Hypotrichosis is a medical term for short or missing lashes. It is frequently seen in men and women as they approach middle age. You may choose to use lash extensions or weaves, or use mascaras that lengthen your lashes. However, there is a medical option to improve the appearance of your eyelashes.

Latisse™ is approved for the treatment of hypotrichosis of the eyelashes by making them grow longer, thicker and darker. Latisse™ is the brand name for bimatoprost, a sister medication already approved for the treatment of glaucoma known as Lumigan®. Latisse™ is believed to affect the growth (anagen) phase of the eyelash hair cycle by increasing the length of the growth phase and increasing the number of hairs along your eyelid margin.

Latisse™ is applied at bedtime by placing a drop of product on a brush (provided with the kit) and swabbing it along your lash line. A second brush is used for the other eyelash line. It begins to work gradually, and you will see a significant improvement in the length and number of your lashes by 2 months.  If Latisse™ is discontinued, your eyelashes and eyelids will return to their previous appearance over several weeks to months.

Side effects may include eye irritation and itching, redness of the eye, dry eyes, or eyelid redness.  Latisse™ may cause darkening of your eyelid skin at the lash line, which may or may not be reversible after stopping the product. Very rarely, it can increase the brown pigmentation of your iris.

You should not use Latisse™ if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an eye infection, or are being treated for glaucoma with eye drops, unless cleared by your treating ophthalmologist.