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. 2018 Feb 22;12:365–372. doi: 10.2147/DDDT.S156467

Therapeutic potential of bimatoprost for the treatment of eyebrow hypotrichosis

Nongsak Chanasumon 1, Tueboon Sriphojanart 1, Poonkiat Suchonwanit 1,✉
PMCID: PMC5826207  PMID: 29503529

Abstract

Eyebrows serve as a key feature of the face and have many roles, including cosmetic appearance and social communication. Eyebrow hypotrichosis, which refers to reduction or absence of the eyebrow hair, could be a major problem that leads to negative functional, psychological, and social consequences. Bimatoprost is an ophthalmic prostamide analog that is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of eyelash hypotrichosis. Its proposed mechanism is stimulation of the prostaglandin receptor in dermal papilla and melanocyte, thus leading to a prolonged anagen phase and increased melanogenesis. The hair follicle then increases in thickness, length, and darkness. The efficacy of bimatoprost for the treatment of eyebrow hypotrichosis has been supported by well-controlled studies. Bimatoprost, which is noninvasive, effective, and well tolerated, is worth considering as a treatment option for eyebrow hypotrichosis.

Keywords: bimatoprost, eyebrow, hair, hypotrichosis, prostaglandin, prostamide

Introduction

The eyebrows are hair-bearing structures that provide distinct characteristics of the human face. They serve many functions, including protection, cosmetic appearance, and social communication. A study of human perception revealed that the eyebrows are as important as the eyes for providing facial identity.1 Loss of eyebrow hair, also known as eyebrow hypotrichosis, can greatly impact an individual’s psychosocial status.2 In addition, eyebrow hypotrichosis can be an isolated finding due to physiologic conditions or the manifestation of various underlying diseases.3 Currently, there is no standard treatment for eyebrow hypotrichosis. The modalities include topical medication, surgical management, and esthetic camouflage, in addition to investigating any underlying conditions.

Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03% (Allergan plc, Dublin, Ireland), a prostamide F2α analog indicated for the treatment of ocular hypertension or glaucoma, has shown evidence of hair growth promotion. Increased eyelash length was observed as a side effect among patients who received this treatment. The efficacy of bimatoprost solution 0.03% for the treatment of eyelash hypotrichosis was proven by many randomized, controlled trials, and it was subsequently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2008 for the treatment of eyelash hypotrichosis.4 Many clinical trials involving patients with eyebrow hypotrichosis have been conducted and have revealed its efficacy by showing improvements in eyebrow growth, patient satisfaction, and minimal side effects. This review article summarizes and focuses on the potential role of bimatoprost for the treatment of eyebrow hypotrichosis.

Eyebrow characteristics and physiology

Eyebrows serve an important role as periocular landmarks on the upper face. They serve to protect the eyes from perspiration, sunlight, and irritants. They are also important for nonverbal communication. The appearance of the eyebrows is essential for facial esthetics and can aid in gender differentiation.5 The average length of the eyebrow ranges from 5 to 5.5 cm, with a width of 1.3 to 1.5 cm. The average distance between both eyebrows is 2.3 cm.6,7 The eyebrow is located on the superciliary ridge of the frontal bone with an upward contour at the medial part and a downward contour at the lateral part.8 The soft tissue overlying the superciliary ridge is composed of muscular insertions such as the paired frontalis, orbicularis oculi, corrugator supercilii, procerus, and depressor supercilii muscles. The interaction of these muscles creates a wide variety of brow expressions and associated changes with facial aging.9

