Q: What is Latisse eyelash enhancement?
A: Latisse is a bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03%, originally 
developed and used as a glaucoma medication. In using the medication, many patients noticed that their eyelashes grew significantly, to the point that some even felt the need to trim them. Allergan, who owned the medication, began to market it as Latisse, for topical use in patients with “inadequate eyelashes.”
Q: How long has Latisse been on the market?
A: Though Latisse has only been available for about 6 months, its related safety record as an eye drop solution spans well over 10 years. Any medication that is used in the eye must be very safe.
Q: Why do I need a prescription for Latisse?
A: Latisse can result in eyelash improvement of 105% in thickness and over 25% in length. Latisse is not an over-the-counter medication. The FDA approved Latisse as a prescription medication to treat hypotrichosis, i.e. reduced amount of eyelash growth.
Q: How does Latisse work?
A: Latisse is thought to affect the growth stage of eyelashes by increasing the duration of the growth phase while increasing the number of hairs in the growth phase. Most people begin to see an increase in their lashes after about 3 or 4 weeks. By 16 weeks the lashes will have reached their full length and thickness. Discontinuation of Latisse will result in a return of the lashes to their previous state.
Q: How do I apply Latisse?
A: Latisse is applied to the base of the upper eyelashes nightly for 16 weeks. After 16 weeks, the application can be reduced to every 2-3 days to maintain growth. Latisse is not applied to the lower eyelashes. However, during sleep some of the medication will diffuse across to these lashes increasing them as well.
Q: Is Latisse expensive?
A: It’s not terribly expensive. From most physicians in the Twin Cities, it will be about 100-120 dollars for a one-month supply.
Q: Are there alternatives to Latisse that work the same way?
A: There are no comparable products on the market right now. Other eyelash enhancement products that claim to increase eyelash thickness and length are usually conditioners, which don’t stimulate eyelash growth.
