Can one grow new eyelashes?

 Sure, you can. 


There is a new product out on the market called bimatoprost and sold under the brand name latisse. Latisse has been approved by the FDA as a treatment for thinning or inadequate eyelashes. Bimatoprost is actually a drug used to treat glaucoma. 


During the initial clinical trials, it was observed that people who used bimatoprost started to develop thickened eyelashes- so now this side effect has been turned into a business venture and sold as latisse.


Latisse is supposed to be applied along the lash line of the upper eyelid. It is not for use on the lower eyelid. Over time, latisse gradually causes thickening and darkening of the eyelashes. The product must be used daily for at least 2 -3 months before you see any results. The eyelashes remain nice and thick as long as you keep on applying the latisse. The moment you stop using latisse, your eyelashes will return to their original appearance.


So does latisse work?


Once upon a time, there was a drug for blood pressure called minoxidil and when people used this product they started to grow hair on the head. The drug was then marketed as propecia and millions of balding men (including me) bought the product. Well after 20 years, i have only grown three hairs (not even on the scalp but on my back) and the rest of the men have none.


Of course, latisse does not work.  


This is just a gimmick. No double blind study ever been done to document the findings observed early on. Drug companies have a habit of making preposterous claims. In any case,  millions of women have already used latisse. Anecdotal reports indicate that less than 2-3 percent has seen any benefit at all. Even after application of latisse for more than 3 months, most women claim that the color of their eyelashes remains the same. In addition, latisse does not come cheap. It can cost anywhere from $70-$100 a vial which lasts 3-4 weeks.


For most women, the only thing latisse will bring is disappointment. The best way to darken your eyelashes is either wear fake eyelashes or use a black marking pen.

Will radiation therapy affect my hair?

The honest answer is YES.

Radiation therapy does cause hair loss but the hair loss only occurs on the side that is radiated. Rest assured, you will lose all hair on the side which is radiated. Once the radiation treatments are over, your hair will start to grow back. However, the rate and amount of growth is very variable. 

Most people will get their hair back, but the hair growth will never be 100 % of what it was prior to the radiation. The hair will also vary in texture and fullness. The reason for this is that different individuals receive different amounts of radiation and thus growth rate of hair is also affected. In at least 10-30 percent of people, the hair loss is permanent.

Besides your hair on the scalp, the radiation will also affect adjacent skin. The treated area will initially appear red and look like a sunburn. Moreover, the skin will also feel leathery and dry. So make sure you use adequate moisturizer on your scalp. The skin will also become extra sensitive to both the heat and cold; so make sure your head is adequately protected when you venture outside. If the skin does become irritated and itchy, you can apply a topical steroidal cream. 

Most people wear a wig or a hair piece until the hair loss has recovered- which can take anywhere from 3-9 months after the radiation treatments have stopped.

Electrolysis: permanent hair removal Part 3

Who performs electrolysis?
Hair removal can be done in anyone of the spas and cosmetic clinics in any large city in North America. However, one should be aware that not only is the training of all electrologists not standardized, but many States do not even require certification for someone to perform the procedure. Before one embarks on this treatment, it is best to inquire about the training and experience of your electrologist

What are other options for hair removal?

Electrolysis may be good and a cheaper alternative when it comes to permanent removal of hair from small areas of the body, but today laser is a better option for hair removal from larger areas of the body. Laser hair removal is not only faster, but requires fewer sessions and is slightly cheaper.

Is hair removal covered by Medical Insurance?

Hair removal is strictly a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by any medical insurance. Because of the lure of easy money, there is a bandwagon of people who do this procedure. For safety, select a professional who is credentialed to perform the procedure. Electrolysis when performed by an experienced technician is a safe and effective way to eliminate the embarrassing problem of excessive hair