Eyebrow growth is cyclical. The hair cycle of the eyebrow, like that of other hair elsewhere, consists of three phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen. Anagen is the phase of hair growth; the anagen follicles comprise approximately 10% of the total eyebrows. Stem cells from the bulge are important for initiating the anagen phase; they form new hair shafts during each hair cycle.10,11 The duration of the anagen phase indicates the hair length. The eyebrow stays in the anagen phase for only 2 to 4 weeks, resulting in short hair.12,13 Catagen is the regression phase of the hair follicles; it lasts 2 to 3 weeks. Apoptosis of follicular keratinocytes occurs during this phase and leads to the degeneration of the lower portion of hair follicles. At the end of the catagen phase, the dermal papilla moves upward and rests at the area close to the hair bulge.13 Telogen is the resting phase of hair follicles; it lasts 2 to 3 months. Approximately 90% of eyebrow hairs are in the telogen phase. To start the new hair cycle, the dermal papilla stimulates follicular stem cells, known as the bulge activating theory, during late telogen, which leads to the re-entering of the anagen phase.13 Distinguished hair shedding has been proposed as a separate phase called exogen. During this phase, the old hair is shed, and the new hair shaft grows. Then, the new hair cycle is repeated.13 Compared to scalp hair, eyebrow hair has a much shorter anagen phase and a higher percentage of telogen. On the scalp, the anagen phase ranges from 2 to 8 years, and the percentage of telogen ranges from 10% to 15%.14 The differences between scalp hair and eyebrows are important for the development and application of treatments for these hairs.

Eyebrow hypotrichosis and its impact on clinical practice

Eyebrow hypotrichosis is a condition comprising an abnormal eyebrow hair pattern that predominantly involves a reduction in the amount of hair and a lack of hair growth. The loss of hair of either or both eyebrows and eyelashes is called madarosis.3,15 Eyebrow hypotrichosis can be categorized as primary and secondary. Primary eyebrow hypotrichosis is a physiologic condition, whereas secondary eyebrow hypotrichosis involves underlying disorders that can be subclassified as primary dermatoses, endocrinopathy, autoimmune diseases, infections, trauma, neoplasm, exogenous agents, nutritional disorders, and genodermatoses.3,15–17 The etiology of eye brow hypotrichosis is summarized in Table 1.

Table 1.

Causes of eyebrow hypotrichosis

Category Differential diagnosis
Primary dermatoses Atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, telogen effluvium, anagen effluvium, follicular mucinosis, psoriasis, allergic contact dermatitis, sarcoidosis, amyloidosis
Endocrine disorders Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism
Autoimmune diseases Alopecia areata, discoid lupus erythematosus, frontal fibrosing alopecia, Graham Little syndrome, en coup de sabre
Infections Leprosy, secondary syphilis, herpes zoster, lupus vulgaris, erysipelas, superficial fungal infection
Trauma Trichotillomania, chemical/electrical/thermal burn, post-surgery, alopecia artefacta, eyebrow tattoo removal
Neoplasm Folliculotropic mycosis fungoides, Sézary syndrome, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, systemic mastocytosis
Exogenous agents Acitretin, barbiturates, busulfan, carboplatin, cetuximab, cocaine, cyclophosphamide, docetaxel, heparin, isotretinoin, placitaxel, propranolol, thallium poisoning, valproic acid
Nutritional disorders Chronic marasmus, chronic zinc deficiency, biotin deficiency, iron deficiency, hypoproteinemia
Genodermatoses Familial eyebrow diffuse alopecia, keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans, ulerythema ophryogenes, ectodermal dysplasia, Fraser syndrome, Meige syndrome, Omenn syndrome, Netherton syndrome, Rothmund-Thomson syndrome
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Note: Data from references 3 and 15–17.

Eyebrow hypotrichosis may be the main symptom or an incidental finding on physical examination. It is important to obtain a complete history and perform a physical examination and appropriate investigation to evaluate these patients to discover their underlying conditions. Eyebrow hypotrichosis with concurrent hair loss from other body areas might indicate that the patient has associated conditions. Trichoscopy is useful for differentiating between alopecia areata and trichotillomania.18 Laboratory tests such as antinuclear-antibody, nontreponemal and treponemal tests, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and slit skin smear for acid-fast bacilli should be considered for patients with suspected specific underlying diseases. Skin biopsy is required in cases of uncertain diagnosis. An algorithm of clinical approach for eyebrow hypotrichosis is presented in Figure 1.

