by Dr. Elizabeth Rostan, M.D. Charlotte Skin & Laser
As we age our eyelashes become thinner, lighter, and shorter. Studies have shown an average eyelash thickness of 1.4 mm in 18-29 year olds. In 40-50 year olds, eyelash thickness is only 0.9 mm. Our eyelashes also become shorter as we age – decreasing from average length of 6.4 mm in 18-29 year olds to 5.3 mm at age 60 or older.
There are several ways to deal with this and to achieve the longer, fuller lashes.
Latisse is a prescription product that is used on the eyelid to stimulate eyelash growth. Latisse was discovered by observations of glaucoma patients using bimatoprost (Lumigan) eyedrops. After several months of use, most patients had to start trimming their eyelashes because they had grown so long! Turns out that bimatoprost increases the growing phase of the eyelash called the anagen phase. Now you can use the same bimatoprost in a safe cosmetic formulation – Latisse – to grow longer and thicker eyelashes.
In studies, 50% of subjects using Latisse had significant eyelash enhancement – longer, thicker, darker – at 8 weeks. At week 12 this had increased to 70% of subjects and 80% at 16 weeks.
Latisse is applied daily with a brush to the upper eyelid margin – the place where you would put eyeliner. The most common side effects occurred in less than 4% of subjects and were mild irritation of the eyelid skin with redness, itching and sometimes darkening of the eyelid skin. Darkening of the iris (the color part of your eye) has been reported using the eyedrops, which are dropped directly into the eye twice daily, but this has not been reported with use of Latisse which is not used directly into eyes.
We have loved the results of Latisse for Charlotte Skin & Laser patients. Experience has shown us that as soon as 2-3 months you can start seeing changes but the dramatic effect takes about 16 weeks to occur. Nightly application is required at least initially and then, once growth is achieved, application 2-3 nights a week is enough to maintain the effect. See before and after photos here on the Latisse website.
Lash tinting involves the application of a semi-permanent tint to the eyelashes for about 10 minutes to achieve a darkening of the lashes that lasts a month. Lash tinting is the perfect match to darken long Latisse lashes. I love to do this in the summer or before vacation and go without mascara, especially great for swimming! I encourage anyone to try lash tinting with our estheticians.Â
Lash perming involves application of a low ph solution that creates disulfide bonds in the eyelash that give them curl. Irritation and allergy are major side effects of this treatment. I would stick with the traditional eyelash curler.
Lash extensions are synthetic fibers attached to individual eyelashes with an adhesive. Usually 30-80 lashes per eyelid are added and the extensions last 1-2 months with care. Side effects include lash damage and breakage, sensitivity, allergy to adhesive and infection. Application is tedious, expensive and time consuming task. Unless you are sensitive to Latisse, I think Latisse is a more efficient and better process.
Finally, Lash transplants can be done to replace areas of eyelash loss. Scalp hair is harvested and carefully transplanted to eyelid area.
www.charlotteskinandlaser.com
130 Providence Rd #100, Charlotte, NC 28207
Phone:(704) 333-9113
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