Latisse®
Latisse is the only FDA-approved prescription treatment for hypotrichosis, a condition which affects hair growth and fullness. For more information about this non-surgical cosmetic treatment or to schedule an appointment, contact our Gainesville plastic surgery center.
What Is Latisse?
Latisse is the only FDA-approved medication that may be used to treat individuals with hypotrichosis, the condition that causes a person to have very few eyelashes. After taking Latisse, patients will notice fuller, longer, and thicker eyelashes in roughly two months. The product contains an active ingredient called Bimatoprost, which is known for its ability to improve the rate and result of eyelash growth. Once used to treat certain eye conditions, such as glaucoma or unstable ocular pressure, this product has now been proven to be highly effective in enhancing both the look and feel of eyelashes.
How Does Latisse Work?
Latisse utilizes the active ingredient, 0.03 percent bimatoprost, to lengthen the hair growing (anagen) phase, which means that new lashes form quickly and old lashes fall out at a reduced rate. The active ingredient also increases the width of eyelashes, resulting in a fuller appearance. This provides patients with dense, thick lashes. Note that the effects of Latisse will only last while the patients are using the product. As patients stop using Latisse, the regular hair growth cycle will resume and lashes will return to their pre-Latisse state.
Candidates For Latisse
A thorough consultation is necessary before Dr. Poser supplies patients with the lash lengthening solution. If patients are taking antibiotics or on certain heart medications, they may not be suitable for Latisse eyelash treatment. Patients with neurological disorders, allergies, skin infections or those who are nursing or pregnant are not candidates for treatment.
How To Use Latisse
Latisse should be applied carefully on a clean, makeup-free face. Patients must remove contacts before applying the solution. It should be applied once a day for a minimum of eight weeks on the base of the upper eyelashes. Patients should begin to apply Latisse by gently dabbing the upper lash line using the sterile applicators provided by our plastic surgery center. Patients should follow closely instructions provided with the treatment.
As the product will spread to the lower lash line as the patient blinks, patients must be mindful to never apply Latisse directly to the lower lash line. Latisse works at a relatively slow pace and it takes time for results to be noticeable. To provide patients with a full understanding of Latisse, our Gainesville, Florida plastic surgeon will explain application instructions, side effects, and address patient concerns during the consultation.
Can Makeup Be Worn While Using Latisse?
Yes. Our patients are able to safely wear mascara on the lashes and after applying Latisse. Other makeup on the face and around the eyes is also safe to use, just be sure to remove all makeup before it is time to re-apply Latisse.
Complications Of Latisse
Research and study participants have shown that Latisse is safe to use only on the lower eyelid to stimulate lash growth. This product is not recommended for use in any area aside from the base of the upper lash line. Allergan reports that some of the complications of using Latisse are macular edema; severe allergies; skin infections; dry eyes; skin darkening; and iris pigmentation. Some users have reported allergic reactions to the inactive ingredient benzalkonium chloride. Other side effects include itching of the eye, redness, dryness, and eye irritation.
Where To Find Latisse In Gainesville
Latisse is available by prescription only and should be provided by a qualified physician who carries an extensive amount of both experience and knowledge concerning the product. Our Plastic Surgery Center — located in Gainesville — offers Latisse to patients who are safely able to use the product. To create a patients’ ideal aesthetic, Dr. Poser may expertly advise patients of other non-surgical cosmetic procedures that can be administered in conjunction with Latisse, such as Kybella or Juvéderm, among other types of cosmetic treatments.
LATISSE® (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03%
Important Information
Indication LATISSE® (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03% is indicated to treat hypotrichosis of the eyelashes by increasing their growth, including length, thickness, and darkness.
Important Safety Information
Warnings and Precautions: In patients using LUMIGAN® (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) or other prostaglandin analogs for the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), the concomitant use of LATISSE® may interfere with the desired reduction in IOP. Patients using prostaglandin analogs including LUMIGAN® for IOP reduction should only use LATISSE® after consulting with their physician and should be monitored for changes to their intraocular pressure.
Increased iris pigmentation has occurred when bimatoprost solution was administered. Patients should be advised about the potential for increased brown iris pigmentation, which is likely to be permanent.
Bimatoprost has been reported to cause pigment changes (darkening) to periorbital pigmented tissues and eyelashes. The pigmentation is expected to increase as long as bimatoprost is administered, but has been reported to be reversible upon discontinuation of bimatoprost in most patients.
There is the potential for hair growth to occur in areas where LATISSE® solution comes in repeated contact with skin surfaces. Apply LATISSE® only to the skin of the upper eyelid margin at the base of the eyelashes.
LATISSE® solution should be used with caution in patients with active intraocular inflammation (eg, uveitis) because the inflammation may be exacerbated.
Adverse Reactions: The most frequently reported adverse events were eye pruritus, conjunctival hyperemia, skin hyperpigmentation, ocular irritation, dry eye symptoms, and erythema of the eyelid. These events occurred in less than 4% of patients.
Postmarketing Experience: The following reactions have been identified during postmarketing use of LATISSE® in clinical practice: burning sensation (eyelid), erythema periorbital, eye swelling, eyelid irritation, eyelid edema, eyelid pruritus, iris hyperpigmentation, lacrimation increased, madarosis and trichorrhexis (temporary loss of a few eyelashes to loss of sections of eyelashes, and temporary eyelash breakage, respectively), rash (including macular, erythematous, and pruritic limited to the eyelids and periorbital region), skin discoloration (periorbital), and vision blurred.
Use in Specific Populations: Use in pediatric patients below the age of 16 years is not recommended because of potential safety concerns related to increased pigmentation following long-term chronic use.