Latisse is a relatively recent development – an FDA-approved medication that is applied directly to your eyelashes, and which can increase eyelash length by around 25 percent, while also darkening and thickening your eyelashes. Latisse has been available for just over 10 years and has recently also been found to be effective at stimulating eyebrow growth.
How Does Latisse Work?
Latisse was originally developed as a glaucoma medication. It contains a lipid compound primarily intended to lower excessive pressure inside the eye when used in eye drops. However, as a side effect, it has been found to stimulate hair follicles to produce extra hair, as well as increasing the time during which individual hairs grow. Latisse also seems to increase the thickness and darkness of individual hairs.
How is Latisse Applied?
When used to stimulate eyelash growth Latisse must be applied daily to the edge of the upper eyelid. The treatment period is generally at least two months but extends for as long as you need.
A sterile applicator is used to minimize any risk of infection when applying Latisse – it’s also important to avoid touching the eyelash area after applying the product.
How Quickly Are Results Seen?
Some patience is required – hair growth is not immediate, but is typically seen only after approximately two months. You should certainly see significant improvements three months after starting treatment.
How Can Eyelashes Become Damaged?
Natural eyelashes are delicate, and easily damaged – applying and removing mascara, curling eyelashes, and applying artificial eyelash extensions can easily cause eyelashes to become brittle and break. Gluing artificial eyelashes on, and removing them afterward is another obvious way that eyelashes become damaged.
Some forms of vitamin deficiency can also have an impact on the growth cycle of hair follicles, which impacts the number and quality of individual eyelash hairs. This becomes a more significant problem as we age.
Other Precautions
It’s important to carefully follow the application instructions – Latisse should not be allowed to touch your eyeballs or to run off the area where it’s applied.
Your Laser Skin Care
Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified and highly experienced in performing several different types of non-invasive cosmetic procedures. We can provide you with expert advice on how best to address your particular concerns, and in particular whether Latisse is recommended for your personal situation. We can help advise you on choosing the safest, most effective, and most cost-effective way to achieve your cosmetic goals. Call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation, or visit us online for more information.