Move Over CoverGirl and Revlon. Here Comes Latisse.
Here is one enhancement I think the world could have lived without. From the makers of Botox, Allergan, Inc, comes a drug that will make your lashes--longer, thicker, darker, Latisse.
According to the Washington Post, the FDA has approved this drug for daily use on the upper (but only the upper) eyelid and in a miraculous 16 weeks women (and men) can have the lashes of their dreams.
With such a pretty name, who could have a beef with a drug that just wants to make eyelids more beautiful? Beware, the chemical in Latisse is simply a hair follicle stimulant--so if it gets anywhere else on your face, you could be in for a hairy surprise. Better yet, there's no guarantee that the rate of growth of your lashes will be the same on each lid or even on the same lid. You could end up looking like you have Chewbacca's eyelashes.
For those of you in search of the perfect lash: go for the fake ones or a good mascara wand. It's guaranteed to be cheaper, effective, and with no fear of side effects or unwanted Wookie hair.
Summer Johnson, PhD
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I am a dermatologist in Laguna Niguel, California and have been prescribing Lumigan (AKA Latisse) to my patients to stimulate eyelash growth for the last 2 years. Over 1500 of my patients have been using it now with 100% success and 0% side effects, other than occasional temporary eye or eyelid irritation. Hair growth in other areas is uncommon, unless the skin is thin and the product is applied to that area daily for at least several weeks. Unfortunately for those with baldness, it does not work that easily in other areas such as the scalp.
There is no need to have unnecessary fears of new products. Mascara and lipstick are also not necessary but many women use them to enhance their appearance. This is just another safe, well studied product that can help those people that would like to enhance their appearance.
Remember, everything we use is a chemical of some sort. The important thing is to make sure the products we use are safe and proven to work. The great thing about Latisse / Lumigan is that it has been well studied by Allergan, a very reputable company, and approved by the FDA, which has very stringent guidelines. If you would like more information about Lumigan / Latisse you can check my website at www.skin1.com.
- by Lorrie Klein,, M.D. on Dec 30, 2008 at 10:51 AM | link
I am a plastic surgeon in Ventura, California, where another eyelash enhancer Revitalash was born. Revitalash was developed by a Ventura ophthalmologist, who used (allegedly illegally) a glaucoma drug (bimatoprost, marketed as "Lumigan") as the active ingredient. The results have been incredible--longer, thicker, darker eyelashes in at least 80% of users.
While some patients did have minor side effects (like a few weeks of eye itchiness and redness), I have never seen any major problems. I agree with Dr. Klein that we all shouldn't get overly worried about rare complications. Heck, nowadays, even peanut butter can get you sick!
Unfortunately, my local colleague has been forced to discontinue the use of bimatoprost in Revitalash, because the patent is held by the Allergan Corporation. Allergan has dluted their own drug bimatoprost/Lumigan to create Latisse. So, I suspect that if patients already like Revitalash, they will like Latisse.
Even though Revitalash contained a regulated drug, the product was actually sold in just about every hair salon in my county. The public surely appreciated this convenience, but I am not certain whether public safety was served. The marketing and dispensation of Latisse by physicians is certainly more conservative and probably more safe.
By the way, Revitalash (and other products such as Marini Lash) will still be sold at the local salons. However, they now have new formulations--without bimatoprost. Hence, the new stuff will no longer work. If patients want efficacy, they'll have to switch to Latisse from a doctor.
- by Michael C. Pickart, M.D., F.A.C.S. on Feb 4, 2009 at 11:41 AM | link
I am a Medical Aesthetic Professional in Silicone Valley. I feel secure using Latisse. Allergan has a solid track record and I use a variety of their products such as Botox, Juvederm and Vivite to name a few. I would advise people NOT to use this product on lower lashes. But you will achieve longer, thicker and darker eyelashes. I did. If you have any questions please contact me through my website @ http://www.Beauty-Redefined.com
- by Dawn Martino R.N. MEP on Feb 4, 2009 at 3:49 PM | link
I'm one of those patients who has been using Latisse, prescribed by my plastic surgeon. I understand that full results are shown in 16 weeks, and I'm only at the seven week point. Some of my individual lashes are really very much longer, like double the length they were before, and some of them have not changed yet. I'm not yet showing any change in darkness or thickness. I'm sticking with it for another 9 weeks to see how it goes.
Among my girlfriends, who are very much concerned with beauty and style, I am the point person for this product. You might say it's my turn to take one for the team. If it works for me, they will all go to their doctors for it.
Not everyone has the self discipline to stick with a regimen for 16 weeks before they see any results, though. I think that will be more of a problem with patients, rather than the cost. The company making it could charge more for a product that would work faster, in my opinion.
I'm happy with it so far. No side effects whatsoever.
- by Gretchen Williams on Mar 26, 2009 at 4:11 PM | link
When Lumigan has been used off label for eyelash growth what instructions for application have been used for patients?
- by David Kisling, O.D. on Apr 24, 2009 at 2:39 PM | link