Figure 1.

Figure 1

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The algorithm reveals the clinical approach of eyebrow hypotrichosis.

Abbreviations: AA, alopecia areata; AD, atopic dermatitis; AE, anagen effluvium; BCC, basal cell carcinoma; CTCL, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma; DLE, discoid lupus erythematosus; FFA, frontal fibrosing alopecia; MM, malignant melanoma; SCC, squamous cell carcinoma; SD, seborrheic dermatitis; TE, telogen effluvium; TTM, trichotillomania.

Currently, there is no standard treatment for eyebrow hypotrichosis. The principle treatment is promotion of eyebrow growth and correction of the underlying disorders. Modalities include topical medications, surgical management, and esthetic camouflage. Medical treatment is the most preferable method because it is noninvasive and provides the most natural-looking results. Topical minoxidil was approved by the FDA for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in both men and women.19 Its effectiveness for enhancing eyebrow growth has been reported in previous articles. In 2014, Lee et al evaluated the efficacy of topical minoxidil 2% lotion by conducting a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, split-face comparative study involving 40 patients with eyebrow hypotrichosis.20 Efficacy for the minoxidil-treated group was shown to be superior to that for the placebo group. Recently, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, split-face comparative study of minoxidil 1% lotion involving 42 patients revealed a significant improvement in eyebrow hypotrichosis.21 In addition to minoxidil solution, many clinical trials of bimatoprost ophthalmic solution to reduce ocular pressure reported an interesting side effect, increased eyelash growth, which was subsequently considered a new indication for this medication for the treatment of eyelash hypotrichosis.

Bimatoprost and eyelash hypotrichosis

Increased hair growth was reported as a side effect associated with ophthalmic application of different prostaglandin (PG) and prostamide analogs. In 2001, Demitsu et al reported latanoprost-induced hypertrichosis in 77% of 317 glaucoma patients.22 Elgin et al reported increased mean eyelash lengths in adults and children with glaucoma using latanoprost.23 Increases in length, thickness, darkness, and density were reported after using travoprost 0.004% for 1 year.24 Eyelash growth was also reported in 12.6% to 35.7% of patients using bimatoprost 0.03%.25–27

Bimatoprost resulted in superior increased eyelash growth effects, compared with latanoprost. Gandolfi et al reported a 3 month comparison of bimatoprost and latanoprost involving glaucoma patients. Eyelash hypertrichosis occurred earlier and was more common in the bimatoprost group (13%) than in the latanoprost group (4%). The possible explanation was that bimatoprost does not need to be converted to active metabolite to prolong its pharmacological activity.25

The efficacy of bimatoprost 0.03% for the treatment of eyelash hypotrichosis was proven by many randomized, controlled trials and was approved by the FDA in 2008.4 A large, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial was conducted by Smith et al in 2012.28 They aimed to compare the efficacy of eyelash hypotrichosis treatment using once-daily application of bimatoprost 0.03% and vehicle for 278 eyelash hypotrichosis patients for 16 weeks. Improvements in length, darkness, and fullness were significant in the bimatoprost group beginning at week 8, and patient satisfaction was significantly higher. In 2013, Fagien et al reported the patient-reported outcomes of 278 subjects in a 2012 multicenter study that included a bimatoprost group that showed significantly greater levels of positive outcomes and satisfaction than the vehicle group.29 Harii et al conducted two multicenter, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group studies involving 173 subjects with idiopathic eyelash hypotrichosis and 36 subjects with chemotherapy-induced eyelash hypotrichosis; subjects received bimatoprost 0.03% or vehicle applied once daily in 2014.30 The results showed that bimatoprost 0.03% was effective and safe for subjects with eyelash hypotrichosis. In 2015, Glaser et al reported the results of a prospective, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group study evaluating the long-term efficacy and safety of topical bimatoprost for idiopathic and chemotherapy-induced eyelash hypotrichosis in 368 subjects.31 At 4 months, bimatoprost was significantly more effective than vehicle, and the efficacy by month 6 was maintained or enhanced at 12 months.

