Q
My eyelashes are short
and never seem to grow.
I’m wearing lash extensions,
but is a transplant feasible?
Jasmine, Bradford
DR AAMER SAYS: If you don’t have a specific
medical issue, stunted eyelash growth may be
due to the regular use of eyelash extensions,
which can cause traction alopecia similar to
that seen with very tight hair extensions. Or
you might just have a short hair cycle. A lash
transplant involves harvesting hair from the
scalp and then implanting individual hair
follicles into the eyelid. But be warned, it’s not
straightforward. The hair doesn’t grow in a
controlled fashion like natural eyelashes do,
which can sometimes cause irritation, infection
and scarring. Also, transplanted lashes don’t stop
growing, so will constantly need trimming, and
they don’t have a natural curve as normal lashes
do. It’s also expensive, costing from £4,000.
Instead, you could try medical tattooing, which
creates the illusion of thicker lashes and has
permanent results. From £800.
LESLEY SAYS: There are hundreds of
different ways to create the illusion of longer
lashes. My favourite is using a lash growth
serum – packed with potent ingredients like
peptides that send growth signals to skin cells
and hair follicles. Apply it like an eyeliner to
the base of the upper lashes nightly and you
will start to see results after four weeks. Try
Revitalash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner,
£52, created by a renowned ophthalmologist
to help his wife regain her lashes after
cancer. It might seem pricey, but costs much
less than a transplant! Or try Max Factor
False Lash Effect Mascara, £10.99. It has
more bristles than the beauty brand has
ever used on a wand, so you don’t need
many layers. You can also apply a lick of
olive or coconut oil, or a slick of Vaseline,
before bed to keep lashes in good condition.
PI
C
TU
R
ES
:^ G
ET
TY
Q
I have deep lines running
from the corners of my
mouth to my chin, making
me look permanently grumpy.
How can I fix this problem?
Josie, Sheffield
DR AAMER SAYS: Known as ‘marionette
lines’, these are due to a combination of
factors, including volume loss, gum recession
and reduction of bone density as we age. Fat
grafting, using fat taken from your stomach
or thighs, can safely fill these deep folds and
grooves. As your own fat is used, there’s little
danger of adverse reactions. Results can last up
to three years, with immediate results. From £2,500.
Alternatively, hyaluronic fillers can immediately
plump and lift the corners of the mouth, with results
lasting up to a year. From £750.
LESLEY SAYS: To put on a happy face, use make-up
to disguise the creases. After foundation, use Benefit
High Brow Glow Pencil, £16.50, to draw three short lines,
like cat’s whiskers, either side of your nose, then blend
in. This gives the illusion of lifting the lower area. You
should also incorporate a good anti-ageing cream in your
routine, one that’s designed to target deep wrinkles. Try
L’Oréal Paris Wrinkle De-Crease Collagen Day Cream,
£11.55, or Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity Day Cream
SPF15, £19.99, which is packed with hyaluronic acid and
claims to fill in the deepest wrinkles.
O For more information on Dr Aamer, Lesley and their team of doctors, visit harleystreetskinclinic.com.
Got a question? Email [email protected]
best for BEAUTY
READERS SHOULD TAKE THE ADVICE OF
THEIR DOCTOR BEFORE UNDERTAKING ANY
ADVICE GIVEN IN THIS COLUMN