3 Questions New Yorkers Keep Asking About Latisse

Do you want longer, dark, fuller eyelashes? In the past, your only option would be to have artificial eyelash extensions bonded to your natural lashes. Unfortunately, this temporary solution costs $100 to $500, and only lasts a month.

In 2008, Latisse became the first FDA-approved drug for the cosmetic lengthening and darkening of eyelashes. These eye drops have also been used to control the progression of glaucoma and reduce eye pressure.

Dr. B. Aviva Preminger is a board-certified plastic surgeon who offers Latisse in NYC. She answers some of your most common questions and invites you to come in for a consultation to see if Latisse is the right product for your needs.

Does Latisse work better than Revitalash, Smartlash and Lumigan?

Revitalash is an over-the-counter cosmetic that claims to enhance one’s eyelashes. However, it is not backed by the same body of research that Latisse needed for FDA approval. The original Revitalash contained the same active ingredient as Latisse, but the company was forced to change the formulation after a lawsuit charged them with patent infringement. Many plastic surgeons feel Revitalash does not work as well.

Similarly, there are no clinical trials backing the Smartlash claims of efficiency. Active ingredients include “Marsupium Bark extract, Apigenin, Panthenol, Mannitol, Lecithin and soybean oil” – although it’s not clear that any of these natural remedies effectively grow hair. The company is under investigation by the National Advertising Division for unwarranted claims that the product is “dermatologist recommended” and that Smartlash yields “up to a 68% increase in the appearance of lash length!” They concluded that an observation from one dermatologist does not warrant the blanket statement that the product is “dermatologist recommended,” and that the results of their independent study actually found that 68% of users were “satisfied with their results” – which does not mean their lashes necessarily grew longer – let alone 68% longer.

On the other hand, Lumigan is truly the exact same product as Latisse: bimatoprost. However, Lumigan is FDA-approved for treating glaucoma, whereas Latisse is expressly marketed for eyelash lengthening.

Is Latisse safe?

Latisse has a good safety profile, but there are a few important considerations. First, there are some patients who should not use Latisse, including pregnant or breastfeeding women and minors under 18 years of age. Secondly, you’ll need to talk to your doctor if you have a history of ingrown eyelashes or eye inflammation. Lastly, beware how and where you purchase the product.

The NY Times reports that some patients have unwanted side effects when they order the product illicitly online, without seeing an actual medical professional like a plastic surgeon. “The Latisse they buy online could be adulterated or fake,” the newspaper warns. Side effects may include redness, itching and irritation, which go away when Latisse is discontinued, or in rare cases, eyelid discoloration which may be reversible as well.

“A rare side effect that has captured the most attention is the chance that one’s hazel or blue eyes could turn brown — forever,” says the NY Times. However, eye color change is more commonly associated with Lumigan, which uses a higher concentration of bimatoprost and is applied directly to the eyeball, rather than to the eyelid like Latisse.

Where can I get Latisse in NYC?

The office of New York City plastic surgeon Dr. Preminger is located at Park Avenue and 83rd Street in Manhattan. In addition to offering Latisse, she is also board-certified in plastic surgery to perform everything from breast augmentation, facelifts and rhinoplasty, to Botox, tummy tuck and eyelid surgery.

“Many of my Botox and dermal filler patients find that Latisse is a great complement to their anti-aging regimen,” says Dr. Preminger. “Like mascara,” she adds, “long, dark lashes gives the appearance of being fully refreshed and attentive that a lot of people really like.”

Call 212.706.1900 to schedule your private consultation.