Cosmetic use of Bimatoprost

In patients using ophthalmic prostaglandins such as travoprost and latanoprost, it has been anecdotally noted that there had been an increase in diameter, density and length of eyelashes. Allergan initiated clinical trials investigating the usage of Lumigan as a cosmetic drug. On December 5, 2008, the FDA Dermatologic and Ophthalmic Drugs Advisory Committee voted to approve bimatoprost for the cosmetic use of darkening and lengthening eyelashes. The medical term for this is treatment of hypotrichosis, however, the FDA approval is for purely cosmetic purposes.
Bimatoprost activates prostamide alpha F2 receptors found in the hair follicle to stimulate its growth rate. Research led by Professor Randall and the University of Bradford found that it may also offer a treatment for scalp hair regrowth in trials conducted on samples taken from men undergoing hair transplants.
According to Allergan's package labeling, users of its Latisse cosmetic product didn't develop darker irises in clinical studies; however, "patients should be advised about the potential for increased brown iris pigmentation which is likely to be permanent."