How does Latisse Work?

Latisse lengthens, thickens and darkens eyelashes. Manufactured by Allergan, the same company that markets Botox, Latisse contains the active ingredient found in Lumigan, a drug used to treat glaucoma. In fact, researchers discovered its eyelash enhancing properties by accident when glaucoma patients noticed that their eyelashes were growing longer, fuller and darker following Lumigan treatments.

The two drugs do differ in important ways. Lumigan is an eyedrop, while Latisse gets dabbed along the lash-line on the upper eyelids once a day. It is applied with sterile applicators; 60 of which are included with the product. These are the only appropriate applicators to use with Latisse. Do not re-use applicators.

Are you a Latisse Candidate?

Latisse-enhanced lashes is for you if you are unhappy with the length, thickness and color of your lashes. For example, if you spend hours meticuosly placing false eyelashes on your lids before a big social event, this treatment may be a time-saving option. Latisse may also help augment other facial plastic surgery procedures such as injectables or eyelid surgery.

Latisse is currently being studied to see if it has a role in treating cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy who have lost their eyelashes, much like other forms of hair loss experienced from this cancer treatment.

Pregnant women and people with skin infections of the upper eyelids should not use Latisse.

What are the proven Results?

According to studies, people who used this eyelash booster experienced:

• A 25% increase in the length of their eyelashes
• A 106% increase in the thickness/fullness of their eyelashes
• An 18% increase in the darkness of eyelashes

You will be batting your new eyelashes in as little as eight weeks, with full results in 16 weeks. The improvements are not permanent. Once you stop using Latisse, your eyelashes will gradually return to baseline.

Have you any Tips?

Wash your face and apply Latisse along the upper eyelid/ eyelash line. Don't worry about the lower eyelid line. The Latisse will spread to your lower eyelid when you blink. If you have any questions about how and when to use it, ask your doctor.

Are there any risks?

Latisse may cause a transient darkening of the skin around the eyelids and/or brown pigmentation of the colored part of the eye (which may permanent). In addition, it is possible that it may promote hair growth in other skin areas on which it is applied. To avoid this, the manufacturer suggests blotting it off any skin other than the upper eyelids' lash line.

Other Latisse side effects may include:

• Red eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Skin hyperpigmentation

What is the Costs?

A one-month supply of Latisse costs $120, and is not covered by insurance.