Rather eyelash fullness has been a problem your whole life or just something that’s worsened as you’ve aged, you’re not alone. Many women are unsatisfied with the natural fullness of their lashes. While false eyelashes and mascara can temporarily solve the problem, these measures can be expensive and time-consuming.
At Cosmetic and Surgical Arts Center, we offer Latisse® so you can say goodbye to these methods forever. Latisse® is a proven effective way to make your lashes fuller, longer, and darker.
Latisse® is an FDA approved medication that combats hypotrichosis — the condition of having inadequate or not enough eyelashes. In the third phase of the US clinical trial of Latisse®, it was found that 91% of the participants achieved double their previous lash fullness after a 16 week period of treatment. Interestingly enough, this medication was discovered entirely by accident.
In 2001, a company called Allergen produced eye drops that were used to treat intraocular pressure. Many patients who received this medication ended up developing fuller, longer lashes. Curious about this side effect, researchers began to test the ways the medication’s active ingredient — bimatoprost — could be used to lengthen short eyelashes. After a series of clinical trials, Latisse® was created and distributed after FDA approval in 2008.
How it Works
Latisse® is not administered in our office. Instead, it’s a medication that is to be applied at home nightly. Results should show themselves entirely within 16 weeks of beginning treatment.
Bimatoprost is the active ingredient in Latisse ® that is responsible for the amazing results it produces. While we’re uncertain exactly how it does this, we know that Latisse ® works in two distinct phases: the lengthening phase and the growth phase. During the lengthening phase, your pre-existing lashes grow longer. During the growth phase, new lashes grow, bringing a darker, fuller look to your eyelashes.
Do’s and Don’ts of Latisse® Application
While using Latisse® is fairly simple, there are a few simple precautions that need to be taken to ensure your safety and the medication’s effectiveness:
- Remove contact lenses before you apply Latisse®. After applying the medication, wait 15 minutes before reinserting your contact lenses.
- Do not apply the medication to your lower lid or in your eye. Be sure to blot any excess solution with a tissue so this doesn’t happen by accident.
- Do not allow the tip of the bottle/applicator to touch anything other than your skin of your upper eyelid. This could cause infection.
- Only use the included applicators to apply Latisse®.
Possible Side Effects
While Latisse® has been proven to be a safe, reliable product, everyone responds to it a little bit differently. The most common side effects of Latisse ® are redness and an itching, burning sensation of the eye. Less common side effects include skin darkening, intense eye irritation, dryness, or redness. If you experience particularly painful side effects following your use of Latisse®, or begin to notice changes in your vision, stop using Latisse ® immediately and contact your doctor immediately.
If you’re interested in Latisse® and would like to know if you’re a candidate for this exciting treatment, contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you.
