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Why Do Your Eyelashes Get Short Again if You Quit Using Latisse?

Doctor Answers 3

Why eyelashes return to normal after stopping Latisse

June 26th, 2012
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Once Latisse is discontinued, the eyelash hairs return to their normal growth cycles. The growth of eyelashes is cyclical, going through 3 stages: a growth phase, a transition phase, and a resting phase. Latisse works by increasing the amount of time each eyelash hair remains in the growing phase. The growth phase of an average eyelash hair is approximately 1 to 2 months and at any given time approximately 41% of eyelash hairs are in the growing phase. In addition to increasing the length of your eyelash hairs, the application of Latisse has also been scientifically proven to increase the thickness as well as the darkness of each hair.

Web reference: http://www.dorsetstreetdermatology.com/cosmetic-dermatology/latisse/

Mitchell Schwartz, MD


South Burlington Dermatologic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 10 reviews

Latisse use and maintaining long, thick eyelashes

August 14th, 2012
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Latisse is a hormone that acts on the hair follicle to cause it to remain in the hair growth phase.  If the Latisse is discontinued the follicle will return to it dormant phase and the lashes will return to a shorter, less full state.  Howeveer, once the full effect of Latisse has been achieved (usually in three months) most users can decrease Latisse application to 2-3 times per week and still maintain the full effect. 

Web reference: http://www.VincentLeporeMD.com

Vincent D. Lepore, MD

Vincent D. Lepore, MD
San Jose Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 48 reviews

Latisse and maintenance treatment

July 14th, 2012
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Latisse makes eyelashes grow longer because it extends the growing phase of eyelashes  on average to 6 months instead of 3 months.  When a lash normally falls out, a new one quickly grows back.  If you stop Latisse, your lashes will only grow for 3 months before falling out so they will not be as long.  After 4 months of using Latisse nightly, you can cut back to 2 to 3 times per week to maintain long lashes. 

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC

Martie Gidon, MD, FRCPC
Toronto Dermatologist
5.0 out of 5 stars 20 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.