Can I Have Laser Eye Surgery With Eyelash Extensions?

When considering Laser Eye Surgery, it is only natural to have a lot of questions with regards to the procedure. Some of these questions may be answered relatively quickly with some light research. Others, such as those relating to suitability and prescription limits, may vary from clinic to clinic.

Perhaps you’ve wondered about the things that could make you unsuitable for Laser Eye Surgery. For example:

Maybe you have uncontrolled diabetes.

Maybe you are just a little too young.

Or maybe you’re nursing your newborn.

Thankfully, the answer to these questions should be the same no matter which clinic you go to: While each of these scenarios may make you temporarily ineligible for Laser Eye Surgery, the chances are, you could be suitable for treatment in the future.

But what about when the more obvious questions are out of the way? You’ve learned how long the procedure takes, and when you can get back to work after your treatment.

Now, a whole host of new questions will begin to emerge.

Some of these questions may seem irrelevant or menial, prompting you to delay asking the experts. But the chances are we have heard them before – and probably much more often than you might think! Moreover, the answers to these questions are often more important to your treatment than you might realise.

Laser Eye Surgery is far from your typical surgical procedure. It is minimally invasive, doesn’t require general anaesthetic, and can be finished in just a matter of minutes. Moreover, patients will be back on their feet and enjoying most of their normal routine in just a couple of days.

But some less obvious aspects of everyday life will be affected by your treatment – at least temporarily.

For example: ‘Can you wear makeup during Laser Eye Surgery treatment?’, ‘What about after the procedure?’. 

And what about eyelashes? Can you have Laser Eye Surgery if you have eyelash extensions?

Eyelash Extensions and Laser Eye Surgery

In recent years, eyelash extensions have become increasingly popular. Their accessibility means that many people have ditched the temporary glue-on lashes in favour of the longer-lasting eyelash extensions.

In a previous article, we addressed the question of false eyelashes. So, let’s go into more detail about this alternative cosmetic option.

Let’s kick off with the most pressing question: Can you have Laser Eye Surgery if you have eyelash extensions?

You’ll likely be relieved to hear that the answer is “yes”. However, there are some limitations on when you’ll be able to sport your wispy lashes. 

Before and During Laser Eye Surgery

During the consultation process, the clinic staff will perform a wide range of tests and examinations on your eyes. For some of these tests, it may be advisable to avoid wearing certain cosmetic products, including eyelash extensions. For this reason, it may be best to book your consultation for a time before eyelash appointments!

But what about on the day of the surgery itself?

Well, that’s simple. You should avoid wearing any cosmetics around your eyes on the day of your treatment. This includes not only eyelash extensions, but also mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow – in fact, all makeup in general should be avoided for this appointment!

You should therefore arrange to have your eyelash extensions removed in time for your surgery appointment.

But when can you book your first post-surgery eyelash appointment?

Eyelash Extensions After Laser Eye Surgery

Once you have started enjoying your new vision after Laser Eye Surgery, you’ll likely want to get back to everything else that makes you, well, you! And for many people, this will include having eyelash extensions.

But just because your treatment is over, that doesn’t mean you’ll be able to have those new lashes immediately.

As a general rule, we advise our patients to avoid any interference with the eyes immediately following their surgery. This helps to avoid complications and promote a smooth recovery. It is therefore recommended that you wait at least 48 hours before applying any makeup to your face.

However, when it comes to cosmetics that are applied directly around the eye area, you should wait a while longer. For mascara, eyeshadow, and – you guessed it – false lashes, we recommend waiting for at least seven days following your procedure. These rules are generally applied unless your surgeon tells you otherwise during your follow-up appointment.

You will also be advised to wait at least one week before dying your hair. The good news is that other makeup, such as concealer, lipstick, and blush, can generally be used safely just one or two days after your treatment.

While these restrictions can seem like a bit of a headache, it is important to remember that they are in place to give you the best possible chance of a complication-free recovery.

Have a question you’d like to ask us about makeup and Laser Eye Surgery? Get in touch with one of our friendly clinic coordinators – they’re always happy to help! Alternatively, Book a Consultation today to kickstart your Laser Eye Surgery journey.