Latisse for Longer, Darker and Thicker Eyelashes

Episode #16 / Jun 2, 2009
OTHER VERSIONS:
There's a buzz about Latisse, the new prescription skincare product that promises longer, darker, and thicker eyelashes. Dr. Schultz has been approached by many of his patients wanting to know if it works and how. In this episode, he'll answer both of those questions.
Dr. Schultz on June 6, 2009 at 2:40pm

After posting this segment on Latisse, I received several questions from viewers about people who have stopped using Latisse reporting that their darker colored eyelashes have been "permanently" darkened. I want to provide some more info on this. When the lash is darkened (an intended effect of Latisse), it remains darkened until it falls out and is replaced by a new normal lighter colored lash (this can easily take at least 6-9 months). Because it takes so long for the new lash to grow, and Latisse has only been on the market for less than six months, some users have assumed that their lashes have been permanently darkened. However, they can't truly make that claim until their eyelashes fall out and regrow.

Ellen Rievman on July 13, 2009 at 3:27pm

I am a patient of Dr Shultz', and after taking a bad fall in December, 2008 in which I was cut above my eye, I lost hair follicles in my right eyebrow. Dr .Schultz suggested I try Latisse to see if it would possibly regenerate hair grow in my brow, and I am pleased to report that it did! Further transplants and/or laser treatments have become unnecessary and yet another surprise benefit of Latisse has been uncovered.

Lana on May 7, 2010 at 12:50am

Hello, should Latisse be used forever? I apply it every single night, and I DO see results, however, when should I take a break? For how long? Should I start applying it every other day? I have heard that once your skin gets used to a product, you don't get the benefits anymore. I would like to know your opinion on this. I can use it forever, but I would like to understand what is the best way to maintain results.

Thanks

Neal Schultz, M.D. on June 1, 2010 at 12:16am

@Lana: For the Latisse, you can probably take a month off every three months. In fact, I believe that the manufacturer also suggests periodic breaks from the treatment. The reason you can take a one month break is because there is a lasting effect from the Latisse on the growth of eye lashes. A phenomenon of skin becoming "accustomed" to skincare products is not relevant here.

Sara on June 8, 2010 at 10:22pm

Hi Dr.
I'd like to know if Lumigan and Careprost do the same as Latisse, I've heard that many girls used them and saw the same results, they say it has the same ingredientes, so is it save? can it be used on the eyebrows too? thanks a lot.

Neal Schultz, M.D. on June 10, 2010 at 4:34am

@Sara: While they may have the same active ingredient, the vehicle in which it is dissolved is different and for many reasons I do not recommend them for eyelash treatment. Latisse does not work as well on eyebrows as eyelashes because the hair follicles are much deeper.