Latisse Safety and Benefits for Eyelash Growth Reviewed by Leading Dermatologists

Patients considering Latisse, a popular prescription medication that grows longer and darker eyelashes, can now learn the opinion and experience of skin care experts.

Dermatologists have published their expert opinion about Latisse, providing patients with a reliable source of health information.

Latisse (bimatropost) is applied once a day to the eyelashes with a disposable eyelash brush that dispenses the recommended dose. Results are usually reported after 4 to 6 weeks of use with full results seen after 12 to 16 weeks.

Many patients have been satisfied with the results and the Los Angeles Time recently ran a story that quoted a Latisse patient who said ."It does what it says it's going to do and my lashes look nice and healthy. It gives me a more youthful appearance. Younger gals have gorgeous lashes, and now I don't have to wear false lashes." However, some concerns of side effects remain, including eye redness, itchiness, irritation, infection, darkening of the skin around the application area. A possible change in eye color is also reported, particularly in people who have any amount of brown pigment in their eyes.

Christine Brown, M.D., a Dallas dermatologist in private practice, suggested that the incidence of side effects, such as pigmentation of the eye or surrounding skin is exceptionally rare. The most common side effect is redness, which is a transient problem. Latisse works well, especially under the supervision of a dermatologist."

Amy McMichael, M.D., a dermatologist at Wake Forest University Medical Center, pointed out that "The data for the safety of Latisse is well studied since this medication has been around in eyedrop form for more than 8 years. The post-marketing studies of Lumigan [the active ingredient of Latisse] and the more recent FDA pivotal studies for Latisse underscore the safety of the drug. Anecdotally, many patients who used Lumigan for glaucoma in one eye only have applied the Lumigan to the other eye to even out the lash growth--under the supervision of their ophthalmologist and without unwanted side effects."

The clinical judgments provided by dermatologists are published by Vivacare, a patient education company that provides dermatologists with tools to educate their patients and the public about skin conditions and skin care advice.