Latisse Charlotte

Dark, full eyelashes are a hallmark of beauty. After spending years applying mascara daily, many women begin to desire a more permanent solution. Latisse offers this possibility. It’s a pharmaceutical that encourages eyelash growth. 

What is Latisse?

Latisse is a medication called bimatoprost. It was originally developed as a drug for glaucoma and was administered as eyedrops. Patients and their doctors started to notice that eyelash growth was a side effect of the medication. Recognizing that this was an effect that many people would actually desire, the drug went into trials as a topical medication for eyelash growth. It was approved by the FDA for this purpose in 2008. Latisse has been extensively studied and has been shown to be a very safe treatment.

Latisse works on the eyelashes in two different ways. It lengthens the growth phase of the eyelashes so that the lashes grow longer before they are naturally shed. It also increases the number of lashes that sprout, which thickens the lashes. Overall, the result will be longer and thicker eyelashes.

How is Latisse used?

Latisse is applied as a liquid solution. It’s used once per day, generally at night just before bed. An applicator is used to apply a single drop of Latisse along the upper lash line of each eye, the applicator is then discarded; a new applicator is used daily, in order to prevent infections.

Latisse is effective at promoting hair growth, so it’s important to apply it carefully. Wherever the Latisse ends up, hair growth can occur. This is also the reason that Latisse is applied only to the upper eyelid. The medication does spread to the lower eyelid naturally as you blink. If it’s applied to the lower eyelid, then it may tend to drip onto the cheeks and encourage unwanted hair growth in that area.

Does it have any side effects?

Overall, Latisse is a very safe medication. If it gets into the eye it may lower the pressure inside of the eye a little bit (this is why it was a glaucoma medication originally), however, this has not been shown to occur to a degree that would cause harm.

Another possible side effect is that in rare cases Latisse can cause increased pigmentation of the iris, the colored part of the eye. In some people, the iris will begin to produce more melanin, which is the brown pigment found in the eyes and skin. For those who already have brown eyes, this is unlikely to be concerning, but those who have blue or lighter colored eyes, this may be noticeable. In certain cases, there is also some darkening of the skin at the lash line where the Latisse is applied, which may be reversible. The most common side effect is itchy or red eyes and occurred in 4% of clinical trial patients.

We would be happy to schedule a consultation with Dr. Miles where he will be happy to answer any questions you may have about Latisse. It’s important to understand the possible risks of any cosmetic treatment you are considering. Overall, however, Latisse is a safe medication with a very low risk of serious side effects.

Latisse Charlotte

Latisse has helped some women to develop longer, fuller eyelashes, freeing them of the need to use mascara or eyelash extensions in order to have the lashes they desire. If you’re in the Charlotte area and are considering the possibility of using Latisse, we invite you to make an appointment for a consultation to learn more at our office in Lake Norman.