Latisse

Latisse

You may have seen advertisements for Latisse on television and in magazines.  Many women are looking for longer, fuller, and darker lashes and they have found them with Latisse.  You can too.

What is Latisse and how does it work?

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® solution is an actual growth treatment. In fact, it’s the only FDA-approved treatment clinically proven to grow lashes. And it’s the only lash growth product of its kind available by prescription. So you’ll need to talk to one of our surgeons to see if it’s right for you.

Origins of Latisse

Latisse’s origin isn't completely new.

Back in 2001, Allergan (the makers of Botox and Juvederm) developed a medicated eye drop used to treat ocular hypertension. In addition to successfully lowering eye pressure (the only treatable risk factor for glaucoma), many patients using this medication experienced a fortuitous side effect — they began to grow longer, fuller and darker lashes.

This led Allergan to begin its study of this medication’s active ingredient, bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03%, for the sole purpose of generating lash growth. After conducting a clinical trial on safety and efficacy for 4 months on 278 patients, LATISSE® earned its FDA approval in December 2008. Since then, Allergan has sold approximately 1.5 million bottles of LATISSE® solution.

What Results Can I Expect?

Great eyelashes don't just happen overnight. That's why it's important to note that LATISSE® (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03% works gradually and remarkably — with full results at week 16. Once you begin, you must continue applying the topical solution each night to the upper eyelid lashes only and follow the directions for best results. Remember, results are gradual over time. And also remember, if you stop using LATISSE® at any time, your eyelashes will return to their previous appearance over several weeks to months.

Are There Any Side Effects?

LATISSE® does have some side effects, the most common of which are an itching sensation in the eyes and/or eye redness. These were reported in approximately 4% of patients.

Other less common side effects typically occur on the skin close to where LATISSE® is applied, or in the eyes. These include eyelid skin darkening, eye irritation, dryness of the eyes, and redness of the eyelids. Eyelid skin darkening is a result of increased melanin in the skin, making your eyelid skin look a little darker close to where the solution is applied to the skin. This is expected to reverse after several weeks to months if you decide to stop using the product.

Many women want to know about the rare side effect of darkening of iris pigmentation. Increased brown iris pigmentation has occurred when the same formulation of bimatoprost ophthalmic solution was instilled directly into the eye to treat elevated intraocular pressure. Although iris pigmentation was not reported in clinical studies with LATISSE®, patients should be advised about the potential for increased brown iris pigmentation which is likely permanent.

If you're using LATISSE® solution and you develop a new ocular condition or reaction (e.g., trauma or infection), experience a sudden decrease in visual acuity, or need to have eye surgery, be sure to talk to your surgeon immediately concerning the continued use of LATISSE®.

How do I Purchase Latisse?

Because Latisse is a prescription medication, you will require a short consultation with either Dr Grasee or Dr Bergman prior to a prescription being written for you for Latisse.  The consultation fee is $50.00 which is applied to the Latisse product fee if you purchase Latisse. The prescription is then filled here at the office. The cost of your first Latisse kit will be $120.00.

Special Latisse Offer for Valentine's Day

Buy one get one free.  Call the office today to learn more. Offer expires April 30, 2011.