Dima Ali, M.D. is an internationally recognized Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Medicine expert. Her areas of expertise include aesthetic laser surgery, minimally invasive face lifts, lipofilling, botox, soft tissue fillers, chemical peels, sclerotherapy, mesotherapy/lipo-dissolve and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Ali received her undergraduate degree at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. After receiving her Doctorate of Medicine and completing a general residency training at The George Washington University School of Medicine, Dr. Ali devoted all of her postgraduate work on her passion of Cosmetic Dermatology, Cutaneous Laser Surgery, Anti-Aging Medicine and cosmetic formulations. “Dr. Dima,” as her patients and colleagues affectionately call her, founded one of the East Coasts first medical spas, WellMedica Aesthetic & Anti-Aging Medicine in Reston, VA. Dr. Dima’s Cosminology (clinical skincare & clinical mineral make up) was created by Dr. Dima Ali, and inspired by her personal sensitivity to harsh, over the counter and prescription strength topical treatments. As a long-time acne sufferer with a propensity for hyperpigmentation, Dr. Dima began to combine varying strengths of potent, rejuvenating ingredients with natural, anti-inflammatory botanical extracts and essential oils to treat her own skin conditions and those of her patients.
Iammodern's Cosmetic & Anti-Aging Guru answers a new product question
What is Latisse? Does it really work to grow your lashes?
The short answer: Latisse is a prescription eye solution used to grow eyelashes making them longer, thicker and darker. Yes, it works. My sister is an eye doctor so I had the inside scoop a long time ago and tried it myself it really does work!
The long answer: The chemical name for Latisse is bimatoprost and it was discovered in the 1930s as a new class of drugs called prostamides (yes, as in derived from the prostate - my goodness what we'll do for beauty...). By the 1970s, there was widespread use of the drug for the treatment of glaucoma (hypertension of the eyes). Since December 2008, it has been marketed by Allergan (the makers of Botox and Juvederm) as a topical prescription approved by the FDA to "stimulate eyelashes to grow longer and thicker." Please note that it is a prescription and therefore only available through physicians. 
Prior to its FDA approval as Latisse, bimatoprost was marketed as Lumigan eye drops and prescribed by eye doctors for glaucoma. It was noticed that patients being treated for glaucoma were developing thicker, longer eyelashes. I recommend applying it to the base of the eyelashes in the morning to clean lids (it comes with a little application brush). Although it is not recommended for the lower lids or eyebrows (the FDA is picky), it is safe for use in those areas as well.
You should expect to see eyelash growth within 60 to 90 days. This is probably the biggest complaint..."why does it take so long??" We all want that instant gratification. If you are one of 
those people you'd better keep your expectations in check because it is unlikely to work before that time frame. That's human physiology. If it causes you anxiety to apply Latisse daily and have to wait to see a visible result, either get false eyelashes or lash extensions. If you are compliant and patient, YOU WILL SEE RESULTS. For maintenance, I recommend treatment 2-3 times per week. Please note that if Latisse is discontinued completely your eyelashes will shed and return to normal in about 60 days. Latisse has been reported to cause increased brown pigmentation in the area used but this should not be permanent or cause for concern.
I remember when minoxidil (an anti-hypertensive agent) was marketed for hair growth in the 1980s-1990s as Rogaine. Homer
Simpson heard about "Dimoxinil" on an infomercial and just had to have it. He gets the drug from a doctor in a back alley, applies it and the next day wakes up with a full head of hair. His boss Mr. Burns mistakes him for someone else and promotes Homer to an executive position. I'm sure that it's just a matter of time before Marge gets hooked up with Latisse... I hope I've answered your question! Dr. Dima Latisse retails anywhere from $120 to $150 per bottle (about 80 drops). We carry Latisse in our office and are running a special through the end of June 2009. www.wellmedica.com
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