Breaking News: UK's First Eye Lash Transplant
From being 6 years old I have suffered with a condition called Trichotillomania which is an impulse control disorder characterised by the repeated urge to pull out my eye lashes which has affected me for 17 years and has had a profound effect on my life both physically, mentally and psychologically. As I became older I was more aware of what others around would think and consequently has had a great effect on my confidence.
When I reached the age of 13 I began to cover up the noticeable gaps with eyeliner, however, I was still very much afraid that other individuals would find out especially when it came to school as make up just was not allowed.
By the age of 15, I had overcome Trichotillomania but were still left with the effects of the years of pulling my eye lashes out as they just did not grow back. I recall thinking that if there were some procedure that could replace the missing eye lashes then my life would be changed forever as I would not have to wake up in the morning and put make up on to cover it up before even seeing other members of my family.
Then one day I was searching around the internet and found a procedure called an 'Eye Lash Transplant' but this had never been performed in the United Kingdom before only in America. I was excited to think that all my problems regarding my image and confidence could be resolved if I could have this eye lash transplant however it would be very difficult to travel to the other side of the world to have this procedure.
During my searches on the internet I came across a hair transplant surgeon Dr. Shahmalak. I, therefore, made arrangements for a consultation with Dr Shahmalak.
On the day of the consultation I was so excited and full of hope that Dr Shahmalak could resolve my 17 years nightmare so I could finally move on with my life and get rid of this continuous reminder I had every time I looked in the mirror of a disorder that affected me during childhood, but on the other hand I was also worried and scared as I had never had to explain to a stranger my past situation.
When I met Dr Shahmalak, I immediately felt comfortable and was able to explain my situation without feeling judged, furthermore I felt comfortable in showing him my eyes which I has never done before. Dr Shahmalak was very professional and very sympathetic to my situation. When Dr Shahmalak said he could help me, I was so happy and excited to think that finally this could be the end to all my problems. I knew instantly that I wanted to go ahead with this procedure in which Dr Shahmalak fully explained the full procedure involved including the technique, risks and after care and also tat this would be the first time Dr Shahmalak has performed an eye lash transplant in the United Kingdom, however, I was not at all worried because I knew I was in great professional care. Dr Shahmalak suggested I go away and discuss this with my family as this would be the first time this procedure would have been performed in the UK. I felt that no pressure was placed on me to go ahead with the procedure and I was able at any time to contact the company if I had any question which I found reassuring. I did decide to go ahead with the eye lash transplant as was able to select a date to suit my personal life; Dr Shahmalak would even provide me with all the latest research surrounding eye lash transplants.
October 12th 2008, I went for the eye lash transplant, all the staff were very welcoming, friendly ad non judgemental. On the morning of the procedure Dr Shahmalak came to me for the consent of my procedure and again explained what was going to happen, risk factors and ensured that I was still happy to go ahead, again I felt no pressure to do so.
During the procedure, I was made to feel very comfortable by Dr Shahmalak and all the nursing staff each of whom were very professional, caring and reassuring. Firstly, Dr Shahmalak had to remove the Donor hairs from the back of my head; he showed me exactly where the graft was coming from and ensured I was happy. During removing the graft Dr Shahmalak ensured I was comfortable and pain free while the nurses continuously gave me reassurance, I felt so relaxed knowing exactly what was happening, furthermore, the removal of the graft was pain free.
During the actual eye lash transplant, I was again continuously reassured and made to feel relaxed while my privacy and dignity was maintained. Dr Shahmalak ensured I was pain free during the transplant by administering local anaesthetic in to my eye lids which did not hurt; it just felt like a pin prick, this was topped up during the procedure if I felt any pain. During the procedure, Dr Shahmalak transplanted 25 eye lashes each into my left and right eye. Following the procedure which lasted three hours, I was cleaned up by the nurses, again my privacy and dignity was maintained. When Dr Shahmalak handed me the mirror so I could see the results straight away - I was shocked because I finally had eye lashes which were really long.
I was given full advice on how to care for my new eye lashes and was given adequate pain relief to take home. Dr Shahmalak also suggested if needed, then he would be more than willing to perform another transplant at a later date. I was discharged home with full after care instructions, contact numbers and follow up appointments at 3 days, 11 days and 6 weeks post surgery. During my post operative care I continued to receive a high standard of professional care by Dr Shahmalak.
At my 6 week post operative appointment, I asked if it would be possible for another eye lash transplant to which Dr Shahmalak was more than willing to perform.
25th January 2009, I went ahead with a second eye lash transplant, in which again, I received the highest standard of professional care. During my second eye lash transplant, Dr Shahmalak arranged for a beauty therapist to be present which was really useful as she was able to advise me how to care for my eye lashes and also what products to sue to ensure they remain in great condition.
Following my eye lash transplant, I am a much more confident person, saying this has transformed my life would be an under estimation unlike before I am confident to walk around with no make up on and even go shopping which in the past I would never have done. I am so grateful to all the staff at the Surgery for all their care they provided to me during my time there.
I would recommend Dr Shahmalak to any prospective patient considering having an eye lash transplant. Dr Shahmalak is very compassionate about hair/eye lash transplants and provides a high standard of care while keeping you fully informed, making you feel very welcome and comfortable during your treatment. I cannot explain in words how much this procedure has changed my life and how grateful I am to Dr Shahmalak for this opportunity.
NJC, Lancashire
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