EYELASH LOVE

When it comes to getting the long luscious lashes that all women want, there are many different options to chose from. It can be a bit overwhelming with all of the products out there boasting guaranteed increase in length and volume of lashes. There are many over the counter products including lengthening mascaras, eyelash conditioners with lengthening, eyelash extensions & false eyelashes. Lengthening mascaras can improve the look of your lashes, but we all know there is no magic in them. Obviously, the mascara you chose does play a part in achieving that perfect lash look though. We recommend making sure you use a lash conditioner or "base" prior to putting on the black stuff. This gives yours lashes one more coat which will make them appear fuller and longer! We love Jane Iredale's PureLash Extender Conditioner. Check out this video to learn how to properly use a conditioner prior to your mascara.

As for false eyelashes and eyelash extensions, while they do create a beautiful look, they can be very expensive and a lot of work to keep up! So, even though there are many options at your local drug store and Sephora there doesn't seem to be one that has it all. This is when it's time to visit your plastic surgeon! You may have heard of a prescription medication called Latisse. Latisse (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03% is a topical medication applied to your upper lash line daily to promote growth of lashes, including length, thickness and darkness.

Results after using Latisse for 16 weeks

The medication in Latisse was originally used intraocularly (into the eye) to treat glaucoma. It was then observed that patients who were you using this medication started growing fuller thicker lashes, so Allergan decided to formulate it into a cosmetic application to help treat hypotrichosis (inadequate or not enough eyelashes).

Like any medication, there are risks and contraindications associated with use of Latisse. Patients who have Glaucoma and are on medication to decrease intraocular pressure (IOP) should only use Latisse with close monitoring for changes in their IOP as concurrent administration of Latisse and IOP-lowering prostaglandin analogs may decrease the IOP-lowering effect.

 Latisse may cause hyperpigmentation (darkening) of the eyelid or the iris (the colored part of the eye). If hyperpigmentation of the iris occurs this is likely permanent. Eyelid hyperpigmentation usually resolves once Latisse is discontinued. This risk is something that we find patients to be particularly worried about prior to explanation. The hyperpigmentation of the eyelid is something that most women will barely notice. If  you have light skin you may notice a slight red hue to the skin just above your lashes and if you have darker skin you may notice a slight purple hue. For most women this does not turn out to be a problem as once you have your eyeliner and eyeshadow on you can no longer see this hyperpigmentation. As far as pigment in the iris, this is a very rare occurrence and has in fact only happened with the use of bismatoprost intraocularly. Patients with completely blue eyes are not at risk at all as blue eyes lack any pigment and therefore no pigment can be put down in them. Brown eyes, while at risk for more pigment to occur, would be unlikely to show any noticeable difference in pigment, as they are already dark. Patients most at risk are those with hazel eyes, green eyes, or blue eyes with flecks of gold or brown in them. Other risks include red itchy eyes, dry eyes, and swelling around the eyes.

Latisse should not be used in women who are pregnant or breast feeding. Latisse should not be used while contacts are worn. Contacts must be removed first and the patient should wait at least 15 min after application of Latisse to reinsert contacts.

 

Now that we have gone over all of the risk and contraindictions, let's talk about how you actually use Latisse. Latisse comes as a 30 day supply with 60 applicators and an eyedropper bottle of medication. It is only nessecary to use 1 drop of latisse to treat both upper lashes. Take the top of the eyedropper bottle and flip it over and then squeeze 1 drop of the liquid into the top. You can then take the applicator and dip it into the top and then glide it across the lash line just above your upper lash. You do not need to treat your lower lash. The instructions say to use a seperate applicator for each eye, but we find that it is okay to use the same applicator for both eyes. The applicator should be thrown away after 1 use though.  Watch this video from Allergan, the creator of Latisse to see exactly how to apply the product.

You will start to notice a difference after using Latisse for about 4 weeks. As you continue to use it your lashes will continue to become longer and fuller! If you stop using Latisse your lashes will slowly return to the length and thickness they were prior. They will not become shorter or thinner than before use of Latisse. If you are interesting in getting started with Latisse please call our office to make an appointment for a consult and to get your first prescription! Please comment with any questions regarding Latisse. Thicker, fuller lashes are in your future!!