Latisse (again)

My friend K was trying Botox for the first time and booked an appointment with Dr Torgerson.  She asked me to come along with her to hold her hand which was quite fun!  She had her glabellar lines treated but also got some Botox to her crow's feet.  We're still awaiting the full results (it has been less than a week) but can already see some softening of the lines around her eyes.

While I was there I had to flutter my eyelashes at Dr T to show the effects of Latisse-he sold me my first bottle.  He was highly impressed so I promised to send him a couple of nice pictures and trotted home to see if I could improve on the ones I posted here.

I think it's most obvious in the shots taken from above-you can also see that the right eye (to the left of the photo) is still catching up with some long, some short!

Pre Latisse, no mascara

3 months, no mascara

Pre Latisse, no mascara

3 months, no mascara 

L'Oreal Double Extend Eye Illuminator

I've always tended to depend on mascara-I never felt my lashes were long enough and my eyes seemed to disappear into my face without it.  It's been my "can't live without" make-up item for years.  Thanks to Latisse, it's now become more of a fun thing to try.  I've gone from needing multiple coats of the most volumising mascara possible to trying lots of different ones and actually enjoying the results.  I like the L'Oreal double extend mascara with the lash serum-

so I was excited to see a Double Extend Eye Illuminator in Shopper's Drug Mart the other day.   It claims to lengthen and illuminate and comes in 4 shades for different coloured eyes-one for blue, brown, green/hazel and one for all colours.  I decided to try the green/hazel which has black mascara on one side and a shimmery gold highlighter on the other.

The mascara goes on easily enough.  It's more of a defining one with a little bit of lengthening.  It isn't particularly volumising but didn't clump.  You really don't get much in the tube though.  The glittery top coat goes on top.  It's not particularly obvious but does give a little sheen in the right lighting.  Don't think there was an appreciable difference in how illuminated my eyes were!  It could be nice to use for nights out I think.  The packet says that you can just put the shimmer on the tips for everyday use or from root to tip for "intense drama".

Here are my results.  I did the left eye-it's the one with the better lashes.  Right eye is still catching up!

You can see the shimmer best on the last one without the flash.

There's a good review here on the Musings of a Muse blot.

The official site is here and you can get a $2 coupon.  Wish I'd looked before buying!

And for completion, this is the TV advert-which I saw for the first time as I was typing this up.  Typical!

Time for more Botox!

I got my first Botox treatment to my glabellar lines at the start of November (with a little extra a few weeks later).  Prior to trying it I had bought a $99 Groupon for 20 units of Botox at DLK on Avenue.  The voucher expires in April so I thought it should be used!  I don't have full movement back in my forehead yet but it's definitely wearing off.  I even felt like I was getting a tension headache during the week!

I initially thought they weren't going to help me out and allow me to make an appointment by email-it's pretty impossible to make personal calls in work-but they did in the end, thankfully.  The voucher was for nurse administered Botox.  I felt better about that after seeing Dr Kellett on the 16:9 exposé saying that she gets her nurse to do her Botox!   First appointment included a consultation with Dr Kellett though.  Initially I was scheduled for Thursday the 10th but an emergency meant that everyone that afternoon had to be rescheduled.  Luckily Dr Kellett decided to make up for it today (Saturday 12th) and they kindly slotted me in.

The clinic is lovely and on Avenue Rd in Toronto, just a little north of Whole Foods.  Everyone was absolutely lovely.  I filled out the usual medical questionnaire and a consent form.  Diana was my nurse and brought me to the treatment room to wait for Dr Kellett.  I wasn't waiting long.  They were both really nice-very friendly and chatty with a knack for putting people at ease.  We didn't discuss the Botox hugely because I'd already had it.  I asked for 5 extra units (at $12/unit) just to make sure I was definitely treated.  Diana suggested some above my brows to lift them.  I had been vaguely toying with it recently...but decided to think about it a little more first.  I asked her about my lips too.  She thought they were a good shape and colour (thanks Diana!) and said that she uses Botox herself for lip lines...which is the same as a few others (not Dr Torgerson though).  I think I might go for it next time!

The treatment was super quick and barely felt it.  It's obvious that Diana has done this thousands of times.   She gave great post-procedure instructions as well which I didn't get the last time. No more Googling!  Need not have gotten up early to go to the gym...only have to avoid exercise and lying down for 3 hours.

I also asked if I could get some Latisse and they obliged.  I liked it that I actually filled out a questionnaire about my eye health...it's another thing that wasn't covered before.  Dr Kellett and I compared our results.  We both really like it!

