Up till now, there was no way to actually increase the growth of your eyelashes. The Allergan company recently introduced a new drug called Latisse, which is clinically proven to grow eye lashes longer, thicker and darker.
Latisse is applied to the upper eyelid only. Results were seen after 8 weeks of application, with full growth after 16 weeks. Eyelashes grew 25% longer, 106% thicker and 18% darker. Try that using mascara!
In the clinical study 140 members out of 280, used Latisse for 16 weeks. Applied to the upper eyelid only, Latisse was well tolerated by the group. Latisse is not recommended for use on the lower eyelashes.
Latisse will be sold by prescription only. It will probably not be covered by insurance plans, unless prescribed for a specific medical condition, like hypotrichosis. It is expected to cost about $120.00 for a 30 day supply, ( which includes 60 single use applicators).
3.6% of the members of the study reported eye itching. No other side effects were noted. There is some concern green and hazel eyes might become permanently darkened. The upper eyelid also might be affected by becoming darker.
Allergan is the company that has great success with Botox. It hopes to have a another home-run with Latisse. When Lumigan ( a drug developed to treat glaucoma) produced a side effect of longer thicker eye lashes, Latisse was then created. Some side effects noted with Lumigan were darkening of the eyelid and permanent darkening of the iris. The active ingredient of both drugs is Bimatoprost. Latisse uses only a 5% solution, so that no darkening of iris or eyelids is expected. Plus the fact, Latisse is applied to the lash itself, not in the eye like Lumigan.
Eye lash follicles last about 4 to 5 months. So when you stop using Latisse, your lash length will gradually reduce as old lashes fall out to be replaced by normal ones.
No more false eyelashes or extensions for you! Latisse can grow your own eyelashes longer and thicker. The only FDA approved drug that can do this.