The discovery of LATISSE® has a very similar story to the discovery of Botox. Botox was discovered by an eye doctor treating patients for eye tics. The doctor noticed not only did Botox injections stop the twitching, but the patients also had fewer wrinkles around their eyes. Latisse’s story begins the same way. In 2001, a medicated eye drop was being used to treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Just like Botox, eye doctors using this drop discovered that not only were their patients’ glaucoma improving but so was the length, color, and fullness of their lashes as a side effect. This led to the study of the medication’s active ingredient, bimatoprost, specifically for growing lashes. After a clinical trial to study the safety and effectiveness for lash growth, LATISSE® was approved by the FDA in December of 2008.
Getting started and How Does Latisse work?
Your first step is to have a complimentary consultation to determine your candidacy. Once Dr. Bense determines that you are a candidate, the process is very simple. The LATISSE® kit contains one bottle of sterile solution and 60 sterile single-use applicators. LATISSE® is an ‘easy-to-follow’ protocol to implement into one’s daily regime. You will be instructed to apply one drop of LATISSE® along the skin of the upper eyelid at the margin where the eyelashes meet the skin each night for 16 weeks to get maximum results. The solution spreads to your lower lash line automatically as you blink. Most patients can expect to experience longer, fuller and darker eyelashes in as little as eight weeks, but the full efficacy of the treatment is normally seen at 16 weeks. The key is to use LATISSE® regularly to get the most benefit from it.
Most importantly you will have to be patient when starting LATISSE®. You should know about its safety information, have a basic understanding of the products and commit to the 16-week protocol to achieve your maximum results. You will need to book a complimentary consultation because a doctor has to prescribe the treatment for you.
Call to book a complimentary consultation and find out how your lashes can be better than ever!
How LATISSE® is different than other Lash products on the market
Not all lash growth products are created equal. LATISSE® is currently the only lash growth product on the market with substantiated research to back its claims and is the only FDA-approved product to grow lashes longer, fuller and darker. It has been studied for safety and efficacy and is available only through a Doctor by prescription.
Exact protocol for applying LATISSE® at night
It is helpful to apply LATISSE®at the same time every night, so it easily becomes a part of your nightly regime. First, ensure the face is clean, makeup and contact lenses are removed, and any other facial care products have been applied. Then, carefully apply one drop of Latisse to the disposable sterile applicator supplied and apply evenly along the skin of the upper eyelid at the base of the eyelid. The upper lid in the area of lash growth should feel lightly moist without runoff. Blot any excess solution runoff outside the upper eyelid with a tissue. Dispose of the applicator after one use and then repeat for the opposite upper eyelid margin using a new sterile applicator. Do not reuse applicators and do not use any other brush/applicator to apply Latisse. Not for use in the eye.
Latisse® is safe and FDA approved
LATISSE® received approval from the FDA in December 2008 as the first and only prescription treatment to grow lashes longer, fuller and darker for those who do not have enough lashes. It has been studied for safety and efficacy and since FDA approval approximately 2.5 million kits of LATISSE® have been sold.
Potential side effects of Latisse
The most common side effects after using LATISSE® solution are an itching sensation in the eyes and/or eye redness. This was reported in approximately 4% of patients in the clinical study. LATISSE® solution may cause other less common side effects, which typically occur on the skin close to where LATISSE® is applied, or in the eyes. These include skin darkening, eye irritation, dryness of the eyes and redness of the eyelids. While this is a common concern, eyelid skin darkening is a less common side effect. In a study for FDA approval, localized skin darkening only occurred in approximately 2.9% of patients using LATISSE®. It’s caused by an increase in melanin close to where the solution is applied and is expected to reverse several weeks to months after discontinuing use of the product. LATISSE® use may cause increased brown iris pigmentation of the colored part of the eye which is likely to be permanent. While very infrequent, increased iris pigmentation has occurred when LATISSE® solution was administered
Do not apply LATISSE® in your eye or to the lower lid.
How results are maintained
To maintain luxurious lashes, treatment protocol must be continued. If use of LATISSE® is discontinued, eyelashes will gradually return to where they were before treatment over a period of weeks to months (average eyelash hair cycle).
Contact lens wearers can use use LATISSE
Yes, but you should take them out before applying LATISSE®. Just remove your contact lenses and then wait for 15 minutes after applying LATISSE® before putting your contacts back.
LATISSE is not only for women
Absolutely! Both men and women can use LATISSE® to increase the length, thickness and darkness of the eyelashes if Dr. Bense determines they are appropriate candidates for treatment.
