Sparse or thinning eyelashes can make your eyes appear less defined, even when you wear mascara. Latisse® is a prescription treatment that helps the upper lashes grow longer, thicker, and darker over time.
Timeless Youth MD provides Latisse as part of its rejuvenation services in West Des Moines. Melissa D. Young, MD, has more than 30 years of experience as a physician and surgeon, along with specialized training in aesthetic medicine. She can review your health history, determine whether the medication is appropriate for you, and explain how to use it safely.
How Does Latisse Work?
The active ingredient in Latisse is bimatoprost, which affects the natural eyelash growth cycle. With regular use, the treatment can increase the length, thickness, and darkness of the upper lashes.
Latisse is FDA-approved for eyelash hypotrichosis, the medical term for inadequate or insufficient eyelashes. Patients often consider it when their lashes have always been short or have become thinner over time.
Unlike mascara or temporary lash extensions, the medication works with your natural hair-growth cycle. Changes take time and depend on consistent use.
How to Apply Latisse Safely
Correct use helps the medication reach the intended area while reducing contact with the surrounding skin.
Each evening:
- Wash your face and remove eye makeup and contact lenses.
- Place one drop on the supplied sterile applicator.
- Brush the solution carefully across the skin at the base of the upper lashes.
- Blot away any liquid that extends beyond the lash line.
- Discard the applicator after one use.
- Repeat the process on the other eye with a new applicator.
Do not place the solution directly into your eye or use it along the lower lash line. Applying extra medication or using it more than once a day will not produce faster results. Contact lenses may be reinserted 15 minutes afterward.
When Will I See Results?
Eyelash growth develops slowly. Many patients begin noticing a visible difference after about two months of consistent use, with further improvement possible during the following weeks.
Results are not permanent. After you stop treatment, the lashes usually return to their previous length, thickness, and color over several weeks or months. Continued use is generally needed to maintain the change.
Who May Be a Candidate?
You may be a candidate if you have sparse upper lashes and can follow a consistent evening routine. Before starting, tell Dr. Young about your eye health, current medications, prescription eye drops, allergies, and any history of eye pressure problems, inflammation, infection, trauma, or surgery.
Possible side effects include:
- Itching or redness
- Dryness or irritation
- Darkening of the skin near the lash line
- Hair growth on nearby skin exposed to the solution
Bimatoprost may also cause increased brown pigmentation of the iris, which can be permanent. Blotting away excess liquid helps prevent repeated contact with areas outside the upper lash line.
Contact our office if you experience a change in vision, develop a new eye condition, or have irritation that does not improve.
Why Choose Timeless Youth MD for Latisse in West Des Moines?
Because Latisse is a prescription medication, professional guidance matters. Dr. Young has more than 30 years of medical and surgical experience and has worked in aesthetic medicine since 2019.
Our team will explain how to use the treatment correctly, what changes you may notice, and which symptoms should prompt a call to the office. You will also have an opportunity to discuss your medical history and ask questions before beginning treatment.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
No. Apply the medication only along the upper eyelid margin as directed.
Latisse is FDA-approved for eyelash hypotrichosis, not eyebrow growth. Use it only in the area recommended by your doctor.
Skip the missed dose and return to your usual routine the following evening. Do not apply extra solution.
Yes. Remove all eye makeup before applying the medication, then use mascara as usual during the day.
Take out your lenses before use. You may put them back in after 15 minutes.
Your lashes will slowly return to their earlier appearance over the following weeks or months.
No. Extra applications do not speed growth and may increase irritation or unintended exposure.
Ask About Latisse in West Des Moines
A consultation with Dr. Young can help you decide whether prescription eyelash treatment is appropriate for your lashes, eye health, and medical history. Call Timeless Youth MD at (515) 216-0898 or contact us to ask about Latisse in West Des Moines, IA.
