period is needed because chemicals used for removing the lash extensions may interact with surgical medicines.

Please make sure to check with your surgeon to know the exact recommendation for the surgery you will have.

References

1. Dr. Sheaffer Williams (2018). I have eyelash extensions, what will happen to them during surgery? Retrieved from https://www.quora.com/I-have-eyelash-extensions-what-will-happen-to-them-during-surgery/answer/Sheaffer-Williams (Accessed on 7 April 2022).
2. Northwest Memorial Hospital. Patient Education About Your Surgery. Retrieved from https://maternalfetal.nm.org/uploads/1/0/9/4/109455409/northwestern-medicine-cesarean-birth-nmh.pdf (Accessed on 7 April 2022).
3. Jacqueline T. Cheng, MD (2018). Can you wear false eyelashes if you are getting a nose job? Retrieved from https://www.realself.com/question/los-angeles-ca-wear-false-eyelashes-nose-job (Accessed on 7 April 2022).
4. Wilkinson Eye Center. How to Prepare for Lasik. Retrieved from https://www.wilkinsoneye.com/ (Accessed on 7 April 2022).
5. UCLA Health. Laser Vision Correction FAQs. Retrieved from https://www.uclahealth.org/lrc/faqs/ (Accessed on 7 April 2022).