In addition to serving a cosmetic purpose (long, full eyelashes are associated with feminity and beauty), eyelashes are also extremely functional—they protect our eyes by providing a natural barrier between us and external elements, like the sun and sweat. Their reflexes also prompt the eye to close if an object gets too close to this sensitive area. Thinning eyelashes are an unfortunate part of the aging process, but if you’re noticing significantly fewer lashes than normal, you may have a condition called eyelash hypotrichosis.

What Is Hypotrichosis?

Hypotrichosis refers to a condition characterized by a lack of hair growth, and eyelash hypotrichosis is another name for having inadequate or not enough eyelashes. It can be congenital (from birth) or can occur as a result of the following:

- aging

- improper use of eyelash curlers

- hormone conditions

- chronic inflammation of the eyelash follicles (blepharitis) due to illness

- poor makeup removal technique

- improperly applied eyelash extensions

- allergies to the glue used to apply extensions, or

- reactions to certain cosmetics.

It’s not to be confused with alopecia, however, where you lose hair where there was once hair growth. It also differs from the natural process of hair thinning or falling out (balding) with age. Hypotrichosis describes a condition where there was never much hair growth in an area to begin with.

Treatment Options

We often recommend Latisse to our patients with hypotrichosis. Latisse is the first and only FDA-approved, science-based treatment to enhance eyelashes as measured by increases in length, thickness, and darkness. It is a once-daily prescription treatment applied to the base of the upper eyelashes with a sterile, disposable applicator. You can expect to see longer, fuller, and darker eyelashes in as little as eight weeks, with full results in 16 weeks.

Revitalash is another quality non-prescription lash enhancer used to treat inadequate eyelashes. This unique eyelash conditioner was designed by a doctor whose wife had lost her eyelashes due to breast cancer treatment. Its blend of biotin, green tea extract, peptides, and lipids helps condition and strengthen lashes while defending from breakage and brittleness. In keeping with the company’s origin, a portion of the proceeds goes to breast cancer research and educational initiatives.

We are pleased to be medically directed by Dr. Cynthia Ruggero, a Board Certified MD and a member of the International Association of Physicians for Aesthetic Medicine. As an office with a medical director on-site, we are able to perform many treatmentsthat aestheticians without medical directors cannot, including Latisse. At Leah Nickie ADVANCED AESTHETICS, your initial consultation is always free. We will take the time to get to know you and your skin concerns, and talk through all of the treatment options to find the one that is right for you. Make your appointment today!

Feature photo courtesy of Pixabay under Creative Commons 0 License