Topical Bimatoprost for the Treatment of Eyebrow Hypotrichosis

January 2012 | Volume 11 | Issue 1 | Case Reports | 106 | Copyright © January 2012


Eric S. Schweiger MD,a,b Lisa Pinchover BA,b Robert M. Bernstein MDc,d

aMount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY

bSchweiger Dermatology, New York, NY

cColumbia University, New York, NY

dBernstein Medical - Center for Hair Restoration, New York, NY

table 1
to enter the anagen phase.6 The increase in anagen phase is determined at the initiation of the anagen phase and is controlled by the dermal papilla.3 When prostaglandins are inhibited by agents such as indomethacin or aspirin, hair growth is shown to be decreased. In addition minoxidil was reported to activate COX-1, a prostaglandin pathway, suggesting that prostaglandin plays a vital role in hair growth.3
There have been numerous studies documenting the effectiveness of bimatoprost solution for upper eyelid hypotrichosis. In clinical studies with bimatoprost, the majority of patients report an increase in eyelash length and darkening of color after daily use for 12 weeks.5 In clinical practice, many patients notice results in as early as four weeks, and many patients report using the solution every other day instead of daily with continued efficacy.
Potential known local side effects of bimatoprost include eye pruritus, conjunctival hyperemia, eye irritation, dry eye symptoms, erythema, and temporary hyperpigmentation of the eyelid skin.3 Reported rare side effects of ophthalmic bimatoprost for treatment of glaucoma include darkening of the iris pigmentation and recently periorbital fat atrophy.8 The efficacy and adverse effects of bimatoprost gel has been examined in patients with no prior history of glaucoma or other ocular disease. The adverse effects of conjunctival hyperemia, ocular puritis, hyperpigmentation and medical cathral hair growth resolved after discontinuation of bimatoprost gel.4,9
While topical bimatoprost is only FDA-approved for upper eyelash growth, it has been used off-label to promote growth for both the lower eyelashes and the eyebrows. While anecdotally using topical bimatoprost on the eyebrows has been advocated there had yet to be published scientific evidence to support this.

CONCLUSIONS

We report one of the first cases of topical bimatoprost for successful treatment of eyebrow hypotrichosis. Studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of topical bimatoprost to treat eyebrow hypotrichosis. If confirmed, topical bimatoprost should be a useful non-surgical option for patients with eyebrow hypotrichosis.

DISCLOSURES

The authors have no relevant conflicts of interest to disclose.

REFERENCES

  1. Bernstein RM, Rassman WR, Szaniawski W, Halperin A. Follicular Transplantation.Int J Aesthetic Restorative Surgery.1995;3:119-132.
  2. Rassman WR, Bernstein, RM. From scalp to brow.Plastic Surgery Products. 2006;34(8).
  3. Law S. Bimatoprost in the treatment of eyelash hypotrichosis.Clinical Ophthamology. 2010;4:349-358.
  4. Woodward JA, Haggerty CJ, Stinnett SS, et al. Bimatoprost 0.03% gel for cosmetic eyelash growth and enhancement. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2010;9:96-102.
  5. Yoelin SW, John WG, Earl M. Safety, effectiveness, and subjective experience with topical bimatoprost 0.03% for eyelash growth.Dermatologic Surgery.2010;36:638-649.
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