If we started a sentence with "an eyelid ripped off by a Chihuahua", you probably wouldn't believe it. But, this happened as Kelsey Salmon had intended to have eyelash extensions done for her birthday. Instead, she ended up spending the day in the hospital because she got her eyelid ripped off after a horrendous mishap.
How She Had Her Eyelid Ripped Off
In an engaging series of videos, Georgia resident, Salmon, recounts her shocking story with an unexpected twist. As she explains, the incident took place after her eyelash appointment. It was the Chihuahua owned by the lash technician that suddenly pounced on her.
In an unfortunate turn of events, the tiny dog managed to bite her face, causing a severe injury that resulted in her eyelid being ripped off. This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of animals, regardless of their size or perceived harmlessness.
It happened so fast, I didn't know what he grabbed, and my eyelid was on the floor. She picked it up and she was like. 'You dropped your eyelid,' and that's when I started flipping out.
Kelsey Salmon, after having her eyelid ripped off
Then, the technician called 911 and Salmon went to the ER. She was in the ER for 15 hours on her birthday, and it took two hours to re-attach her eyelid.
Salmon was rushed to Kennestone Hospital in Atlanta, but they could not provide the specialist treatment needed. Then, she was transferred to the city's Grady Hospital. There, two oculoplastic surgeons re-attached her eyelid and sewed her eye shut for ten days to recover.
Although the experience has been traumatic, Salmon has been sharing it with her 123,000 TikTok followers in daily updates. Her first clip was a "tell me your worst lash experience, without telling me your worst lash experience" video.
The first video has had more than 2 million views so far. And, another update has been watched close to 6 million times.
The Healing Process
The removal of stitches and Salmon's ability to open her eye point to a positive outcome of the surgery. However, it's important to understand that this doesn't necessarily mean she's back to her full vision capacity just yet.
Medical procedures, especially those pertaining to the eye, often have phased results and require time for complete recovery.
As she continues on her vacation in Hawaii, Salmon has been visiting oculoplastic specialists. While it might seem unusual to combine a vacation with medical visits, in this case, it is part of her ongoing care.
Oculoplastic specialists are experts in treating issues related to the eyelids, tear ducts, and the orbit (the bony socket containing the eye), which makes them an integral part of her recovery process.
The visits to these specialists serve two essential purposes: follow-up care and potential further treatment. Follow-up care ensures that her eye is healing as expected, allows for the early detection of any complications, and adjusts treatment plans if necessary.
Further treatment, on the other hand, might be needed if there are residual effects from the initial incident or surgery. As the doctors are reportedly happy with her progress, this suggests her recovery after having her eyelid ripped off will be on track.
Given the circumstances, I feel OK. Having the support of so many people and people caring about the progress, I'm going through, and the situation also makes me feel much better.
Kelsey Salmon, after going on recovery
Mentally, she doesn't think she's coped with it yet, and it still hasn't hit her. "It's just a traumatic thing to go through, and I think many people forget that," she said, in one of her TikToks.
The Lash Technician's Response
What about the lash technician whose Chihuahua was to blame? Salmon says she has made no contact because she blocked her as soon as the incident happened.
Interestingly, the lash technician, who was directly involved in the eyelid ripped-off incident, has yet to make a formal response. After the unfortunate encounter, the technician seemingly chose to distance herself from the situation, instantly blocking the victim on social media.
This act has raised questions regarding her professionalism and the potential consequences she may face. The local health department is reportedly investigating the incident, and charges, ranging from negligence to violation of health and safety regulations, may be applicable.
If found guilty, these charges could significantly impact the technician's career, potentially leading to the loss of her professional license or hefty fines.
This serves as a stern reminder to all professionals in the beauty industry about the importance of maintaining a safe and controlled environment for their clients.
She has not talked to me since it happened, and I am blocked. We have had no contact. I have no idea what the girl is doing or anything like that, and she has no idea how I'm doing unless she follows me.
Kelsey Salmon, regarding the eyelid ripped off incident
Ensuring Safety Around Pets: Preventing Accidents
It's a fact: accidents happen. But when it comes to our pets especially small dogs like Chihuahuas, it's crucial to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them.
Here are some tips on how to prevent accidents like the unfortunate "eyelid ripped off" incident from happening during your next eyelash extension appointment.
Proper Pet Handling
Whether you're a pet owner or a service provider like an eyelash technician, proper pet handling is key. You need to establish boundaries for your pet, especially in a professional setting.
- Control your pet: Pets, especially small breeds like Chihuahuas, can be unpredictable or show aggression. Always keep them under control and do not allow them to roam free during appointments.
- Establish a pet-free zone: When conducting services like eyelash extensions, it's best to establish a pet-free zone. This can prevent potential accidents and create a more professional atmosphere.
Proper Eyelash Extension Practices
As a client, you also have a role to play. Here's what you can do to ensure your safety during an eyelash extension procedure.
- Notify the technician: If you notice a pet around, inform your technician about any discomfort or fears you might have. They should be able to secure the pet or move it to a different area.
- Choose a reputable salon: Make sure to choose a salon that follows health and safety protocols. A responsible salon will ensure that pets are separated from the service area.
Preventing accidents, such as an eyelid being ripped off by a Chihuahua, is not just an individual's responsibility. It is a collective endeavor. Both the technician and the client should work together to ensure a safe and comfortable environment.
Understanding the concept of collective responsibility is crucial. In this context, it means that both parties - the technician and the client - share the duty of creating a safe space. Neither party can shirk their responsibilities without compromising safety.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, the story we've shared today underscores the unpredictable nature of animals, even those we consider as pets. The incident of the eyelid ripped off by a Chihuahua is shocking and serves as a reminder to be cautious around animals.
While this event is absolutely distressing, it's important to learn from it. Here are a few key takeaways from this incident:
- Always be cautious when interacting with animals, even if they are familiar to you.
- Never place your face too close to an animal's, especially when it is eating, sleeping, or feeling anxious.
- Ensure that pets are in a separate room or securely confined when carrying out delicate procedures such as eyelash extensions.
While the severity of the injury experienced by the woman in this incident is uncommon, it serves as a reminder of the importance of treating all animals with respect and caution. This is true irrespective of their size or breed.