I think I'd be happy heading back there for other things-they have a lot on offer including peels, lasers, injectables and Dr Kellett's own line of products.  I liked the atmosphere, it was squeaky clean and everybody was lovely (and very very good).

Here's my "pre" this time.  Better camera (shudder).  Discovered that the lines show up best without the flash:

And soon I'll update my Latisse experience-the 3 month version! I started it on November 16th so sometime in the next few days.  Spoiler: the post will include the importance of an eyelash curler for crazy lashes!

Latisse 2 months on!

So it's about 2 months since I first started using Latisse.  It's not a huge hassle to use-just a couple of minutes every night after washing my face and it has become part of my nightly routine.  I'm definitely seeing results.  I'm certainly not at the stage where I would say I don't need mascara, but I'm much prouder of my lashes when I have my make-up on and I'm also finding that I don't need as many coats-a touch does a lot more now.

My left eye looks good-lashes are uniform and have grown longer.  My right eye is going through what I can only describe as an awkward teenager phase.  Some lashes are long, some are short, some are pointing out, some are really curly.  I think there's always been a disparity between the two eyes-the right sometimes seemed to have a gap-but the Latisse has emphasised this.  It wasn't unexpected really.  The information booklet warns that lashes may grow at different rates or in different directions.  Hopefully this will even out as more lashes are caught at the right phase of growth-there are a few stumpy ones on that side.

Side effects?  At the moment none.  My eyes did feel a bit dry initially but that was probably emphasised by the change in weather and drop in humidity.  My eyes weren't used to the dry Canadian air and the forced air heating!  Haven't noticed any pigmentation on my lids or my irises.

I'm managing to squeeze more than a month out of the bottle too which makes it better value!  I'm getting to the end though now so will be trotting back to Dr Torgerson's office soon for another fix (and maybe some filler)

Updated photos...

I've used the same mascara again (Clinique High Impact curling) for continuity.  Camera is different though-eventually found a battery charger for my real one.  My right/unruly eye is to the left as you look at it.
Here were my "pre" pictures:

What do you think?

6 weeks on-Latisse

Quick post updating on my Latisse experience.  It's been 6 weeks now and I'm definitely noticing changes. I'm still bothered by the possibility of iris colour change.  It doesn't seem like it's something overly likely with Latisse but I do still think it's a possibility.  That said, I imagine it might be a difficult product to give up.  I've always had short, sparse lashes (thanks, Mum) but they're growing now for the first time ever!  Not all are the same length-there are some long, some around the normal length.  My right lashes aren't as long as my left and some of the ones at the outer edge of my right eye are strangely curly.
I keep thinking I must be imagining it and it's really only properly obvious when I'm wearing mascara.  My sister confirmed that they looked longer though and I've actually had the annoying "tipping my glasses" experience!
Updated photos:

I'm keeping a careful eye on my eye colour...especially things like that brown patch on my left eye (right of the picture) which has always been there.  Mascara is Clinique high impact curling again.

Before:

It's slow!   They say results tend to take off at 8 weeks so I'll update again.

Next post: 6 weeks after Botox!

Could Latisse change iris colour?

This is something that I've been thinking about daily since starting on Latisse.  I have hazel eyes and really don't want them to change.  Iris pigmentation is one of the scariest potential side effects on the Latisse list.  It comes from the experience with Lumigan, the glaucoma medication which is the same medication as Latisse.  With Lumigan, the incidence of iris pigmentation using the 0.03% solution was approximately 1.5%.  This is not a rare complication, but actually qualifies it as a common side effect (defined as 1-10% incidence).
The method of administration is obviously different-Lumigan goes directly into the eye and Latisse is painted on the lash line but Allergan themselves said the dose was 1/20th the dose of Lumigan.  Considering the drug itself is the same, this implies that a dose to the eye is expected.  It's not inconceivable that a liquid applied to the lash line could enter the eye.  Optrex, a manufacturer of eye drops in the UK has capitalised on this with an eye mist called Actimist.  The pictures I initially posted here disappeared but you can see images of how it works on the website.  They have a nifty demonstration where they spray a special dye on the eyelid and you can see it on the eye after blinking.  Another thing that promotes the idea of something being applied around the eye getting into it is that an easy way of applying eye drops is also to apply to the inside corner of your eye and just blink to disperse.
So, I do think Latisse could enter the eye during use and therefore could lead to iris pigmentation.  This is probably even more of a risk if a little too much fluid is used or it's applied to close to the inside corner of the eye.  I'm noticing results now (even my sister noticed!) so will keep going with my supply but I don't think I'll continue long term.  I'd like to see if there are official reports of iris pigmentation (not blog comments) before committing to it!

