Latisse® is the first and only FDA approved treatment for hypotrichosis of the eyelashes. Hypotrichosis is another name for having inadequate or not enough eyelashes. Latisse is a breakthrough treatment to enhance eyelash prominence by increasing length, thickness, and darkness. Available only through prescription, Latisse is a once-daily treatment applied to the base of the upper eyelashes. Patients using Latisse can expect to experience longer, fuller, and darker eyelashes in as little as four weeks, with full results in sixteen weeks.
What Are My Options?
Patients can choose Latisse to treat hypotrichosis or for purely cosmetic purposes. It may be used to further enhance the affects of mascara or to help patients achieve a more defined look without the help of makeup.
Considerations
If you want longer, fuller, and darker eyelashes, you are most likely a candidate for Latisse. Not everyone, however, may be right for the treatment. Your doctor will evaluate your medical history to determine if you are a good candidate. You should not use Latisse if you have an active eye condition, such as an eye infection, or have broken or irritated skin on your eyelid. If you are using products for elevated intraocular pressure, you should use Latisse only after consulting with your doctor.
Expectations
Although the precise mechanism of action is not known, research suggests that the growth of eyelashes occurs by increasing the percent of hairs in the anagen (or growth) phase. Eyelashes can grow longer, thicker, and darker because the active ingredient, bimatoprost, can also increase the duration of this growth phase.
Latisse does not replace mascara, as it creates lashes that are actually longer and darker, instead of just appearing to be so. Mascara can be used as a nice complement to Latisse in order to further enhance your lashes and create a fuller, more attractive look.
Treatment
To obtain the best results for your eyelashes, Latisse should be applied routinely with consistency and precision. It is important to apply the medication each night, as part of your daily routine. Latisse should be applied after makeup and contact lenses are removed, and other skincare products have already been applied.
Latisse is applied with a disposable applicator that is coated in one drop of the solution and then applied to the skin at the base of the upper eyelashes, similar to how liquid eyeliner is applied. It is important to blot any excess solution from the area in order to prevent it from spreading to other areas. Each Latisse applicator should only be used once to prevent any contamination or infection. If you miss an application one night, you should not try to catch up. Simply stay on schedule and continue to apply Latisse each night.
After Care & Recovery
After applying the Latisse solution to the eyelashes each night, patients should blot any excess tissue off with a tissue in order to achieve even results. Contact lenses can be put back on after about 15 minutes.
Some patients may experience itching or redness after using Latisse, but these side effects are usually temporary. It is important to notify your doctor if you experience these symptoms. If treatment with Latisse is stopped, eyelashes will return to their previous appearance. Following Dr. Trussler’s instructions for Latisse treatment will yield the most effective and longest-lasting results.
Whether you have a question or would like to setup a consultation, Dr. Trussler and his staff are here to help. Please fill out our contact form, or call our Austin office at 512-450-1077 to schedule an appointment. Start your journey to not only looking, but feeling better today!
