There’s an exciting new product available for those who are unhappy with the appearance of their eyelashes — Latisse®. In clinical studies, 78% of participants saw significant overall eyelash improvement.
Latisse® is a prescription solution applied topically to eyelashes to help them grow longer, darker and fuller. Originally, it was approved to treat the medical condition hypotrichosis, which is the inability to grow eyelashes, or not having enough eyelashes. Latisse®, or bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03 %, causes eyelashes to gradually grow longer and darker over a treatment course of 16 weeks. It is an FDA-approved treatment and is now available to our Portland-area patients.
In the studies, patients reported an average of 25 % increase in eyelash length, 106% increase in fullness, and 18% increase in darkness of lashe, so if you have issues with thin, pale or short lashes, Latisse® can help with those conditions.
What to Expect
At Cosmetic Enhancement Center of New England, we prescribe Latisse® after an appointment with one of our doctors, as it is a medical prescription and we want to be sure you are under a doctor’s care while using it. Some medical conditions or other prescriptions may also interfere with using Latisse®, and we want to keep our patients in the best possible health!
Once you’ve been approved to start applying Latisse® to your eyelashes, have patience. The treatment works gradually, with the first results not typically seen for 4 to 6 weeks. The entire course of treatment — when you can expect to see full, dramatic results — takes up to 16 weeks.
Application is easy, but must follow certain guidelines. Latisse® shouldn’t be applied to lower lashes, and precautions against infection should always be taken with fresh applicators and solution with each daily use. It’s important to use daily if you want to follow the course of the treatment for your best results. We also recommend applying the solution at night, as part of your regular nighttime routine. Contact lenses shouldn’t be worn while applying Latisse®.
Results
The first thing that happens is that eyelashes begin to show changes in length. Over time, you’ll see thicker and darker lashes as well. If you are pleased with your results by week 8 of treatment, don’t discontinue the application; your results at 16 weeks will be even more spectacular!
If you stop using Latisse®, lashes do return to their original appearance over time, in several weeks or even months. Results also can differ from eye to eye and person to person, with variances in eyelash length, thickness, darkness and number of lashes. Some people who use Latisse® report darkening of their irises, eyelid skin darkening, or stray eyelashes growing outside the treatment area.
There can be side effects, which you should always consult with our doctors about. Common complaints include itchy or red eyes, but careful application can help mitigate those problems.
Ask our doctors at Cosmetic Enhancement Center of New England about the possibility of ongoing use of Latisse®, or call us with any other questions about this exciting treatment.
