Latisse: The Lash-Growth Drug. Top Questions, Answered

Would you pay $4 per day for longer, lusher lashes? Well, it is cheaper than a cup of (Starbucks) coffee....

Yesterday, we reported on Latisse (our new lash obesession), the first FDA-approved lash-enhancer that's clinically proven to give lashes 25 percent longer, 106 percent thicker and 18 percent darker after 16 weeks of use. Today, we talked to the company to answer some of our (and your) most pressing questions. And they gave us this rather stunning before and after shot, along with a product shot (after the jump).

What we learned: There's actually a real name for "inadequate eyelashes." Hypotrichosis is yet another condition to add to our hypochondriac laundry list. The full fringe-tastical Q&A is after the jump.

Q: What exactly does Latisse do?
A: It treats hypotrichosis (another name for inadequate eyelashes) by enhancing eyelash prominence as measured by increases in the length, thickness, and darkness of the eyelashes, and is approved by the FDA.

Q: How long can I use Latisse?
A: According to Allergan, the makers of Latisse, (see their newly launched website for more information, www.latisse.com) each prescription lasts 30 days, and there is no recommended stop time. The "peak effect" comes at roughly four months of use. Speak to your prescribing doctor about the length of treatment that's right for you.

Q: Will my lashes stay longer forever?
A: After you stop using the drug they will slowly go back to normal with your next eyelash growth cycle (this varies from person to person but is between a few weeks to a couple months).

Q: Which types of doctors can prescribe Latisse; is it only eye doctors?
A: No. In most states your regular doctor can prescribe it. Eye doctors, dermatologists, and plastic surgeons are other options. Also, there is a "Find A Doctor" locator tool on the Latisse site.

Q: How long before I start to see results?
A: Eight weeks, with peak results around four months.

Q: Can I use Latisse if I've had Lasik or wear contacts?
A: These are questions for your doctor. You should not use Latisse if you have an active eye condition, including an eye infection, or have broken or irritated skin on your eyelid. And if you are using products for elevated intraocular pressure, be sure to discuss this with your doctor. Contact lenses should be removed prior to use of Latisee and may be reinserted 15 minutes following its application.

Q: I've heard of a side effect that turns light irises dark. Is this true?
A: Good question. Latisse is an offshoot of another drug called Lumigen, which is used for glaucoma. Latisse shares the same active ingredient as Lumigen, although, according to the company that makes both, Latisse has only 5% of that ingredient and is applied only to the eyelid, not into the eye itself. Iris pigmentation was not reported for Latisse, but in less than 1% of Lumigan users, permanent brown iris pigmentation was reported. For other possible side effects, go to www.latisse.com and speak with your doctor.

Latisee : Long Lashes Now

LATISSE Lash Enhancer at The Skin Center Medical Spa
A new FDA-approved cosmetic product, LATISSE, designed to lengthen, strengthen and darken eyelashes is now available at The Skin Center Medical Spa with locations in Pittsburgh, PA and Columbus, Ohio. LATISSE, developed by Allergan, the makers of BOTOX Cosmetic, is the first and only science-based treatment approved by the FDA to enhance eyelash prominence as measured by increases in length, thickness and darkness of eyelashes.


The Skin Center Medical Spa will incorporate LATISSE into its exclusive EyeQ treatment which is a minimally-invasive eye enhancement breakthrough designed to refresh and rejuvenate tired or older eyes by eliminating wrinkles, the appearance of under eye circles and fat pads in just one quick office visit. EyeQ incorporates the use of BOTOX Cosmetic, injectable wrinkle fillers and topical treatments such as LATISSE to create a customized rejuvenation treatment based on the individual needs of each client.

“LATISSE is a tremendous breakthrough for the revitalization of brittle, weak and short lashes,” said Dr. Dominic A. Brandy, board-certified cosmetic surgeon and founding medical director of The Skin Center Medical Spa. “This product actually promotes new growth and lash thickening, which is very unique. Similar products on the market only impact existing lashes, this is the first product to actually enhance lash growth which is a very desirable quality for a youthful eye area.”

Now available at The Skin Center Medical Spa, LATISSE is a once-daily prescription treatment applied to the base of the upper eyelashes with a sterile, single-use-per-eye disposable applicator. LATISSE users can expect to experience longer, fuller and darker eyelashes in as little as eight weeks, with full results in 16 weeks. To maintain effect, continued treatment with LATISSE is required. If use of LATISSE is discontinued, eyelashes will gradually return to where they were prior to treatment over a period of weeks to months (average eyelash hair cycle).

The LATISSE Bimatoprost is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in the formulation of LATISSE and is a structural prostaglandin analog, which is a lipid compound derived from fatty acids designed to bind to prostaglandin (PG) receptors. PG receptors are present in hair, particularly in the dermal papilla and outer root sheath. Although the precise mechanism of action is unknown, PG receptors are thought to be involved in the development and regrowth of the hair follicle, by increasing the percent of hairs in, and the duration of, the anagen or growth phase.

LATISSE is available in the United States through a physician’s office only and is subject to all U.S. guidelines applicable to dispensing a prescription product.

The Skin Center Medical Spa, located in Pennsylvania and Ohio, is the region’s premier, full-service medical spa offering the latest advancements in non-invasive and minimally invasive skin rejuvenation for the treatment of aging skin, hyper-pigmentation, rosacea, unwanted hair, varicose and spider veins, active acne and acne scarring. The Skin Center Medical Spa was founded in 1981 in Pittsburgh, PA, by Dominic Brandy, MD, board-certified cosmetic surgeon. For more information about LATISSE, contact The Skin Center Medical Spa at 1-800-429-1151.


A FDA advisory panel recommended approving the drug ‘Latisse’ to promote longer, thicker, darker eyelashes. Latisee is derived from the glaucoma drug Lumigan, which is approved by FDA since 2001, as an eye drop. The drug company Allergan Inc., studied the drug to know how it promoted eyelash growth, thickness, and darkness when used as an eye liner at the roots of the eyelashes on the upper eyelid.

For study, 137 people used Latisse and 141 people used a placebo solution for 16 weeks and it was found that the Latisse group has thicker, longer and darker eyelashes at the end of the study. The people of the Latisse group were more satisfied with their lashes than those who used the placebo. According to Allergan documents submitted to the FDA, the side effects of drug were mild and temporary. The prescribing information contains that it may darken eyelid skin and gradually increases pigmentation of the iris and making eyes browner. However the iris color changes, may not be noticeable for several months to years, may be permanent but don't progress after stopping the drug. Each Latisse dose uses only 5% of a Lumigan drop.

The FDA panel recommended further studies to assess Latisse's use in certain groups of patients, such as those young people who lost their eyelashes because of chemotherapy, says Allergan news release. The drug is not approved yet and if FDA approves it, Latisse’s will be a prescription drug, not an over-the-counter cosmetic. According to the company news release, Allergan anticipates launching Latisse in 2009.