Lashes

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In this segment, Dr. John Martin discusses new products designed to make eyelashes grow longer, with his siblings, Drs. Kathryn and Edward Martin.

A very exciting development in the cosmetic industry has been in lash enhancement products. The FDA has recently approved a prescription medication called Latisse, made by Allergan (the makers of Botox and Juvederm) . This is a medication which will result in longer, thicker and darker lashes.

Several years ago, patients who were using an Allergan glaucoma drop called Lumigan noted that their lashes were getting longer. Allergan then took the active ingredient in the drop, a prostaglandin analog called bimatoprost, and put it into a product, Latisse, designed specifically for the lashes. Latisse comes with small brushes which are used to apply the product at the base of the lashes of the upper lid. This is done every night, and within several weeks, the lashes will be longer, thicker and darker. Once the desired results are achieved, the product can be used just once or twice a week to maintain the result.

There are also several cosmetic companies which have lash enhancement products. One of the best products is Lashes to Die For from Peter Thomas Roth. This is also formulated with a prostaglandin analog, and over 70% of users saw an improvement in the appearance of their lashes within 8 weeks.

Side effects that can occur from use of these products include skin irritation, darkening of the skin, and a possible darkening of the iris in blue eyed individuals.

The results from these products will last as long as you use them, but unfortunately you will go back to your baseline when you discontinue.