Is Latisse All It’s Cracked Up to Be?

Is it really true that there’s a medication to help you grow fuller, thicker eyelashes? Sounds too good to be true, right? Latisse, which contains bimatoprost, can actually help you achieve the eyelashes you’ve always dreamed of, but there may be a catch. While many men and women have been able to benefit from Latisse, the medication may not be for everyone. As with any medication or procedure, there are pros and cons to using Latisse for eyelash growth, so doing a little research before you decide one way or the other can be a great first step. Make yourself familiar with the product and what it can and cannot do, know the potential risks, and then weigh your options.

What Is Latisse and What Can It Do?

Latisse was actually first used as an eyedrop treatment prescribed for glaucoma under the brand name of Lumigen. People who were using this treatment then began to notice that their eyelashes seemed fuller and darker since they started using Lumigen, so Latisse was then created as a separate product. It is marketed only for its use as an eyelash enhancer and not for treating glaucoma. Because of this, those with glaucoma should talk to their doctor before using Latisse, as getting any extra treatment into the eye may reduce its effectiveness. (Web MD)

Latisse is FDA approved for its ability to help those with hypotrichosis, a condition of abnormal hair growth patterns that can cause some people to have very few eyelashes. When used regularly, prescription Latisse has been shown to be very effective at promoting eyelash growth (length, thickness and darkness). However, it requires continuous use of the product to maintain its results, so if you’re considering Latisse, know that it will require a long-term commitment. (Mayo Clinic)

Who’s a Good Candidate for Latisse?

If small, thin eyelashes are a concern, you could be a good candidate for Latisse. Research has also shown promising evidence that Latisse may also be effective at treating some of the symptoms of alopecia, which can cause hair loss on the scalp or all over the body. (International Journal of Trichology)

You may not be a candidate for Latisse, though, if you’re already using a glaucoma treatment or if you have other eye conditions like conjunctivitis or severe allergies. Although Latisse is safe for most people, consult your doctor if you’re considering using it to enhance your eyelashes. (WebMD)

How Much Does It Cost?

Current pricing for a one-month supply of Latisse is quoted at your consultation. It’s recommended that you use Latisse twice a day for at least two months before your full results will appear, so be prepared to commit to at least two months of treatment. Afterwards, you will need to continue using Latisse, or your eyelashes will return to their normal pattern of growth. (Latisse FAQ)

Are There Side Effects?

While Latisse has been FDA approved as a safe and effective prescription medication to promote healthy eyelash growth, it can have some side effects. The most common symptoms include itchy, dry, or red eyes, darkened eyelids, and hair growth around the eye. To avoid hair growth in unwanted areas, make sure you very carefully apply the medication to only the upper eyelids. Most people have reported that dryness or irritation tends to resolve itself and is only mild. But if it persists, you should stop using Latisse.

There have also been few reports of the medication causing discoloration of the iris, which is not reversible. However, the majority of men and women who have used Latisse have not reported any problems with this discoloration, though it’s important to take this possibility into consideration when deciding whether or not Latisse is right for you. (Mayo Clinic)

Pros vs. Cons

When it comes to choosing any medical treatment or procedure, it’s crucial that you weigh the pros and cons before reaching a final decision. Many men and women can truly benefit from Latisse, especially if they’re suffering from a condition that’s causing abnormal hair loss or growth patterns. If a low eyelash count is interfering with your self-esteem or quality of life, then it may well be worth trying Latisse. Conversely, this treatment isn’t meant to act as an alternative to mascara or other beauty products, so if your choice is purely cosmetic, you may want to weigh your options.

When it comes down to it, the most important thing is that you talk with your doctor. He or she is best equipped to give you advice that takes your unique situation and circumstances into account. Latisse can be a great product for those who need it, so it’s best to work closely with your doctor to help you determine whether or not it’s right for you.

The team at Acqua Blu Medical Spa under Dr. Brian V. Heil, MD, FACS would be happy to discuss this treatment with you in more detail, and can help you make an informed decision. To make an appointment, please contact Acqua Blu Medical Spa at (724) 933-1800.