The Eye Gallery
Blog Hero

LATISSEⓇ for Eyelash Growth: Pros & Cons

Book Appointment
Eyelash growth after treatment with LATISSE

Your eyes are one of your most defining features. And while your eyelashes play a crucial role in helping your eyes leave a lasting impression, there’s no denying that many of us struggle with achieving the full, thick, dark lashes we want.

Mascara and eyelash extensions can help, but these may only be temporary solutions—mascara can wash off very quickly, and you may need to replace even the highest quality eyelash extensions after a few months. 

So, where do you turn if you’re looking for a longer-lasting way to enhance your eyelashes?

One answer may be LATISSE.

LATISSE is an FDA-approved, clinically tested medication specifically designed to support the growth of thicker, longer, and darker eyelashes, and our team at The Eye Gallery is proud to offer it alongside our extensive range of comprehensive eye care services.

But is LATISSE suitable for everyone? Let’s take a look at this revolutionary treatment and uncover what makes LATISSE a fantastic option for improving the look of your eyelashes!

If you’re interested in LATISSE, please don’t hesitate to book an appointment. We’ll be more than happy to determine your candidacy, walk you through your treatment plan, and help you achieve the fuller, darker lashes you’ve always wanted.

What Is LATISSE?

LATISSE is a prescription eyelash medication designed to help thicken and darken your eyelashes, but we can find its roots in the treatment of another common eye problem: glaucoma.

Allergan, the parent company of LATISSE, created a drug in 2001 to help manage high intraocular pressure for glaucoma patients. However, some patients started reporting that their eyelashes became longer, darker, and thicker over time. Allergan began studying this phenomenon and soon found that a key ingredient for their drug, called bimatoprost, was responsible for supporting eyelash growth.

With further studies and a clinical trial, the FDA approved the new drug, now called LATISSE, for cosmetic use in 2008.

LATISSE works by increasing your eyelashes’ growth phase while simultaneously encouraging more eyelashes to grow. Over time, your lashes look fuller and longer without the need for mascara or eyelash extensions.

Using LATISSE

If you’re a candidate for LATISSE, our doctors will walk you through the application process and provide clear instructions on using the medication at home. 

LATISSE is a topical medication applied to the edge of your eyelids where your eyelashes meet your skin. To apply the medication, you’ll use one of the sterile applicator brushes that come with your LATISSE kit.

We want you to achieve the best results possible, so please follow your doctor’s instructions closely. Some of their instructions will include:

  • Washing your hands.
  • Cleaning your eyelids and face before applying LATISSE.
  • Removing your contact lenses before applying LATISSE.
  • Only using your recommended dose of LATISSE every single night.
  • Using new applicators each time you apply LATISSE.
  • Not using the same applicator brush for each eye.

Please do not apply more LATISSE to “catch up” on your treatment if you miss a night. Only use what your doctor recommends.

Pros of LATISSE

Longer, Fuller, Darker Eyelashes

The most obvious benefit of using LATISSE is fuller, darker, and longer eyelashes.

If you struggle with conditions that affect hair growth or have an eye problem that thins your eyelashes, you may be eligible for LATISSE. These issues can include:

  • Alopecia
  • Localized skin cancer
  • Hypotrichosis

Results Last for As Long As You Use LATISSE

You heard that right—you get to enjoy the new look of your lashes for as long as you keep up with your LATISSE routine.

If you miss a day, there’s no need to worry. Just remember to stick with your routine and your lashes will keep looking fabulous.

LATISSE Can Save You Time & Money

Professional eyelash extension appointments can cost anywhere between $160 to $300, but they’ll only last for about a month or until your eyelashes shed naturally. Mascara tubes may last longer, but you’ll need to apply new mascara every day to enjoy fuller-looking lashes.

LATISSE prescriptions can last multiple months, and all you have to do is keep up with your application routine as per your prescription. In some cases, we can even provide prescriptions that last multiple months.

On top of this, you can still use your favorite mascara and eyeliner alongside LATISSE to enhance the look of your lashes even further! Just remember to wait at least 15 minutes after applying the medication before you put on makeup or reinsert your contacts.

Cons of LATISSE

It May Not Be Right for You

Like any medication, there’s a possibility that it might not be the right treatment for you. While most people are candidates for LATISSE, we may not prescribe the medication if:

  • You are pregnant
  • You struggle with conjunctivitis
  • You have a risk of developing macular edema
  • You have a skin condition on your eyelids
  • You experience frequent allergic reactions

Please let us know if you have an eye disease or risk developing one. If you’re already using medications to help manage glaucoma, let our team know when you come in for your LATISSE appointment.

4% of People May Experience Side Effects

Though the risk of experiencing side effects is small, it’s important to understand what they are and to get help if you experience them.

Some of the most common side effects may include:

  • Redness, itchiness, and irritation
  • Darkening eyelids
  • Dry eye symptoms
  • Eyelid swelling

To help ensure LATISSE provides the results you want, we’ll have you come in for regular follow-up appointments. If you notice any of these symptoms while using LATISSE, please get in touch with our team and we’ll get to work on addressing the issue.

Close up of eye with eyelash growth

It Can Take Up to 4 Months to See Results

4 months may seem like a lot of time to achieve fuller-looking eyelashes, but the results are absolutely worth the wait!

All you have to do is keep up with your LATISSE routine every night. If you stop using LATISSE after the first sign of results, you may lose all your progress and have to wait even longer for your eyelashes to grow in.

If you’re concerned if LATISSE isn’t working as well as you hoped, we’ll be more than happy to bring you in for an appointment so we can look at your progress and determine if we need to adjust your treatment. 

Get started on your LATISSEtreatment today and book your appointment!

Written by Dr. Megan Baldwin

As a Kansas native (born and raised in Kingman), Dr. Baldwin is thrilled to practice what she loves so close to home. She can’t imagine anything better than to care for her community and build strong ties with new friends and colleagues.

When She’s not in the office caring for her patients, Dr. Baldwin enjoys making memories with her husband, Aaron, and two sweet kids, Parker and Stella! You’ll often find her playing piano, hosting her friends and family in her home, or out for a run. Dr. Baldwin and her husband enjoy traveling to warm places and recently became open-water scuba diver certified!

She chose eye care as her career because Dr. Baldwin has always wanted to help people. The quality of care she provides is incredibly important to her. In an age where doctors spend just a few minutes with their patients, she is proud to give her patients the time and diligence they deserve. More than to simply “see” you, Dr. Baldwin wants to learn more about you and how she can best serve your needs. Your relationship matters.

Dr. Baldwin invites you to make an appointment for yourself or your children, whether you have an eye concern or are simply seeking an updated corrective lens prescription. She will always do her best to provide you the best eye care available anywhere in Wichita.

Professional Associations & Memberships

  • Member, Kansas Optometric Association (KOA)
  • Member, American Optometric Association (AOA)
  • Member, Business Networking International (BNI)

Education

  • Bachelor of Science (chemistry) – Bethel College, 2007
  • Doctor of Optometry – Northeastern State University, Oklahoma College of Optometry, 2011
    • Graduated Magna Cum Laude
    • Member of the Beta Sigma Kappa honor society
    • Presented with “Outstanding Clinician in Ocular Disease” award
instagram facebook facebook2 pinterest twitter google-plus google linkedin2 yelp youtube phone location calendar share2 link star-full star-half star star-half chevron-right chevron-left chevron-down chevron-up envelope fax