Sunday, December 19, 2010

Latisse-yes or no?

I've been pondering the Latisse for the past few days in particular.  I do genuinely believe my lashes are a little longer.  If I use a curling mascara they definitely are more prominent.
What bothers me still is the idea of putting something known to cause iris pigmentation-albeit through a different route of administration-onto my lash line just to have longer lashes.  Fine, there were no reported cases in the trials and there are apparently no reported cases since it was approved.  But is this definitely true?  Searching around online yields people who say they've suffered the pigmentation.  Perhaps they're lying, but there are a few unsettling things:

  • Latisse only launched in the US in 2009.  That means less than 2 years of follow-up of the product being used by large numbers of people
  • Allergan reckon that Latisse supplies 1/20th of the dose of Lumigan when applied as directed.  Does this mean they expect a dose to the eye itself?
  • Allergan have already been cautioned by the FDA for minimising the risks associated with the product in their promotional material.
  • Eyes at highest risk for pigmentation seem to be those that already have some brown pigment-hazel and green.  Like mine.
When I was at the plastic surgeons office and he was telling me about it and recommending it to me I asked about the iris pigmentation.  He said there was no chance of it.  I think most prescribers would agree.  He told me his assistant who had blue eyes hadn't suffered any problems.  However:
  • The assistant had used the product for less than 2 months.  The problems with Lumigan seemed to be at the 6-12 month mark
  • She had blue eyes.  With no brown pigment.  She was therefore at a lower risk anyway.
  • Allergan recommends that patients are informed of the potential risk for iris pigmentation, likely permanent....they had to because we know that Lumigan can cause it.  So it can't be ruled out.
I think the risk with Latisse is probably tiny.   I do think it raises the issue of how easily we dismiss risks just to look better!  I was happy to get carried away thinking about the longer, thicker lashes and ignore the reality of applying a medicinal product.  I like my eyes.  They're the one thing I wouldn't change.  I'm not sure what I'll do!  Reviews on RealSelf and Makeupalley are mainly very positive.  The results I get will help me to decide.  I could imagine wanting to continue if the results were striking.  At the moment I'm considering finishing this bottle and then just switch to Rapid Lash or the Dermaglow lash enhance.  They may not work but they're unlikely to destroy my eyes.  There's always mascara....

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