Eyelashes Never Grew Back After Chemo

well I haven't started chemo yet, but I heard about the eyelashes falling out. I didn't know they wouldn't grow back though. I guess that's the end of mascara for us!

Has anyone tried Latisse (bimatoprost) for regrowth after chemo? Looks like it may have potential.

60-yo male here. My eyelashes and eyebrows have completely fallen out w/ chemo for pancreatic cancer. No hope for my eyes or my scalp unless I switch chemo regimens, but it's a tradeoff I'm OK with while chemo seems to be working.

There might also be a use for "LDOM" (Low-dose oral minoxidil) -- basically Rogaine back in its original formulation as an oral blood pressure med, but at much lower doses. It has gotten some good reports for hair regrowth on the scalp; might help w/ eyelashes & brows. Might be counterproductive if still on a systemic chemo -- if it improves blood flow the hair follicle, it might also deliver more damage (chemo) there as well.

I assume a hair loss specialist would have more detailed, up to date info.

Best wishes to all of you!

I lost my lashes and brows during Taxol infusions. They eventually came back and I even had a double row of lashes for a very short time. Then the lashes thinned to what they had been before treatment and I began using generic Latisse. You need a prescription and I recommend using Good Rx app or website to get the best price.

Best wishes, Cindy

I used Primelash and my eyelashes grew back in about 4 weeks after they fell out. I used it for months to build strength.

I had chemo (A/C and Taxol) in 2020. My eyelashes were never long or full, but 3 years later they are short, sparse, barely there. I'm on an estrogen blocker for two more years and was hoping when I came off it the lashes would improve. I guess not. Oh, well. I was never big on makeup anyway. If I do anything with makeup, I use a bit of eyeliner, and brow crayon. Yes, the eyebrows took a beating as well both in quantity and color. I'm 69, so the color may be somewhat age related.
When I attended a wedding last year I went to the local Merle Norman to let them do my makeup. The owner special ordered eyelashes that were also very sparse so that added onto mine they looked completely natural. Well, at least I no longer shave my legs.

I neglected to mention that the generic Latisse worked! You apply a drop or two to a small brush ( provided with prescription) and swipe it along your lash line. Do this nightly until desired results are reached and then you can taper down to 3-4 times per week. I am still using so I don’t know what happens if/when you stop.

Cindy

I’m seeing a dermatologist soon; I will ask about Latisse! I assumed it wouldn’t be covered by insurance since it’s “cosmetic,” but maybe because I lost my lashes because of chemo, a cancer diagnosis code may get them to cover it. Thanks!

Hi there, in 2012, I had breast cancer, therefore, I had all of the usual treatments. Chemo then radiation.
Of course, I lost every single hair on my whole entire body, including inside my nose. Boy, eyebrows, eyelashes and nose hairs, are definitely not just there for looks. Well, we hopefully don’t see nose hair. They are all very functional.
Anyway, I never had thick eyebrows, the hairs are very fine, and I didn’t have a whole lot.
Same for my eyelashes, straight, sort of short, and not very full. After chemo, the hair on my head grew back, but I had less of it.
I have, curly to wavy hair, but I had a lot of it.
Now I have about half of the amount of hair. It still looks normal, but my eyebrows and eyelashes never grew back to be the same.
Before breast cancer, I used Latisse and had great results.
After breast cancer, I have tried Latisse a few times over the years, I have never had the same results again.
I have read that many people recommend, and have had great results, not me.
I did find a wonderful young woman to put eyelash extensions on my little sparse, short lashes .
I have had this done several times over the years but they never stayed. This is the only person, that has used a technique, her secret, that enables them to stay on my eyelashes for two weeks plus.
When I had breast cancer, I was 47, now I will be 60 on Saturday and I do still want to look attractive.
It’s important to me to have eyelashes and eyebrows.
I also have my eyebrows done with Microblading.
Both Microblading and the eyelash extensions give my face more expression.
I have never been big on wearing a lot of make up, so this definitely helps me to have a nice, natural look.
Hopefully, if you choose to try Latisse, you will have better results than I have. I just wanted to give you my experience. Good luck to you.