Creating a Natural More Youthful Look A New Way To Grow Longer, Fuller Eyelashes

By Bruce M. Freedman, MD

Recently, a prescription medication called Latisse (bimatoprostophthalmicsolution 0.03% ) was introduced to grow eyelashes, making them longer, thicker and darker. Latisse works from the inside out. As the treatment progresses, you will begin to see changes in eyelash length, thickness and darkness. After 16 weeks, the full effect of Latisse will be evident to you and others.

Latisse solution is a once-a-day treatment you apply yourself each evening to the base of the upper lashes. It is the first and only prescription treatment approved by the FDA for hypotrichosis (inadequate or not having enough eyelashes). Latisse makes lash growth possible because of its active ingredient, bimatoprost.

Although the precise mechanism of action is not known, research suggests that the growth of eyelashes occurs by increasing the number of hairs in the anagen or growth phase. Lashes can grow longer, thicker and darker because bimatoprost may prolong the growth phase.

Patients in a clinical trial saw results in as few as 8 weeks with full results after 12 to 16 weeks. Contact lenses should be removed prior to application of Latisse and may be reinserted 15 minutes following its administration.

If you miss an application, don't try to catch up. Just apply the treatment the next evening and stay on schedule. If you stop using treatments, your eyelashes can be expected to return to their previous appearance over several weeks to months. While it does not work in place of mascara, mascara can be used on your eyelashes during treatment.

While Latisse is considered a safe medication, there may be side effects associated with its use. Approximately 4% of patients report an itching sensation in the eyes and/or eye redness as well as periorbital skin darkening, eye irritation, dryness of the eyes, and redness of the eyelids during treatment.