A pre-wedding beauty routine turned nightmarish for Polly Bibby, a 26-year-old illustrator, after she experienced a severe allergic reaction to eyelash extensions. The incident unfolded despite a prior patch test showing no issues.
Bibby, who normally prefers minimal makeup, decided to enhance her look with classic eyelash extensions before her wedding day. The procedure, costing roughly $88, initially satisfied her with a dressier appearance.
However, shortly after the appointment, Bibby’s eyes became watery and sore. She dismissed it as hay fever. The situation worsened when her eyes began stinging and discharging a yellow fluid, leading her to seek emergency medical help.
Medical professionals at Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Cambridge diagnosed an allergic reaction to the extensions. A course of antibiotics and antihistamines was prescribed. She awaited a reduction in swelling before removing the false lashes.
“To keep the eyes safe, [artificial] lashes should be applied by an experienced aesthetician in a sanitary setting, with chemicals that are safe for your skin,” advised Rebecca J. Taylor, M.D., a board-certified ophthalmologist. She warned of the risks including trauma, infection, or an allergic reaction.
Despite gradual healing, Bibby worried her eyes would remain red for her wedding to Benjamin May. She shared her ordeal to caution other brides about last-minute beauty treatments.
Reflecting on the experience, Bibby admitted her surprise at becoming a cautionary tale. “Getting married is the biggest day of your life,” she noted. “I didn’t look like myself,” she lamented, comparing her appearance to a character from ‘The Goonies.’
The removal of the lashes was painful, likened to having “acid poured onto her face.” She endured blurred vision and burning, sticky eyes. “I didn’t realize it would happen to me,” she said, vowing to forgo eyelash extensions on her wedding day.
Bibby’s message underscores the importance of careful consideration and proper salon hygiene. Her story highlights the potential dangers associated with beauty treatments.