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Does Latisse Really Work?

October 7, 2019 by A Younger You

Does Latisse Really Work? - A Younger You Burlington

Long, full eyelashes give your face a more open, youthful and expressive appearance. If you're looking for a more natural-looking alternative to false eyelashes, treat your eyelashes with Latisse® at A Younger You Medical Spa Burlington, Wisconsin.

What Is Latisse®?

Latisse® is the only FDA-approved treatment for thinning eyelashes and is available only by prescription. The medical professionals at A Younger You Medical Spa, with locations in Burlington and Brookfield, Wisconsin, are experienced in the use of Latisse® and can help you achieve the dramatic eyelashes you've been longing for.

The active ingredient in Latisse®, bimatoprost, was originally formulated by major pharmaceutical manufacturer Allergan as a prescription treatment to lower the elevated intraocular pressure associated with glaucoma. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2001. Patients and health care providers noticed that thicker, fuller lashes were an interesting side effect and an unexpected benefit of treatment with bimatoprost.

Further clinical studies with more than 300 participants showed that 78% of participants experienced

  • 25% increase in eyelash length
  • 106% increase in eyelash thickness
  • 18% increase in eyelash darkness

Following these studies, the FDA approved Latisse® for the treatment of thinning eyelashes in 2008. Its efficacy has made it a popular product, and it is now estimated that someone buys a package of Latisse® every 30 seconds.

How Does Latisse® Work?

Latisse® is a prostaglandin analogue called bimatoprost. Prostoglandins are compounds that occur naturally in the body and, among their many functions, they seem to have a role in signaling hair follicles to grow.

Left to themselves, hair follicles cycle through phases of active growth when the hair sprouts and grows longer and phases of rest when the hair eventually falls out. You may have up to 200 eyelash follicles in your eyelid, of which about 90 percent will be in the growth phase at one time.

While researchers have still not completely unraveled the biochemical processes involved, Latisse® seems to both prolong the growth phase (called the anagen phase) and increase the number of follicles in the growth phase at the same time. The result? You will have more lashes growing, and they'll be growing longer and thicker.

Is Latisse® Treatment for You?

Your medical professional will want to ensure that you are in good health before prescribing Latisse® treatment. You may be asked:

  • Do you have conjunctivitis, a stye, or an active eye infection?
  • Are you at risk for macular edema?
  • Are you at risk for or under treatment for glaucoma?
  • Are you pregnant or nursing?
  • Do you have irritation or allergies around the eyes?
  • Have you had shingles around your eyes?
  • Do you have a history of sensitivity to bimatoprost?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may need to delay treatment or consider alternatives to treatment with Latisse®.

Generally, most healthy people who want a proven, FDA-approved treatment for eyelash loss can safely use Latisse®. Even people who have experienced eyelash loss due to chemotherapy, alopecia, or other medical conditions may be able to improve the appearance of their eyelashes with Latisse®.

How Is Latisse® Used?

When you have your prescription for Latisse® filled, you will be given both the medication and a supply of sterile applicators. It is essential to use a new, sterile applicator EVERY time you use the product to prevent the possibility of eye infections.

Make Application Part of Your Routine

Successful treatment depends on getting into a routine for proper application. Most people find it easiest to apply Latisse® at night as part of their bedtime routine. Wash your face thoroughly, making sure to remove contact lenses and any eye makeup.

Prevent Potential Infection

Hold the applicator horizontally, and squeeze just one drop of the medication onto the stem of the applicator, just behind the tip. Be very careful not to touch the opening of the bottle or the tip of the applicator with your fingers or other surfaces to avoid contaminating them with bacteria that might cause infections.

Use the Applicator

Stroke the applicator lightly and carefully along the edge of the upper lid at the base of the eyelashes, starting at the inside corner of the eye and sweeping outward. Do not attempt to use Latisse® by dropping it directly on the eyelid. Studies have shown that this tends to smear the medication over the eyelid and into the eyes.

Clean Up Excess

Carefully blot the skin if you spread Latisse® beyond the eyelid. (Latisse® can potentially grow hair on any skin, if it is repeatedly applied there. Remove any excess to avoid hair growth where you don't want it!) Latisse® is only applied to the top eyelid. Use a fresh applicator for the other eye.

Thinning Eyebrows

If you would like to give your eyebrows a little boost as well, you can apply any excess Latisse® on the applicator to your eyebrows.

Don't Double Applications

You will need to apply Latisse® every night. If you do miss a night, set a reminder for bedtime so you can be sure to apply the next night. (Do not attempt to make up for the missed dose by doubling the application.)

Contact Lens Use

Wait 15 minutes after application if you wish to re-insert your contact lenses.

When Will You See Results?

The natural growth phase (the anagen phase) of the hair follicle lasts one to two months. Since Latisse® works with the natural growth cycle, by extending the growth phase, you will not see instant results. Be patient and have faith.

Most people see new lash growth six to eight weeks into treatment. You should see full results in about 16 weeks. At that point, your medical professional will assess whether you need to continue using Latisse® every 24 hours or at longer intervals.

If you stop using Latisse®, your eyelash growth pattern will gradually return to its pre-treatment state.

Using Eye Makeup

You can continue to enhance the appearance of your eyes with mascara, eye shadows, and eyeliner. After all, the goal of Latisse® treatment and the other treatments available at A Younger You Medical Spa is to help you feel more confident in your appearance and more comfortable in your skin!

Where to Get Latisse® Treatment

Latisse® is a prescription medication and should be used with the guidance of a medical professional. Our experienced staff of medical professionals will assess whether you can safely use Latisse® and answer any questions you may have about treatments for thinning eyelashes. Learn more about Latisse® at A Younger You Medical Spa in Burlington, Wisconsin.

We offer free consultations to our customers in Burlington and Brookfield and throughout southeastern Wisconsin. If you're interested in learning more about the services available to you, visit one of our convenient sites. Our staff is committed to assisting you in realizing your aesthetic vision in an environment that values your time, respects your privacy, and leaves you refreshed and ready to take on another day.

333 Milwaukee Avenue, Burlington, WI 53105

18900 W. Bluemound Road, Suite 112, Brookfield, WI 53045
Located At The Galleria West Shopping Center