Some people, whether due to medical issues or hereditary factors, have trouble growing eyelashes. Latisse has proven effective at helping patients grow thicker and fuller lashes. Dr. Matsuda, Dr. Sheu, and Dr. Jim On's dermatology clinic in Honolulu offers Latisse to our patients.
WHAT IS HYPOTRICHOSIS?
Hypotrichosis is a medical condition that may be present at birth or can develop in adulthood. It is characterized by an inability to grow sufficient amounts of hair. Hypotrichosis can involve the eyelashes and manifests as a person’s ability to grow eyelashes.
WHAT IS LATISSE?
The Latisse treatment is the ideal way to combat hypotrichosis, helping patients grow longer, thicker, darker eyelashes. The product has been approved by the FDA for patients who seek to grow and thicken their eyelashes. It can only be used on the upper eyelid margins and not on the lower eyelid.
HOW DOES LATISSE WORK?
The actual mechanism of the Latisse treatment is still somewhat of a mystery. Experts believe that it affects the eyelash hair cycle by involving the anagen phase (or the hair growth phase) in two ways. First, it lengthens the phase when hair grows. Second, it increases the number of hairs that are in this phase.
HOW IS LATISSE USED?
The Latisse treatment is a prescription applied once daily to the base of the upper eyelids where the eyelashes are located. A new sterile disposable applicator is used for each application. It is not to be applied to the lower eyelid.
HOW SOON WILL I SEE RESULTS FROM USING LATISSE?
Usually, users notice significant results within eight weeks. After three to four months, the results are usually complete. From there, maintenance will keep your results. Although it thickens the lashes, it is not an alternative for mascara. Latisse is not a medical procedure, but it requires a prescription from a doctor.
WHAT SHOULD I REMEMBER WHILE UNDERGOING MY LATISSE TREATMENT?
There are certain instructions that have to be followed in order to obtain positive results from the treatments:
- If you fail to apply treatment for a certain day, do not try to catch up. Instead, apply the treatment the following evening.
- If you halt treatment, your eyelashes may return to their original appearance.
- Latisse needs a prescription from a trusted doctor like Drs. Matsuda and Sheu. Your doctor will confirm if you need the treatment.
- Apply the solution only on the skin on the upper eyelids and at the base of the lashes.
- Hair growth may occur in certain areas that the solution frequently touches. Excess solution that is unintentionally applied needs to be removed immediately with any absorbent material such as tissues or cotton swabs.
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS FROM USING LATISSE?
Latisse may produce minor side effects, such as eye redness or an itching sensation on the eyes. However, the majority of patients do not feel any post-treatment discomfort at all. Other less common side effects may be felt on the surrounding skin of the treated area, including eye irritation, skin darkening, eye dryness, or redness around the eyelids.
WHAT ELSE DO I HAVE TO KNOW ABOUT LATISSE?
- Latisse will not be prescribed if you have allergies to any of its components.
- Patients who have eye pressure problems must also avoid Latisse treatments.
- Patients who have disorders involving the neuromuscular system, such as myasthenia gravis, ALS, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome may manifest more serious side effects when using Latisse.
It is best to consult an expert to find out if you are a good candidate for Latisse treatments.
