Many drugs make their way to the market inadvertently, becoming hugely popular for uses that were not originally intended. Such is the case with the effective eyelash enhancer Latisse.

Latisse was born out of a group of popular medications called topical prostaglandins, which were drugs frequently used to decrease intra-ocular pressure in glaucoma patients.

Hypertrichosis, a condition characterized by darkening, thickening, and lengthening of the eyelashes, was first labeled a complication or side effect of using prostaglandins. The treatment contained the active ingredient bimatoprost.

Allergan set up clinical trials and research for the drug to be used as an eyelash enhancer shortly after this side effect was discovered. In one early study, 278 healthy adults with minimal to moderate eyelash prominence applied bimatoprost or a placebo to their lash line. The results were favorable; researchers observed that the average patient’s eyelashes were 25 percent longer, 106 percent fuller, and 18 percent darker.

Latisse received FDA approval in 2008 as an eyelash enhancer. Allergan now owns the patent on use of bimatoprost for eyelash enhancements.

Contact Dr. James Ridgway at his Bellevue office to see what Latisse can do for your eyelashes.


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If you are ready to refresh and rejuvenate your look today, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the best plastic surgeons Seattle has to offer: Dr. James M. Ridgway. During your private consultation Dr. Ridgway will carefully evaluate your face and the subtle imperfections that concern you most before providing you with a personalized blend of Bellevue cosmetic surgery procedures that will help you achieve your ideal facial appearance.

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