Long Lashes for a Long Time - The Beauty of Eyelash Extensions

Eyelash extensions are a quick, effective way to get the length all those mascara brands promise. Celebrities like Beyonce, Kim Kardashian and Michelle Obama have donned them recently. Although they look expensive, eyelash extensions aren’t a rare and pricey cosmetic benefit. They are becoming a common service offered by medical aestheticians and doctors as a low-risk and cost-effective way to achieve lengthy lashes.

What are they?

Similar to regular hair extensions, eyelash extensions are synthetic hairs that are glued to your existing eyelashes. 

How are they applied?

The synthetic hairs are applied individually to your existing eyelashes using a special adhesive paste. The process can take from an hour to two hours depending upon how many extensions you are having added to your lashes. They usually are packaged as a half set or full set. We recommend starting with a half set and moving up to a full set if you decide you would like more. 

What’s the upkeep?

Lash extensions last through the growth cycle of your natural lashes. Typically, that time period is six to eight weeks. It varies for each person.

When you start to see length that you are unhappy with, set up a fill-in appointment. After the first several times, you can be proactive with fill-in sessions by setting up a standing appointment.

What are the risks?

Your eyes are closed during the procedure, so you should not fear getting anything in your eyes. However, there is potential for the glue to irritate your skin. Ask to see the ingredients of the glue if you are worried or if you know of a specific allergen that could affect you.

Tips for healthy, natural eyelashes

Because eyelash extensions are applied to your natural lashes, the results will partly be based upon the look of your natural lashes. Keep your expectations reasonable based upon the thickness, length and quantity of your natural lashes. Below are some tips for increasing the health of your natural lashes.

Avoid pulling your lashes or rubbing your eyes.

This might seem obvious, but many people do this, perhaps without realizing it. Your eyelashes are liable to easily break under the force of your fingers. Be mindful of this when using a lash curler as well.

Remove mascara at night.

Mascara can make lashes stiff and easier to break when pressed against a pillow or when rubbed by sleepy hands. Remember to avoid rubbing your eyes!

Condition your lashes.

Applying a lubricating substance around your eyes that is safe, like Vaseline or Aquaphor, helps to condition lashes and keeps them from being dry and brittle. Also, there are conditioning products specific to eyelashes that are available for this reason.

Eyelash extensions are an effective way to get a fuller, more dramatic set of lashes with minimal risk. Also, due to the nature of the procedure, you are able to provide feedback during the application process to help achieve the results you are looking for.

ADSCA offers eyelash extensions as part of our medi spa services. If you are interested in more information about the process or scheduling an appointment, click here or call 901-759-2322. 

Latisse's Long Lash Effect

Photo courtesy of Latisse

LONGER, FULLER, DARKER EYELASHES! For years, cosmetic brands from L’Oréal Paris to Dior have boasted their over-the-counter mascara that can give you false-looking eyelashes without the struggle or mess. Now, Latisse (bimatopost ophthalmic solution), the first FDA-approved topical product for “inadequate” eyelashes, is promising to surpass previous beauty industry claims by simulating natural eyelash growth.

You may have first heard of Latisse from Brooke Shields, a former model. She has appeared in television ads talking about Latisse and the great results she experienced. Below are a few key points to know before consulting your doctor about the product.

Origin

Latisse was introduced after researchers discovered that its main ingredient, bimatopost, was causing consistent eyelash growth in glaucoma patients using Lumigan (bimatopost ophthalmic solution), a prescription eye drop regimen, in their treatment plan. Latisse has been labeled an effective treatment for eyelash hypotrichosis, having lower than average length, thickness and/or number of eyelashes.

Application

Latisse should be applied once daily in the evening or as instructed by your medical provider. Wash your face to remove any makeup on or around your eyes prior to application. You can still use Latisse if you regularly wear contact lenses; just make sure to remove them to apply the Latisse. They may be reinserted 15 minutes afterward.

Latisse is a clear liquid to be applied only to your top eyelid at the base of your lashes. It should not be applied to the lower lash area. Only a very small amount is needed per application, around one drop.

You do not need to rinse your eyes if the medication touches them, unless you experience an allergic reaction, in which case you should contact your medical provider. An allergic reaction occurring is unlikely because Latisse contains the same basic ingredients approved for use in glaucoma medication.

While eyelash growth will last as long as you use the medicine, it is not permanent. If you stop using Latisse, expect eyelash growth and appearance to return to its normal state.

Results

Latisse’s website provides a gallery of before and after pictures of women who saw positive results with the product. View the gallery here. 

You should expect to see increased length around week four and full results by week 16.

In clinical trials, close to 80 percent of users saw longer, fuller and/or darker lashes from using Latisse.  Approximately 25 percent saw longer lashes, 100 percent saw fuller lashes and 20 percent saw darker lashes.

Potential Side Effects

Like most other medications, there are potential side effects associated with the use of Latisse.

Redness, dryness, itching or discomfort in or around the eye may occur. If these side effects continue or worsen, consult your medical provider.

You may experience darkening of the skin around your eye, inside your iris, the colored area around your pupil, if you use Latisse constantly over time. Skin discoloration is likely to fade after stopping the use of Latisse, but a change in iris color is likely permanent.

In extreme cases, Latisse could cause eye pain, eye infection or rapid vision changes, Stop the use of the product if these side effects occur and contact your medical provider immediately.

Purchasing Latisse

There has been debate over the validity of physician offices and cosmetic studios that have sold Latisse online. Although there are ways to purchase this product without a doctor consultation, I always recommend seeing a doctor to discuss the pros and cons of this product. And I highly recommend an eye exam first to determine if you are at risk for any ocular complications when using Latisse.

The FDA requires that a prescription must be written for the sale of this drug because of the potential harmful side effects. You should keep this in mind when considering how to purchase this medicine.

Be honest with your medical provider about your medical history when discussing Latisse, especially if you have eye pressure problems or other eye problems such as macular edema, iritis, uveitis or lens extraction/alphakia. The potential benefits of Latisse do not outweigh the potential risks if your vision is in jeopardy.

If you have any additional questions or concerns about using Latisse, please leave a comment below or click here to schedule an appointment with Advanced Dermatology!