Allergan, the company that manufactures Botox, received FDA approval last year to market an eyelash growth drug, Latisse. The active ingredient, bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03, was initially used to treat glaucoma. During trials, it was found to increase the amount of hair in the lash and keep the hair in a prolonged growth phrase. Long story short . . . fuller lashes for a longer period of time. Since then, thousands of women have attested to the success of this product and are sporting long, lustrous lashes. Since Latisse is classified as a drug, it is only available through a doctor's prescription. The product is packaged in a mascara tube and 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. While using Latisse, in as little as 4 weeks and throughout a full course of 16 weeks, the lashes are expected to be longer, thicker and darker. There are a few side effects to consider, including reports of a small risk to 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.
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. Are the results worth it? Apparently, yes.
