Electrolysis for Ingrowing Lashes
Ingrowing eyelashes (called trichiasis) are common.
If you have been diagnosed with ingrowing lashes you will have the option of treating these by epilation (pulling the lashes out) or electrolysis, which permanently removes the lash by destroying the lash follicle.
Epilation needs to be repeated when the lashes regrow. The frequency varies, but may be as often as 4 weekly.
Electrolysis is usually effective after a single treatment but may need to be repeated once or twice to permanently remove the problem lashes.
The Procedure
Electrolysis is performed in the clinic rooms and you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure.
The doctor will numb the eyelid by injecting a small quantity of local anaesthetic into the lid skin.
You will be seated in the same chair that is used during slit lamp examination and the procedure is performed using the slit lamp microscope.
A fine probe, about the size of an eyelash, is inserted into the follicle and stimulated by passing current through the probe tip. The current heats and destroys the tissues in the hair follicle. Without a functional follicle the lash is unable to grow back.
You will be able to return to normal activities the following day.