nonsurgical procedures

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved LATISSE in 2008 for the treatment of eyelash hypotrichosis (inadequate or sparse eyelashes). It is the first and only FDA-approved prescription treatment for growing thicker, fuller, longer and darker eyelashes and is available only through a physician.

Before and After Latisse

Bimatoprost, the active ingredient in LATISSE, was approved by the FDA in 2001 and has a well-established record of safety for therapeutic use, with more than 13 years of clinical trial experience in the treatment of glaucoma patients. Its benefit for the treatment of inadequate eyelash growth was originally observed as a positive side-effect that occurred during its use in treating glaucoma patients.

The best candidates for LATISSE treatments:

• are generally healthy with no active eye condition, infection or disease.
• have lost lashes as a result of medications used to treat other conditions.
• have a hereditary tendency toward thin or sparse eyelashes.
• have realistic expectations.
• desire fuller, longer, and darker eyelashes.

LATISSE is used once each day (Using it more frequently than once each day will not hasten results.). It is suggested that you use it as a part of your bedtime routine after you have removed make-up and mascara and washed your face. Since there is a chemical preservative in the solution, contacts must be removed before applying LATISSE and must remain out for at least 15 minutes after application.

At each use, one drop of the solution is placed on the sterile applicator near (but not on) the tip. Holding the applicator horizontally, it is drawn gently across the base of the upper eyelid where the eyelid skin meets the lashes, going from the inner part of the lash line to the outer portion. Any excess solution that goes beyond the eyelid should be blotted with a tissue or cotton pad.

Do not apply LATISSE to the lower eyelid.

Use only the sterile applicators supplied with the product and use a new applicator when treating each eye. Using a new sterile applicator with each application helps to minimize the potential for contamination from one eyelid to another.

LATISSE users should see changes in the length, thickness, and darkness of the eyelashes in approximately 4-8 weeks. Maximum results should be visible after 16 weeks.

If LATISSE use is stopped, the eyelashes will gradually return to their previous state within a few weeks to months (depending on the individual’s eyelash growth cycle).

There is no recovery period associated with the use of LATISSE.

The most common side effects of using LATISSE are eye redness or an itching sensation. (This has been reported in approximately 4% of patients.) Other less common side effects are darkening of the skin near where the LATISSE is applied (This may be reversible.), eye irritation, and dryness of the eyes.

Some users have experienced an increase in the brown pigmentation (color) of the colored part of the eye. This is likely to be permanent.

If LATISSE accidentally gets into the eye, it is not expected to cause harm since it is an ophthalmic treatment product. Do not attempt to rinse your eye if this should happen.