Long, lustrous eyelashes. Allergan, the company that manufactures Botox, received approval from the FDA to market an eyelash growth drug, Latisse, at the beginning of this year. The active ingredient, bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03, was initially used to treat glaucoma. During trials, it was found to have a positive side effect that increased the amount of hair in the lash as well as keeping the hair in a prolonged growth phrase. This was great news for those who have sparse eyelashes related to a condition called hypotrichosis, or for those who have lost their lashes due to chemotherapy. Since then, thousands of women have attested to the success of this product and are sporting long and lustrous lashes. Since it is classified as a drug, Latisse is only available through a doctor's prescription. The product comes in a mascara tube and is applied once daily to the base of the upper lashes with a one-time use sterile, disposable applicator. It is not to be used on the lower lashes. In as little as 4 weeks, throughout a full course of 16 weeks, the lashes are expected to be longer, thicker and darker.
The cost? Approximately $120 for a 30 day supply. Save your pennies . . . the eyelash enhancing properties of Latisse is not permanent. The minute you stop using the product your lashes will return to the length and condition they were before the treatment began. There are reports of a small risk to an irreversible brown spots within the iris of the eyes for those with blue or light colored eyes. There have also been reports of the darkening of the eyelid skin, which will disappear once the product is no longer used. Other common side effects are itchy eyes in approximately 4% of users, redness around the eyelids, and dry eyes.
