Ciliary implant, ciliary augmentation

Abstract

A prosthesis for eyelash replacement, restoration, or augmentation includes an implantable base serving a substrate at a ciliary implant site in proximity to a native eyelash line, and a plurality of artificial eyelash hairs secured to the implantable base at intervals along and extending from the implantable base to mimic the look of real human eyelashes. The implantable base may be composed of an absorbable material or a non-reactive, non-absorbable substance and may be curvilinear, rectangular, or round with an annular cross-section in shape. The plurality of artificial eyelash hairs are of a flexible material, preferably composed of a keratin-base or inert fiber, secured, knotted, permanently fixed to the implantable base to mimic native eyelash. A method of eyelash replacement, restoration, or augmentation comprises selecting a ciliary implant site in proximity to a native eyelash line, making an incision corresponding to the ciliary implant site deepened to a plane beneath the orbicularis muscle, and implanting at the ciliary implant site an orientated prosthesis implant base having, or adapted to securely receive, a plurality of artificial eyelash hairs, the prosthesis being oriented to replace, restore, or augment eyelashes. The incision is then closed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61 / 782408 filed Mar. 14, 2013 entitled “CILIARY IMPLANT, CILIARY AUGMENTATION” which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to ciliary eyelash augmentation and more particularly to a replacement, augmentation, or restoration of the eyelashes with a prosthesis.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Women have long sought methods of eyelash enhancement. In many cultures, women desire thick and long eyelashes. Historically, mascara, faux eyelashes and most recently, Latisse® have been used to obtain these objectives. However, each of these methods has drawbacks. Mascara requires frequent re-application, is messy and only moderately successful, Faux eyelashes are difficult to apply, require an adhesive for fixation, expensive and onetime use. Latisse® requires ongoing application and is very expensive. Additionall...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is about a prosthesis for replacing, restoring, or augmenting eyelashes. It consists of an implantable base and multiple artificial eyelash hairs attached to the base. The base can be made of absorbable material or a non-reactive substance, and can be curved, rectangular, or round with an annular cross-section. The artificial eyelash hairs are made of flexible material, such as keratin or inert fiber, and are permanently fixed to the base to mimic native eyelash. The invention can be implanted at a ciliary implant site by making an incision and inserting the prosthesis. The prosthesis can easily be oriented and secured in place. The invention has several advantages, including the ability to replace, restore, or augment eyelashes while maintaining a natural appearance.

Problems solved by technology

However, each of these methods has drawbacks.

Mascara requires frequent re-application, is messy and only moderately successful, Faux eyelashes are difficult to apply, require an adhesive for fixation, expensive and onetime use.

Latisse® requires ongoing application and is very expensive.

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