LATISSE®

What is Latisse®?

Latisse®™ is the first and only FDA approved treatment for growing fuller, longer, and darker eyelashes. Latisse® solution is a prescription treatment for hypotrichosis used to grow eyelashes, making them longer, thicker, and darker. Eyelash hypotrichosis is another name for having inadequate or not enough eyelashes.

Who Is a Candidate for Latisse®?

If you are unhappy with the length, thickness, or color of your eyelashes, Latisse®-enhanced lashes may be for you. If you spend hours placing false eyelashes on your lids, Latisse® would definitely be a timesaving option. Latisse® may also help augment other facial procedures if you have had eyelid surgery or injectables. Latisse® is currently being studied to see if it can play a role in helping cancer patients who have lost their eyelashes. If you are taking antibiotics and heart medications or if you have certain diseases or allergies, you may not be a candidate. Pregnant women and people with skin infections of the eyelids should not use Latisse®. All of your concerns should be discussed with our trained professionals at Comprehensive Dermatology Center of Pasadena before choosing Latisse®.

How do I use Latisse®?

Latisse® is a once daily application that comes in b5ml sizes. It is applied with sterile applicators; 60 of which are included with the product. These are the only appropriate applicators to use with Latisse® and it is important that you do not re-use applicators. You should apply Latisse® at night after taking out your eye contacts, removing your eye makeup, and after cleaning your face. The solution is applied only to the upper lash line and excess solution is blotted. Don’t worry about the lower eyelid line, as Latisse® will spread to your lower eyelid when you blink. Because the active ingredient in Latisse® affects all hair, it is important to wipe away any solution that drips beyond the lash line to prevent unwanted hair growth. After your lashes have grown for three to four months, you could maintain them by using the drug every other day but this should be discussed with your doctor. You can also use mascara in addition to Latisse® solution.

What to expect with Latisse®?

While using Latisse® your lashes will continue to grow without shedding as they normally would. They therefore will continue to grow longer until they have reached the desired length you choose. Maintenance treatments of 2-3 times per week will then maintain this desired length. Latisse® can also stimulate eyebrow growth in some patients.

When will I notice eyelash growth?

Enhanced eyelash growth is typically seen within 4-8 weeks but may take up to 3 months in certain patients. Once lashes have grown to their desired length reduce applications to 2-3 times per week. This is necessary to maintain your results. If application is discontinued completely eyelashes will begin to shed normally and return to their pretreatment appearance in 2-4 weeks.

What Are the Side Effects of Latisse®?

Latisse® side effects may include a transient darkening of the skin around the eyelids and/or brown pigmentation of the colored part of the eye, which may be permanent. In addition, it is possible that it may promote hair growth in other skin areas on which it is applied. To avoid this, the manufacturer suggests blotting it off any skin other than the upper eyelids’ lash line. Other side effects may include red and itchy eyes and skin hyperpigmentation.