Woodstock dermatologists explain the uses and expectations of Latisse treatment for beautiful eyelashes
Posted by Dr. Vikram Khanna
Aging gracefully isn’t easy. It comes with new challenges such as aches and pains, lines and wrinkles, and thinning eyelashes. Thick, long eyelashes are exciting and when they shorten or fall out, it is disappointing. Eyelashes may thin, shorten, or fall out for a number of reasons including the following:
- The aging process may lead to hormonal imbalances.
- Being too rough such as scrubbing your eyes during makeup removal can damage the eyelashes.
- Certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems, psoriasis, or eczema can cause the eyelashes to fall out.
- Eyelash extensions are applied with a medical grade glue. Pulling off the lashes rather than letting them fall out naturally causes damage. Likewise, pulling off false lashes instead of using a proper cleanser to soften the glue is damaging.
- Chemotherapy drugs often cause hair loss.
- Allergic reactions to mascara can cause the lashes to fall out. Failing to remove mascara before bedtime may lead to the mascara hardening and breaking the lashes.
What is Latisse?
Latisse is a 0.03% bimatoprost solution that was originally used in glaucoma treatments. When used in treatments, doctors noticed that a side effect was longer, fuller eyelashes. Upon further testing, it was shown to be successful in treating hypotrichosis which is described as sparse or inadequate hair or eyelash growth. This led to the creation of Latisse, the cosmetic formulation of bimatoprost.CALL OUR OFFICE
Latisse is the first FDA-approved product for eyelash enhancement. It is available only by prescription or through a medical professional. It is unknown exactly how Latisse works. However, it is believed to work by increasing the growth cycle of the eyelash hair. It increases the length of this phase and the number of hairs.
Produced by Allergan, a leader in the pharmaceutical industry and the manufacturer of Botox and Juvederm, Latisse is a successful treatment to achieve longer, thicker, and darker eyelashes. This topical nightly application helps patients achieve gradual improvement in the appearance of their lashes.
Latisse uses and expectations
Latisse should be applied nightly for maximum results. First, complete your normal bedtime routine of cleansing the face and removing contact lenses. Using a sterile, small brush applicator, brush the solution along the upper eyelid lash line. Do not brush more than twice as the solution could drip into or on the eye itself. The solution spreads to the lower lashes when you blink. There is no need to apply directly to the lower lash line. Discard the used applicator. Use a new applicator for each eye, each night. This prevents contaminating the solution. Patients must be consistent to see results. With regular application, Latisse users start to see results in 6 to 8 weeks. Optimal results are found in 16 weeks. Patients can expect thicker, longer, darker eyelashes. A maintenance regimen should be followed to maintain the lush, long lashes.
Anyone who desires beautiful, long eyelashes may qualify for treatment. Latisse is a prescription product and is not available over the counter. Patients who are interested must consult with a physician first to ensure nothing in their medical histories will interfere with the treatment. Qualified candidates must fit the following guidelines:
- Be in good physical and mental health.
- Are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Have realistic expectations.
- Do not have eye conditions that may interfere with the treatment.
When used as directed, Latisse is a simple, effective treatment. If you are ready for longer, fuller lashes, ask about Latisse treatment for beautiful eyelashes. Contact Dermatology Specialists of Illinois for an appointment in Woodstock or Algonquin. Call (844) 307-7546.
