LATISSE^™ (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03%—
The first and only treatment approved by the FDA indicated to treat hypotrichosis of the eyelashes by increasing their growth including length, thickness, and darkness

During 2008, there was a controversy about cosmetic products that were being marketed to the public by cosmetic companies to lenghthen eyelashes.  Like most great medical breakthroughs, it was observed that as an unusual side effect of a legitimate medicine for glaucoma (bimatoprost eyedrops), the eyelashes of the users were growing longer, darker and thicker.  So these companies started putting bimatoprost as an ingredient in cosmetic products.  Unfortunately the FDA had not reviewed any of these products and so they were quickly removed from the market.

But here's the latest update: in December 2008 Allergan announced that the FDA had approved Latisse as the first and only science-based treatment for sparse eyelashed (hypotrichosis).  It is applied once a day to the base of the upper eyelashes with a special sterile brush.  It is not used on the lower lashes.  Typically the results of longer, fuller and darker eyelashes are noticeable in 8 weeks, with the full program lasting 16 weeks.  For maintenance, you'll need to keep using it.  If discontinued, lashes begin to revert to their initial state.  It is now available by prescription only and I recommend a thorough eye exam prior to starting Latisse.

In Allergan's studies, reported to the FDA, the medicine was well tolerated, with rare side effects: eye or skin redness (3.6%), irritation and itching (3.6%), both of which resolved after stopping for a short time and then did not recur after starting up again.  Darkening of the eyelid skin occured in 2.9% of patients. 

Before & After Photos

Click here to go to Frequently Asked Questions about Latisse^TM.

Click here to visit Allergan's Latisse^TM website.