What's New
Mascara – A Thing of the Past?! Introducing Latisse.
Latisse: Before and After
We’ve all seen the ads. Enter the beautiful Brooke Shields batting incredibly lush lashes below her perfectly defined signature brows. She uses Latisse. The buzz around this product is incredible, and I’m sure you have questions about what it is and why it works.
What:
Latisse was recently released by Allergan and contains the active ingredient, Bimatoprost (Lumigan). This drug was initially intended to treat glaucoma, an eye disease. It was noted that patients who received this medication reported increased eyelash growth as a side effect, and a new application was born.
How:
Latisse goes on like eyeliner. You apply a drop to a disposable applicator and spread it across the base of the upper lashes. It must be used daily to see results. The product gradually enhances the eyelashes by prolonging their growth cycle. The end result is thicker, longer lashes. There will be noticeable improvement within four weeks, with fullest benefit after 16 weeks. After the 16 weeks, the manufacturer recommends applying the product every couple of days in order to maintain length and fullness.
Rare potential side effects such as a darkening of eyelid skin and a possible increase in the brown pigmentation of the colored part of the eye may occur. Other possible side effects include itching, redness, dryness, and irritation of the eye or surrounding eyelid skin where Latisse is applied.
Where:
Latisse is available at medical offices, including ours, and it is wise to consult with your physician as to whether you are a good candidate for it. Run, don’t walk; it’s going fast, and you’ll have to fight my office girls for it!
Dr. Carolyn Chang is a premier San Francisco plastic surgeon and immediate past Vice Chair of Plastic Surgery at CPMC. She is renowned for her beautifully natural aesthetic, and has helped thousands of patients achieve transformative results.
Dr. Chang lives in San Francisco, with her husband Patrick and their children, James and Jemma. She is an avid world traveler and loves sampling the best restaurants that the San Francisco Bay Area has to offer.
