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Frequently Asked Questions
What is LATISSE®?
LATISSE® solution is a prescription treatment for hypotrichosis used to grow eyelashes, making them longer, thicker, fuller and darker. LATISSE® makes lash growth possible because of its active ingredient: bimatoprost. Although the precise mechanism of action is unknown, LATISSE® is believed to affect the growth (anagen) phase of the eyelash hair cycle in two ways: first, it increases the length of this phase, and second, it increases the number of hairs in this growth phase.
LATISSE® was created by Allergan, a pharmaceutical leader with 60 years of eye care expertise. In 2001, Allergan developed a medicated eye drop to treat elevated intraocular pressure. Many patients using this medication also began to grow longer, fuller and darker lashes as a side effect. This led Allergan to study the medication’s active ingredient, bimatoprost, specifically for growing lashes. After a clinical trial, LATISSE® was approved by the FDA in December of 2008.
LATISSE® works from the inside out. As the treatment progresses, you’ll first begin to see changes in length. Then, gradually, you’ll notice more thickness and darkness in your lashes. If you’re satisfied with your results by week eight, don’t stop there. Stick with the treatment. After week 16, you’ll see the full effect of LATISSE® solution — and so will others.
What is hypotrichosis of the eyelashes?
Hypotrichosis is another name for having inadequate or not enough eyelashes.
How do I apply LATISSE®?
LATISSE® solution is a once-a-day treatment you apply yourself each evening to the base of the upper eyelashes much like you would liquid eyeliner. You should prepare the eyelid by cleansing the skin thoroughly before application. DO NOT APPLY in your eye or to the lower lid because excess hair growth outside the treatment area may occur.
How soon will I see results?
LATISSE® users may see results at 8 weeks with full results at 12 to 16 weeks. The growth is gradual, overnight and over time.
What if I forget to apply one night? Or a few nights?
If you miss an application or a few, don't try to catch up. Just apply the Latisse treatment the next evening and stay on schedule.
What happens if I stop using Latisse?
If you stop using LATISSE®, your eyelashes are expected to return to their previous appearance over several weeks to months.
What are the possible side effects of LATISSE®?
The most common side effects after using Latisse solution are an itching sensation in the eyes and/or eye redness. This was reported in approximately 4% of patients. Latisse solution may cause other less common side effects which typically occur on the skin close to where Latisse is applied, or in the eyes. These include skin darkening, eye irritation, dryness of the eyes, and redness of the eyelids.
Are there any special warnings associated with LATISSE® use?
LATISSE® solution is intended for use on the skin of the upper eyelid margins at the base of the eyelashes. DO NOT APPLY to the lower eyelid. If you are using Lumigan® or other products in the same class for elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), or if you have a history of abnormal IOP, you should only use Latisse under the close supervision of your physician.
LATISSE® use may cause darkening of the eyelid skin which may be reversible. Latisse use may also cause increased brown pigmentation of the colored part of the eye which is likely to be permanent.
It is possible for hair growth to occur in other areas of your skin that LATISSE® frequently touches. Any excess solution outside the upper eyelid margin should be blotted with a tissue or other absorbent material to reduce the chance of this from happening. It is also possible for a difference in eyelash length, thickness, fullness, pigmentation, number of eyelash hairs, and/or direction of eyelash growth to occur between eyes. These differences, should they occur, will usually go away if you stop using LATISSE®.
What should I do if I wear contact lenses?
Contact lenses should be removed prior to application of LATISSE® and may be reinserted 15 minutes following its administration.
What should I do if I get Latisse in my eye?
Latisse solution is an ophthalmic drug product. If any gets into the eye, it is not expected to cause harm. The eye should not be rinsed.
What are the ingredients in LATISSE®?
Active ingredient: bimatoprost
Inactive ingredients: benzalkonium chloride; sodium chloride; sodium phosphate, dibasic; citric acid; and purified water. Sodium hydroxide and/or hydrochloric acid may be added to adjust pH. The pH during its shelf life ranges from 6.8 - 7.8.
DO NOT USE Latisse IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO ONE OF ITS INGREDIENTS.
If you would like further information, please call our office at:
480-981-6111
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