Latisse eyelash enhancement
The LUMA Clinic offers Latisse. Visit our office today to discuss with a physician before you purchase Latisse.
What is LATISSE® (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03%?
LATISSE® solution is a prescription treatment used to grow eyelashes, making them longer, thicker and darker.
How was LATISSE® discovered?
It's a story of how one great product led to another. In 2001, Allergan developed a medicated eye drop used to treat ocular hypertension. Then, a side effect was discovered – patients began growing longer, fuller and darker lashes. This led Allergan to study the active ingredient in this other product, and after a clinical trial, LATISSE® was born, earning its FDA approval in December 2008.
How does LATISSE® work?
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. The exact way it works is unknown.
Is LATISSE® effective?
The LATISSE® clinical study was conducted at 16 sites across the country and included 278 participants, featuring women and men of various ages (22 to 78), backgrounds and eye colors. Throughout the course of the 16-week treatments, each participant was photographed and evaluated at 4-week intervals (week 0 to week 16) for differences in their overall lash prominence, including elements of length, thickness and fullness. At 16 weeks, the results showed that LATISSE® was effective for 78% of those participating, versus 18% for the vehicle group. Vehicle is the same as LATISSE®, without its active ingredient.
How soon will I see results?
LATISSE® users may start to see longer lashes at 4 weeks, with full growth at 16 weeks. The growth is gradual over time.
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. DO NOT APPLY in your eye or to the lower lid, because excess hair growth outside the treatment area may occur. See the full instructions in How to Apply, and apply as instructed by your doctor.
Why do the directions say to only apply LATISSE® solution to the base of the upper eyelashes?
The clinical studies of LATISSE® were conducted on patients who applied the product to the base of their upper lashes only. DO NOT APPLY in your eye or to the lower lid. There is the potential for hair growth to occur in areas where LATISSE® solution comes in repeated contact with the skin surface. It is important to apply LATISSE® only to the skin of the upper eyelid margin at the base of the eyelashes using the accompanying sterile applicators, and to carefully blot any excess LATISSE® from the eyelid margin to avoid its running onto the cheek or other skin areas.
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.
How do I maintain my results?
To achieve the full effect of LATISSE®, you will need to use the product daily for 12- 16 weeks. Many patients see excellent results at the end of 8 weeks and can then decrease the frequency of application to twice weekly to maintain the effect. Other patients may require longer usage to see the full benefits.
What should I do if I wear contact lenses?
Contact lens wearers can use LATISSE®. They need to remove their lenses before applying the solution and can reinsert their contacts 15 minutes afterwards.
Are there many LATISSE® users?
Yes. In its first year alone, approximately 1.5 million bottles of LATISSE® were prescribed.
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.
If you develop a new ocular condition (e.g., trauma or infection), experience a sudden decrease in visual acuity, have ocular surgery, or develop any ocular reactions, particularly conjunctivitis and eyelid reactions, you should immediately seek your physician's advice concerning the continued use of LATISSE® solution.
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. Refer to the illustration below. DO NOT APPLY to the lower eyelid. If you are using 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.
What should I do if I get LATISSE® into my eye?
LATISSE® solution is an ophthalmic drug product. If any gets into the eye, it is not expected to cause harm. The eye does not need to be rinsed.
Who should NOT use LATISSE®?
Do not use LATISSE® solution if you are allergic to one of its ingredients.
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.
What should I do if I experience eye redness?
Eye redness may occur immediately after use. Consult your doctor if the redness persists or you notice other symptoms as well. If you develop a new eye condition (e.g. trauma or infection), experience a sudden decrease in visual acuity, have eye surgery, or develop any eye reactions, particularly conjunctivitis and eyelid reactions, you should immediately seek your physician's advice concerning the continued use of LATISSE®.
Could LATISSE® cause the color of my eyes to change?
No patients reported iris pigmentation in the Latisse Clinical trial. As this preparation is applied only to the upper eyelid margin, it is not expected to have any effect on the eye itself. Rarely in individuals who use a much stronger eyedrop preparation for Glaucoma which contains the same ingredient (but 20 times stronger), there have been the occasional reports of iris pigmentation.
Is LATISSE® an eye drop?
LATISSE® solution is applied topically, along the skin of the upper eyelashes. It is not intended for use in the eyes, but if some solution gets into your eye, you do not need to rinse it.
If I apply more LATISSE®, will I get faster results?
No. LATISSE® works gradually over the 12-16 week treatment period. Use of LATISSE® more than once a day will not increase the growth of eyelashes. Please follow the directions, as instructed by your doctor.
Since LATISSE® is relatively new, should I wait before using it?
LATISSE® received its FDA approval in December 2008, after a team of 16 experienced doctors from all over the country conducted clinical studies. LATISSE® is from Allergan, a specialty pharmaceutical company. Approximately 1.5 million kits of LATISSE® have been sold.
What is Allergan?
Allergan is a leader in the pharmaceutical industry, with over 60 years of eye care expertise.
Could it darken my eyelids?
Skin hyperpigmention (or skin darkening) is a less common side effect, which typically occurs close to where the solution is applied on the skin. This is due to an increase of melanin in the skin. The pigmentation is expected to increase as long as bimatoprost is administered, but has been reported to be reversible in most patients upon discontinuation of bimatoprost.
Can it harm my eyesight?
LATISSE® is an ophthalmic solution. If any solution gets into the eye, it is not expected to cause harm. You do not need to rinse your eyes. LATISSE® is not an eye drop. DO NOT APPLY in your eye or to the lower lid. It is meant simply for application to the upper eyelid margin.
Who besides a specialist can prescribe LATISSE®?
Many different types of doctors can prescribe LATISSE®, including dermatologists, plastic surgeons, ophthalmologists, OB/GYNs and primary care doctors. However, not all doctors may be familiar with it.
How is LATISSE® different from over-the-counter products for lash growth?
LATISSE® is the first and only FDA-approved prescription treatment for inadequate or not enough lashes, growing them longer, fuller and darker.
Is LATISSE® a replacement for mascara?
No. LATISSE® does not work in place of mascara. LATISSE® is a solution treatment for inadequate or not enough lashes and requires a prescription from a doctor. However, mascara can be used on your eyelashes in addition to LATISSE®.
What does LATISSE® cost?
One LATISSE® kit costs approximately $150. Initially one kit will last 1 month with nightly application. Usually by the end of 2-3 months, one kit will last much longer as it will only need application twice weekly rather than nightly.
Do I need to refill my LATISSE® prescription every month?
To achieve the full effect of LATISSE® — longer, fuller, darker lashes — you will need to use the product daily for 8-16 weeks. Once the desired effect is reached, it can be applied less frequently (twice weekly) to maintain the desired result.
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.