Treatment of eyebrow hypotrichosis using bimatoprost: a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled pilot study.

Background: The Food and Drug Administration has approved bimatoprost ophthalmic solution (0.03%) for the treatment of eyelash hypotrichosis. Previous reports of its efficacy in eyebrow hypotrichosis are anecdotal.

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of bimatoprost 0.03% ophthalmic solution applied to the eyebrows in a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study.

Methods: Subjects (n = 20) with mild to moderate eyebrow hypotrichosis enrolled in the study. One group (Bim) applied bimatoprost to each eyebrow daily for 9 months, and another applied vehicle nightly to each eyebrow for 5 months. Subjects in the latter group were re-randomized to apply bimatoprost (Veh-Bim Group) or vehicle (Veh Group) daily to each eyebrow for 4 months. The primary end point was investigator-assessed eyebrow appearance; secondary end points were subject-reported outcomes.

Results: Investigator assessments showed significant improvements from baseline to 6 (p = .002) and 7 (p = .005) months for the eyebrows treated with bimatoprost. p-Values for the Veh-Bim and Veh groups were not significant at any time point. End-of-study subject satisfaction with eyebrow fullness or thickness and darkness or color was greater in the Bim group than in the Veh group. Adverse effects were not observed.

Conclusion: Bimatoprost 0.03% ophthalmic solution applied daily for 9 months improves the appearance of eyebrows noticeably more than vehicle, without side effects.