By Jerome Edelstein, MD
There’s no need for gunky mascara when you can get your sparse lashes growing thicker, darker and longer, naturally! Latisse® is the only FDA and Health Canada approved treatment for hypotrichosis, the medical term for insufficient eyelash volume. A bimatoprost ophthalmic solution, Latisse® is applied daily on the upper lash line only to help your lashes grow. Our patients see a dramatic improvement in a few weeks, so much so that they no longer wear mascara. Wouldn’t that be nice?
But before you call us at (416) 256-5614 for a consultation with Dr. Edelstein to make sure Latisse® in Toronto is right for you and to receive the prescription, you should know the possible side effects related to the product.POSSIBLE LATISSE® SIDE EFFECTSWith any medical product, Latisse® also has its own related side effects and risks. Some of our patients have reported that with use, they experience itchiness and redness in their eyes. An increase in hair growth may occur elsewhere as well, only where Latisse® frequently touches (to prevent this, simply blot excess with tissue). Even in clinical trials, these side effects were common.
Other side effects that are less common include a darkening and/or reddening of the skin where Latisse® is applied, eye dryness and eye irritation.
All of these side effects are temporary and will resolve when you stop using Latisse®.
One more very rare risk is an increase in brown pigmentation in the irises in green or hazel eyes. However, we haven’t see this occur with any of our patients to date. In fact, our Medical Injector has green eyes and hasn’t experienced any darkening of her eyes, even though she has been using Latisse® for over a year.WHEN YOU SHOULD STOP USING LATISSE®Please discontinue using Latisse® if you experience trauma, infection or other abnormal condition in your eyes or eyelid area. You should also stop usage if you experience a sudden decrease in vision, develop conjunctivitis or have had eye surgery.TIPS TO REMEMBER:
Latisse® is only for the upper lash line, right on the base of the eyelashes. It should not be used anywhere else (e.g.in the eye, lower lash line or eyebrows). Remove your contact lenses before applying, and wait about 15 minutes afterward before re-inserting.
Always use a fresh and sterile applicator. You should also avoid touching the tip of the bottle to prevent contamination.
As soon as you stop using Latisse®, your lashes will return to their original growth patterns (i.e. shorter, sparser and lighter).