La Jolla Ophthalmologists

What Are the Pros and Cons of Latisse for Health Care Providers

What Are the Pros and Cons of Latisse for Health Care Providers

I'm confused by your question, but will answer with three perspectives.

For consumers, Latisse has the advantage of being the only eye lash product that is FDA approved with the attendant required clinical studies regarding safety and actual effectiveness. It is a simple use product with few side effects, the most common being some transient redness or slight itching. The big pro is longer, lusher lashes.

For health care providers who prescribe Latisse, there is a moderate profit in offering a solution to patients who have sparse eyelashes so they feel more comfortable with their appearance. Like many RX products intended to approve appearance, Latisse is not covered (for the most part) by insurance and as such becomes a retail product that is dispensed in the office.

From a third persepctive, if you are a health care provider and personally use Latisse, you will likely notice that your patients remark on your beautiful lashes.

Nasrin Mani, MD

La Jolla Ophthalmologist

Generic Latisse - is It the Same As Latisse?

Generic Latisse, birmatoprost, is that the same as latisse?

The active ingredient in Latisse is bimatoprost - which remains a pharmaceutical and controlled medication. Because any product which can actually produce a physical change in the body's normal function is reviewed by the FDA, those who are concerned with side effects or potential problems will generally stick with products which have been safety tested and are distributed as to the FDA regulations.

As an Ophthalmological Surgeon, I am well aware of the action of products instilled in the eye or used around the eye. Because there ARE side effects that come with any medication, (Latisse is no exception) it is prudent to be sure you know your "generic" product is the actual product it claims to be; has no unlisted additives; has a valid expiration date and is prescribed by a physician who has reviewed your medical records.

You cannot and should not purchase bimatoprost without a doctor's prescription. (Of course with the internet, this is not always the case and many internet companies claim to sell the actual product - but who knows what's really in that bottle??.)

Safe is better than sorry and it's often not worth the "savings" to take chances - especially with your vision.

Bimatoprost (trade named Lumigan by Allergan) is actually a glaucoma medication and certain patients with eye pressure problems should not use Latisse.

Nasrin Mani, MD

La Jolla Ophthalmologist

Does The Ingredient Bimatoprost influence Iris Pigmentation?

Hello, I was wondering if bimatoprost as an ingredient has a side effect of spreading the existing Brown pigment more around the iris or make the Brown pigment darker. I am consedring using latisse and I have dark Brown eyes, Will they get even darker as to black or my dark Brown Will spread more. Thank you all for you time and comprehension. Best Regards!!

Bimatoprost in Lumigan can affect eye color - but Latisse, used correctly, should not. Latisse came about because Bimatoprost was producing the side effect of elongated and thicker lashes.

Care must to taken in using any product with "action" such as Latisse. You CAN get darkening of the skin when you apply Latisse. Don't apply more or more often than instructed and wipe off any excess to avoid unwanted hair growth. Latisse will affect tiny hairs on the face,corner of the eye, too, so if you let it drip, you could see hair where you don't want to.

If you follow the instructions, wipe off excess( or use a finer brush than what is included in the package) you'll enjoy the long lush lashes Latisse gives you. And they'll look gorgeous with your brown eyes!

Nasrin Mani, MD

La Jolla Ophthalmologist