Latisse opthalmic solution, manufactured by Allergan, is an FDA approved treatment for a condition called hypotrichosis; the medical term for inadequate or too few lashes. A prescription for Latisse is not covered by any insurance, therefore the cost ranges from $100 to $130. For this price, the consumer gets a box with multiple disposable applicator brushes for each eye. The patient can expect to see results beginning around 8 weeks, with full results at 12 weeks. Discontinuation of Latisse will cause lashes to return to their previous condition.
I have used Latisse personally for 24 weeks. It does work and I saw the beginnings of results after just 4 weeks of use. My upper lashes are markedly longer than before I began using the product. Not only has it increased the length of my lashes, but the number on each eyelid. Additonally, my eyelashes have become darker in color as has my upper eyelid. The eyelid staining is reversible with discontinuation of the product, but is barely noticeable and looks as if I were wearing taupe eyeshadow.
I have discussed Latisse, its efficacy, side effects, and cost with two physicians in the Houston Metropolitan area. The first is obstetrician/gynecologist, Michele Blackwell, practicing in Galveston, TX. She stated that not only does she prescribe Latisse to patients, she uses it herself. According to Dr. Blackwell, her patients are positive. The only negative aspect that her patients found was the price since it is not covered by health insurance as it is considered a cosmetic prescription and not a necessity.
The second physician is Dr. Anita Fulton. Dr. Fulton, an obstetrician/gynecologist who hails from California and relocated to Texas approximately two years ago. She has a full service medical spa associated with her ob/gyn practice. While she has not used Latisse herself, she has prescribed it, “more times than I can count”. Again, she has had only positive feedback from her patients, except for some groaning in regards to the price of the drug.
Both of these doctors stated that very few of their patients had side effects at all, but the side effects that did occur were minor and included itchy/red eyes and slight discoloration of eyelids which is reversible upon discontinuation. Both confirmed that one of the more undesireable, but very rare side effects of Latisse is the permanent darkening of light eyes. Neither physician had personally had a patient present with this condition nor had any of their colleagues.
In conclusion, Latisse seems to be safe and effective with minimal side effects. The one big draw back for this product is cost. As a result of this, I have searched out some alternative, non-prescription products that claim to be safe and effective at a fraction of the cost. The first is Rapid Lash Eyelash Renewal Serum which can be found at shopping.aol.com/rapid+lash+renewal-products/. The cost is approximately $40 — a fraction of the cost of Latisse. It comes in a 3mL container and claims to lengthen lashes within 4 – 6 weeks and has a 7 day money back guarantee. Peter Thomas Roth – Lashes to Die For also found at http://shopping.aol.com in the health and beauty category. A final alternative are individual false lashes. I used them for years before I abandoned them for Latisse. They are easy to apply, look natural, and stay about one week to ten days. They can be purchased at any drug store or even online. Make sure to purchase the accompanying glue for individual lashes. You will need tweezers and a magnifying mirror to apply. I don’t recommend purchasing strip lashes as they do not look natural.
Latisse does work, but is expensive. Why not try some less expensive alternatives before having to pay for a doctor visit and an expensive perscription?
