I often hear a lot of women tell me, “I wish my eyelashes were longer.”

Now there is a topical drug that helps grow lashes and is only available by prescription. Latisse® (bimataprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03 percent is a prescription treatment for hypotrichosis (low hair growth) that can provide for longer, thicker and darker lashes.

It is available only by prescription through physicians’ offices and cannot be purchased over the counter. The response from my patients have been good overall and most come back for rewrites of their prescription.

You brush on LATISSE® to the top eyelashes at night with included brush applicators to the upper eyelash margin. Results are technique dependant in most cases and one can see improvement in length and thickness in 78 percent of people who have tried this in clinical studies.

Patients are using LATISSE® in my practice in combination with Botox, fillers and laser skin care to surprise their friends. Actual comments include “My friends think I’m more rested” and “People ask to see my scars and I have not had surgery.”

Combining Latisse with these other modalities has become more popular in my office. Combining Latisse with a hypoallergenic line like Glo Minerals can have a dramatic effect on patients, especially those wanting to improve areas around the eye.

LATISSE® was FDA approved in 2007 and continues to rise in popularity. We encourage the use of physician-grade cosmetics that can be bought at our center to give that extra “umph” to your eyes. It’s a once-a-day treatment you apply topically to the base of your upper eyelashes. Patients in a clinical trial saw results in as few as eight weeks with full results after 12 to 16 weeks. See www.latisse.com for more information on the trials.

I must include a disclaimer below. If you are looking to increase eyelash growth and need other cosmetics, Botox or fillers, I encourage you to come by and speak to me about all your options.

Important Safety Information

If you are using prescription products for lowering eye pressure or have a history of eye pressure problems, only use LATISSE® under close doctor supervision. It may cause eyelid skin darkening which may be reversible, and there is potential for increased brown iris pigmentation which is likely to be permanent.

There is a potential for hair growth to occur in areas where LATISSE® solution comes in repeated contact with skin surfaces. If you develop or experience any eye problems or have eye surgery, consult your doctor immediately about continued use of LATISSE®.

The most common side effects after using LATISSE® solution are an itching sensation in the eyes and/or eye redness.