Can one grow new eyelashes?

 Sure, you can. 


There is a new product out on the market called bimatoprost and sold under the brand name latisse. Latisse has been approved by the FDA as a treatment for thinning or inadequate eyelashes. Bimatoprost is actually a drug used to treat glaucoma. 


During the initial clinical trials, it was observed that people who used bimatoprost started to develop thickened eyelashes- so now this side effect has been turned into a business venture and sold as latisse.


Latisse is supposed to be applied along the lash line of the upper eyelid. It is not for use on the lower eyelid. Over time, latisse gradually causes thickening and darkening of the eyelashes. The product must be used daily for at least 2 -3 months before you see any results. The eyelashes remain nice and thick as long as you keep on applying the latisse. The moment you stop using latisse, your eyelashes will return to their original appearance.


So does latisse work?


Once upon a time, there was a drug for blood pressure called minoxidil and when people used this product they started to grow hair on the head. The drug was then marketed as propecia and millions of balding men (including me) bought the product. Well after 20 years, i have only grown three hairs (not even on the scalp but on my back) and the rest of the men have none.


Of course, latisse does not work.  


This is just a gimmick. No double blind study ever been done to document the findings observed early on. Drug companies have a habit of making preposterous claims. In any case,  millions of women have already used latisse. Anecdotal reports indicate that less than 2-3 percent has seen any benefit at all. Even after application of latisse for more than 3 months, most women claim that the color of their eyelashes remains the same. In addition, latisse does not come cheap. It can cost anywhere from $70-$100 a vial which lasts 3-4 weeks.


For most women, the only thing latisse will bring is disappointment. The best way to darken your eyelashes is either wear fake eyelashes or use a black marking pen.