What to Expect When Beginning Latisse

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Latisse is an extremely popular treatment for achieving long, full eyelashes, and we often recommend it to our patients with eyelash 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.Latisse is the first and only FDA-approved, science-based treatment proven to enhance lash thickness, darkness, and length. It is a once-daily prescription applied to the base of the upper eyelashes with a sterile, disposable applicator. However, you don’t simply apply Latisse once and develop lush, model-worthy lashes. It’s helpful to set your expectations ahead of time; here’s what you need to know before you begin your Latisse regimen.

Have Patience

Like most good things in life, beautiful eyelashes don’t just happen overnight. Latisse works gradually, affecting the lashes differently at various stages. After the first few applications, you may start to notice changes in length. After eight weeks, most patients find that their lashes appear fuller and darker. Though you may see some (or all) of these effects taking place in as little as eight weeks, it takes 16 weeks of treatment to see the full effect. Be patient. Continue applying the topical solution every day for the full 16-week period. Following that, you can talk to your doctor about ongoing use.

Incorporate it Into Your Nightly Routine

To achieve the best result, use Latisse once a day, every day, at night. If you stop using Latisseat any time before the 16-week period, your eyelashes will gradually return to their previous appearance. We recommend keeping it beside your face wash and moisturizers, and making it part of your nightly routine. Apply Latisse to a clean face that is free of makeup, and remove contact lenses prior to application.

Be Aware of Possible Side Effects

As with most prescription medicines, side effects are possible with Latisse. The most common are an itching sensation in the eyes and/or eye redness (reported in about 4% of patients). Other less common side effects include:

  • eyelid skin darkening,

  • eye irritation,

  • dryness of the eyes,

  • redness of the eyelids

These typically occur on the skin close to where Latisse is applied, or in the eyes. Be sure to follow the directions and only apply Latisse on the skin of the upper eyelid margins, at the base of the eyelashes, NOT on the lower lid.

Are you interested in learning more about Latisse? As an office with a medical director on-site (Dr. Cynthia Ruggero, a Board Certified MD and a member of the International Association of Physicians for Aesthetic Medicine), we are able to perform many treatments that aestheticians without medical directors cannot, including Latisse. At Leah Nickie ADVANCED AESTHETICS, your initial consultation is always complimentary. We would love to get to know you and talk through our treatment options to find the one that is right for you.Schedule your appointment today!

Feature photo courtesy of Pixabay Under Creative Commons 0 License