Claire Danes and Latisse

I came across this article during my Latisse googling: Claims that Claire Danes suffered eyelid pigmentation from using Latisse.  Her management have quashed the claims and threatened legal action if they continued.
She does a really enthusiastic video testimonial on the Allergan Latisse website here.  I can't see any evidence of skin darkening on her gallery photos but they look airbrushed anyway so hard to tell.  Even if it was true though, it's something that wouldn't bother me enormously.  It is reversible so if I was unlucky enough to get it I could just stop.  Personally haven't noticed any skin change at all.  My eyes did feel a bit irritated intially but I still don't know how much of that was Latisse and how much was colder, drier weather and lots of heating indoors.
I've learnt most from reviews on Real Self and Makeup Alley.  MakeupAlley requires you to sign up to see all the content and search but it's free and worth it!  People have reported skin discolouration but it doesn't sound like the discolouration in the article.  Some had redness and some said they looked more tired when it transferred to lower lid.  It doesn't sound as dramatic as the Claire Danes claims!
I'm still keeping my fingers crossed and continuing.  I've been using thinner disposable eyeliner brushes to be more precise in the application-find the brushes in the pack too clumsy and they end up treating a lot of my lid.  Time will tell!

As an aside, I think Brooke Shields does a pretty woeful job of selling the product in her video diary.  I could summon up more enthusiasm with only the idea that it may be working!

Latisse is a maybe today!

I popped back into Dr Torgerson's office today.  Still not sure if I had enough of a response to my Botox treatment so I emailed the office and they brought me in today.  Very glad of the day off to do things like this!
Everyone was really nice.  Coffee (yum) and a brief wait before seeing Dr T.   He was lovely.  I felt like a bit of an idiot for wasting his time but he was good about it.  He said the result was good but we may as well kill it totally and gave me another few units.  Painless and quick.

While I was there I was watching a little monitor in the treatment room which was scrolling  through adverts for Botox, Juvederm and Latisse.  He told me they had Latisse.  I had to let him know I was one of his first buyers!  He reckons best results will be after 6-8 weeks.

Later I was in the Bay at the Lancome counter looking at mascaras and debating the different types.  The assistant reckoned I didn't really need a lengthening one since my eyelashes are long.  Nobody has ever said that before!

Here's the picture of me in mascara now.  Brows are crazy-am letting them grow in a bit before going for professional shaping.  Also using Latisse on the edges to try to even the brow.   We'll see!

Mascara is Clinique high impact  curling-gives good curl!  "Tube" type (quick description of tubing mascaras.  Warning!  Page plays stupid adverts and difficult to find the stop button

Latisse-yes or no?

I've been pondering the Latisse for the past few days in particular.  I do genuinely believe my lashes are a little longer.  If I use a curling mascara they definitely are more prominent.
What bothers me still is the idea of putting something known to cause iris pigmentation-albeit through a different route of administration-onto my lash line just to have longer lashes.  Fine, there were no reported cases in the trials and there are apparently no reported cases since it was approved.  But is this definitely true?  Searching around online yields people who say they've suffered the pigmentation.  Perhaps they're lying, but there are a few unsettling things:

• Latisse only launched in the US in 2009.  That means less than 2 years of follow-up of the product being used by large numbers of people
• Allergan reckon that Latisse supplies 1/20th of the dose of Lumigan when applied as directed.  Does this mean they expect a dose to the eye itself?
• Allergan have already been cautioned by the FDA for minimising the risks associated with the product in their promotional material.
• Eyes at highest risk for pigmentation seem to be those that already have some brown pigment-hazel and green.  Like mine.

When I was at the plastic surgeons office and he was telling me about it and recommending it to me I asked about the iris pigmentation.  He said there was no chance of it.  I think most prescribers would agree.  He told me his assistant who had blue eyes hadn't suffered any problems.  However:

• The assistant had used the product for less than 2 months.  The problems with Lumigan seemed to be at the 6-12 month mark
• She had blue eyes.  With no brown pigment.  She was therefore at a lower risk anyway.
• Allergan recommends that patients are informed of the potential risk for iris pigmentation, likely permanent....they had to because we know that Lumigan can cause it.  So it can't be ruled out.

