Latisse Arrives for Natural Eyelash Enhancement
A Better Safer Way to Longer Thicker Lashes
May 18, 2009
Eyelash enhancement has come a long way since 1916 when film director D.W. Griffith hired a wig maker to create false eyelashes out of human hair and gauze. Now, thanks to Latisse, it is possible to have full long lashes without the aid of false lashes or mascara.
Latisse Provides Safe Effective Treatment
Though there have been other products on the market claiming to lengthen and thicken eyelashes, Latisse (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03% is the first FDA approved drug to bring the safety of scientific study. As reported in a December 27, 2008 article, “Latisse—New Prescription Product Increases Length, Thickness and Darkness of Eyelashes” printed on Medicalnewstoday.com, a double-masked, placebo controlled study found that Latisse met all of its claims for improving eyelash appearance, including those of thickness and darkness.
In another side note to safety, bimatoprost, the active ingredient in Latisse, has been used in treating patients with Glaucoma since 2001. Patients treated with bimatoprost not only experienced a safe reduction of intraocular pressure, but also saw a significant increase in eyelash prominence. Following this success, the FDA approved Latisse in December of 2008 as a treatment for Hypotrichosis, a condition resulting in short sparse lashes and even bald spots.
How Latisse Works
According to the Latisse website, Latisse is a prescription only medication applied nightly to the skin at the base of the upper eyelashes and is designed to work on the lashes from the inside out. Users should not expect to see immediate results, but rather a gradual increase in length, fullness and color. Once the solution is applied, it begins to gradually lengthen and thicken each follicle. Used nightly, results should begin to be seen in as little as 4 weeks. By the end of 16 weeks, users will see longer, darker and thicker lashes. At this point, it is possible to cut back on the number of applications, but continued use of the product is necessary to maintain results
Side Effects are Rare
While Latisse is FDA approved and considered safe for eyelash enhancement, use of Latisse should be supervised by a physician, particularly patients already receiving treatment for elevated intraocular pressure. Patients under such treatments should consult closely with their physician about the possibility of using Latisse for eyelash enhancement.
Latisse is a prescription medication and, as with all medications, runs the risk of side effects. According the Latisse Patient Product Leaflet, the most common side effect was itching or redness of the eye area and occurred in only 4% of patients tested. Less common side effects, such as skin darkening or dryness and irritation, affected the skin around the eyes. In some instances, patients experienced hair growth in other areas frequently touched by Latisse solution. Hair growth went away when use of Latisse was discontinued. Changes in eye color were seen in patients using bimatoprost solution to treat glaucoma, but since Latisse is only used on the upper eyelids, users should not be affected.
Latisse is a safe and effective way to plump up lashes and make eyes appear more youthful and vibrant in as little as 4 weeks. Continued use of Latisse can eliminate the need for messy mascaras and difficult to use false lashes. Latisse is available only by prescription from qualified physicians.
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