Anyone interested in obtaining longer, darker eyelashes can achieve this goal with daily applications of LATISSE^® along the upper eyelid lash line. New York-area patients interested in using the prescription medication to grow darker, fuller lashes should consult the team at Hudson Dermatology. The board-certified dermatologists, physician assistants, and cosmetic-focused professionals have decades of experience helping patients pursue their aesthetic goals. They apply their knowledge and experience to ensuring each patient receives a personalized treatment plan to meet their needs.

Women and men alike can suffer from hypotrichosis, which is an eyelash insufficiency. Though LATISSE^® was originally utilized under the brand name Lumigan in prescription eye drops to treat glaucoma, patients discovered an unexpected and attractive side effect: longer eyelashes. Not long after this happy discovery, the FDA approved LATISSE^® as a safe, clinically tested and proven method of increasing lash length.

LATISSE^® contains a medication called bimatoprost, which is a liquid compound that increases the growth period for hair while simultaneously increasing the amount of hair produced during this period. More specifically, bimatoprost is made from a fatty acid that binds to prostaglandin receptors, which happen to be present in hair follicles. When this compound binds to receptors in the hair follicle, the result is increased hair growth, darkness, and thickness.

After a physician has prescribed LATISSE^®, the patient takes the medication home and applies several drops to their eyelashes using a thin applicator each day. For hygiene purposes, a different applicator or wand should be used for each eye and discarded after each use. Reusing the same applicator may result in dry, irritated eyes. LATISSE^® patients should also avoid dripping the medication onto their eyelids or into their eyes.

Lashes should start to increase in length and fullness within several weeks. Because the growth cycle of an eyelash lasts for several months, it’s important to apply LATISSE^® every day for several months to achieve the longest lashes possible. If a patient decides to stop taking their prescription medication, their eyelashes will eventually return to their normal length and color.

As long as you continue to apply the medication, you can enjoy darker, thicker, longer eyelashes. While results vary from patient to patient, on average patients who underwent a full 16-week treatment reported a 25 percent increase in eyelash length, 106 percent growth in fullness and thickness, and 18 percent increase in lash darkness.

Patients with uveitis, eyelid dermatitis, ocular hypertension, or certain other conditions are not good candidates for prescription LATISSE^®. However, the dermatologic team at New York’s Hudson Dermatology are happy to discuss whether you’re a good candidate for LATISSE^®, as well as discuss alternative and complementary procedures and treatments.