Eyelash Enhancements by Latisse

Eyelash enhancements by Latisse took a turn and were finally approved by the FDA in 2008. Being a relatively new prescription to treat insufficient or scarce eyelash growth. Latisse is a medication that is applied with a sterile applicator to the lash line of the upper lashes. Which also treats the lower lashes when you blink and the medication transfers to the lower lash line. So it doesn’t need to be applied directly. 

Within four to sixteen weeks, the lashes begin to thicken. It was studied to show a 25% increase in lash length, 106% increase in lash thickness and fullness, and an 18% increase in lash darkness. 

Latisse is a name brand marketed for the medication bimatoprost. Also known as Lumigan, which is a medication that is used to treat glaucoma. With an unexpected side effect of eyelash growth, led to the creation of Latisse.    

Latisse Origins

Many patients who used Lumigan, were surprised to find that they developed fuller, longer, and darker lashes. It was this side effect that inspired the creation and distribution of Latisse for eyelash enhancement treatment. Considered mostly a cosmetic medication which does require a prescription. The medication is used to treat hypotrichosis of the upper lashes where the active ingredients in Latisse help stimulate the hair follicles so that the hair grows faster. 

Eyelash Enhancements by Latisse Work Well for Many But Not All

This also helps the people who naturally have shorter eyelashes. Latisse is known to help a majority of people but results may vary per patient. Latisse is still partly a mystery. No one doctor is completely sure how or why it stimulates hair growth but have relied on the solution of thousands of people who ended up with the desired results. 

Common Complications from Latisse

Although Latisse is one of the few eyelash enhancement serums on the market that is regulated by both the FDA and DEA, there are still side effects, reactions, and complications that can occur while taking the medication. 

  There are a lot of reasons one may consider using an eyelash enhancement such as Latisse to effectively grow their lashes. Even over time, there are common causes for eyelashes to fall out of become much thinner:

• Clogged glands from oil or eyelid irritation from Blepharitis
• Skin Cancer that has localized
• Alopecia
• Cosmetics that can be irritating
• Anxiety disorders that lead to pulling out hair, Trichotillomania

For underlying medical conditions, Latisse is not used to solve this problem alone. It is mainly used to treat hypotrichosis and is not recommended for people who are younger than 18. 

Side Effects with Latisse      

A consultation with your doctor will help you decide whether Latisse is right for you. Warnings and risks that are associated with Latisse for eyelash enhancements are best discussed with your medical professionals. Although it is regulated by the FDA and the DEA, the regulations are not tight and every individual should be aware of its potential side effects or reactions:     

• Most people wear contact lenses. It is warned that Latisse and contact lenses can be risky. Contact lenses are soft and can absorb the medication in Latisse called benzalkonium chloride. It’s important to apply Latisse without contact lenses and wait up to fifteen minutes before placing them back in your eyes. 
• It has also been recorded that changes in iris pigmentation have occurred in patients who used Latisse for an extended period of time. Mostly in people who have lighter eyes, Latisse may add brown spots that are permanent. Caused by the added melanin content. Which chemically changes the eye color permanently. Most likely after using Latisse for several months or years. 
• Applying Latisse to only the recommended area of skin. If Latisse is applied to the outside thin upper eyelash line, it can cause more hair growth in that area. 
• Dry eyes or irritated eyes, maybe a side effect of Latisse which could lead to visual complications. 
• Changing the fluid pressure in the eye. A small risk, but still a risk. Latisse can cause a small risk of macular edema. It’s important to understand your overall eye health and the changes in pressure and fluids in all parts of your eyes so your vision doesn’t become impacted by the treatment.
• Intraocular inflammation, especially from a pre-existing condition like uveitis
• Reducing Intraocular pressure and masking glaucoma and possibly damaging nerves
• Changes in pigmentation on eyelids. Due to added melanin to the skin, the preorbital area, or the eyelid can darken with increased uses of Latisse. Unlike iris pigmentation, eyelid pigmentation typically goes away after treatment isn’t continued
• Avoiding use during pregnancy

Most people can safely use Latisse without any complications. It’s best to speak to your doctor to inquire about using Latisse for eyelash enhancements. 

A Few Tips:

• Latisse is not recommended for breastfeeding or pregnant women
• Since it’s a prescription, it shouldn’t be used by anyone other than to whom it was prescribed
• Call your doctor if there’s a suddenly developed or developing eye condition or decrease in your vision
• Do not reuse the single-use applicator. Contamination can lead to serious eye infections

People Who Benefit from Eyelash Enhancements by Latisse

It may take time for the serum to start to show any results. It does not work immediately. On average it takes up to two months of applications to make noticeably longer and darker eyelashes. 

For some people, the benefit of Latisse is optimal. People with:

• Genetic causes for thinner or lighter eyelashes
• Loss of hair due to injury
• Loss of hair due to chemotherapy or cancer treatments
• Medical conditions that affect the eyes, eyelids, and eyelashes

Latisse is a serum for maintenance. It is important to not stop using Latisse when your first notice growth. In order for the results to last, the continuation of using the medication will ensure a fuller fringe that will last. Otherwise, the lashes can go back to normal. 

Latisse encourages the growth phase period, the anagen phase, of the eyelash hair cycle. It’s imperative to continue the encouragement of the growth phase through several cycles. It is believed that it increases the length of the anagen phase and the numbers of hairs that grow. 

Odds are, you will find all kinds of serums in beauty aisles that cater to eyelash enhancements. Promising to mimic Latisse’s effects. The difference between them is Latisse is the one and only FDA approved treatment. Meaning the other over-the-counter beauty items and their safety and effects are unknown. 

Latisse is the first FDA approved product to prove it’s results. If you’re interested in considering Latisse for longer, fuller lashes, talk to your eye doctor about your overall eye health and the possible options for a prescription. 

Be sure to closely follow the instructions when using the prescription for Latisse. Maintain the proper dosage from your doctor that was provided for optimal eye health. Increasing dosage will not speed up results and add to a higher risk factor personally. 

If you would like to learn more about your options for Latisse as an eyelash enhancement prescription, schedule a consultation with Dr. Balshi at (561) 272-6000 or send us a message on our Contact Page to set up your appointment.