I think the risk with Latisse is probably tiny.   I do think it raises the issue of how easily we dismiss risks just to look better!  I was happy to get carried away thinking about the longer, thicker lashes and ignore the reality of applying a medicinal product.  I like my eyes.  They're the one thing I wouldn't change.  I'm not sure what I'll do!  Reviews on RealSelf and Makeupalley are mainly very positive.  The results I get will help me to decide.  I could imagine wanting to continue if the results were striking.  At the moment I'm considering finishing this bottle and then just switch to Rapid Lash or the Dermaglow lash enhance.  They may not work but they're unlikely to destroy my eyes.  There's always mascara....

Side by side

Dug up better angle for before Latisse.  I think the difference is minimal after almost a month:

Before

After

One month on!

Thought I'd be updating this more often...but it's hardly like anyone is reading it anyway!
Have been bothered by the effect of the Botox since I got it.  Zero side effects; just not sure I've gotten the desired effect.   It's really difficult to know what to expect as a first timer.  I can still frown, but it's not at all as strong as it was.  My worry is that it's still enough to keep the lines showing.  Unfortunately I can't actually ask the person who injected me, but I did manage to get some answers on RealSelf about the expected outcome and whether or not I needed a topup.  Some answers were more useful than others.  Some didn't even read the question.   But it mainly seems like practices differ-some like to completely remove movement, others don't.  One mentioned that it should reduce motion enough to soften the lines.  I really do think it should be better

This is me at a month (and still struggling to capture it properly on phone camera!)

I'm going to email the office and see if they can find an appointment for me.  I could only get in Tuesdays, evenings or weekends for the last few weeks and they said nothing was available.

Now...the Latisse!

I'm still terrified using it every day.  They completely dismissed any worries regarding iris colour change in the office and pointed to one of the assistants with blue eyes who had no issues.  A bit of Googling showed that light blue eyes weren't the highest risk anyway.  My type of eyes are-light brown/green that already contain some brown.  There are also unsubstantiated claims of Latisse-induced iris darkening on some blog comments/reviews etc online.  I know Allergan claim none in the clinical trial but 100 participants in it is nothing.
I've  had some itching and dry eyes with it-mainly the first two weeks.  Part of it could be the dry winter air and all the heating indoors too though.  I tried morning application for a while-didn't make much difference.  I gave up on the enclosed brushes after reading reviews on makeupalley and invested in some disposable eyeliner brushes instead.  They are much easier to handle and apply more accurately.  As for effects?  I'm not sure.  Maybe seem slightly longer when I put on my mascara.  Pics are below...I'm getting better at taking these ones at least:

 Hard to tell!

Next post: teeth that stole Christmas and made me cry, plus planning Christmas away from friends and family!

Day 5 and some eyelash fluttering!

Today was day 5 post Botox.   I spent the weekend frowning away to myself to see if I still could.  The day after I was convinced my nose felt funny but then I realised that it was just slightly itchy and it went away (hello, hypochondria/paranoia).  I really felt very little difference over the weekend.  By yesterday (day 4) I felt that my frown had lessened.  Today is day 5 and I can still frown a little but it takes more of an effort.  It feels like it's a weaker expression too.  I frown less enthusiastically!  I've read that it can take a week or so for the full effects so will see how it goes and whether the effects become more pronounced before I ask about a top-up.
This is day 5:

Hard to tell the effects based on the photo which isn't helped by the harsh daylight and hasty make-up application.

I called into Dr Torgerson's office today to pick up some Latisse.  It's the new big thing in eyelash enhancement!  I remember reading about the drug used in it years ago when it was a glaucoma medication.  They had found that people using Lumigan grew longer lashes.  I was very tempted to get my hands on some having stubby, sparse lashes.  The (rare) side effect of darkening of the iris stopped me though.  Allergan (again) decided to make a formulation for eyelashes though and it's just arrived in Canada so I picked some up from Dr Torgerson's.   It's expensive ($160 for a month's supply-shudder) but I wanted to give it a try.  I've also spent money on plenty of lash enhancers that did nothing at all and saw one priced at $170 in Sephora.  I'd also just been to see an oral surgeon about a dental implant and that looked to be so awfully drawn out, expensive and miserable that I was in the mood for a splurge.
It comes in a box with 60 little applicators packed in 2s.  The idea is to apply a drop from the little bottle and use one applicator for each eye, once a day.
Box and applicators:

I also got a cute bag for it which definitely justified the price :-)

Eyelashes before:

 These frequent photos are making me think I need to pay more attention to my eyebrows...and also that I quite possibly need a nose job.  Nose job won't be happening though!  Sigh.

Also saw Dr Torgerson on Global News 16:9 where they did an exposé on nurses/aestheticians injecting without full supervision and dodgy companies selling Botox online.  Glad I went to a real clinic! This link should work for a while.  It's the "Worry Lines" episode.  Scary stuff!