In terms of safety, common side effects associated with ophthalmic use of bimatoprost were conjunctival hyperemia (50%), ocular burning (11.5%), foreign body sensation (11.5%), cataract (10.3%), eye dryness (7.7%), and pruritus (6.4%).32 Periorbital hyperpigmentation and iris pigmentation, caused by increased melanogenesis, were reported in 3% to 10%.33 Periorbital fat atrophy and relative enophthalmos have been documented. The proposed mechanism might be fatty degeneration and reduced collagen fiber in the levator complex.34–36 Furthermore, herpes simplex viral infection has been reported.37,38 However, the safety profile is favorable when bimatoprost 0.03% is applied for the treatment of eyelash hypotrichosis. The most common side effects were conjunctival hyperemia, pruritus, skin hyperpigmentation, ocular irritation, dry eye symptoms, and erythema of the eyelids, which occurred in less than 4%. No clinically relevant iris hyperpigmentation, periorbital fat atrophy, or changes in intraocular pressure were reported in association with dermal application of bimatoprost.28

Roles of PGs and prostamides in hair growth

PGs are the products of cyclooxygenase-catalyzed metabolism; they are derived from essential fatty acids and are composed of a cyclopentanone nucleus with two side chains.39 They are categorized into three classes based on the number of double bonds present within the PG molecule. PGs with one double bond are derived from dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, those with two double bonds are derived from arachidonic acid, and those with three double bonds are derived from eicosapentaenoic acid. According to the functional substitutions in the cyclopentanone nucleus, each type of PG can be further allocated to a group letter (A to H).40,41

In addition to PGs, prostamides, a newer class of compounds, was discovered. In their structure, the -COOH typical of PGs is replaced by an amide group. Prostamides are created from anandamide, which is one of the mammalian endogenous cannabis-like ligands (endocannabinoids) derived from arachidonic acid.42,43 Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 catalyzes anandamide to prostamide G2 and prostamide H2, which are subsequently converted by specific PGs synthases to the various prostamides.44 Bimatoprost is a synthetic prostamide or PG ethanolamide F2α analog. Its molecular formula is C25H37NO4 (Figure 2). The substitution of ethyl amide instead of isopropyl ester at the C-1 carbon of the alpha chain leads to the different properties of bimatoprost from other PGF2α analogs (latanoprost, travoprost, and unoprostone).44

Figure 2.

Figure 2

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Chemical structure of bimatoprost.

In addition to effectively reducing intraocular pressure, PGs and prostamides are involved in hair growth and follicular differentiation. Evidence of hair growth promotion was revealed in various published studies. Minoxidil, a medication for the treatment of hair loss, was hypothesized to promote hair growth by activating the activity of the COX-1 enzyme, suggesting a positive effect of PG on hair follicles.45 PGE2 and PGF2α analogs were able to promote hair regrowth and hypertrichosis on mice.46,47 PGF analogs were reported to activate telogen-to-anagen transitions.48 In addition to evidence of hair growth promotion, hair follicles were discovered to be able to produce PGE2 and PGF2α, and all of the PG receptors were presented in the hair follicle.49–51 The keratinocytes of the hair bulb were the major source of PG interconversion and synthesis.49 Therefore, hair growth could be affected by both PGE2 and PGF2α. Hence, PG endoperoxide synthase inhibitors including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were shown to inhibit hair growth by blocking PG synthesis.52,53

The mechanism of PGs and prostamides for stimulating hair growth is still unclear. It is hypothesized that they may stimulate the transition of hair follicles from the telogen to the anagen phase and prolong the duration of the anagen phase, thus leading to increased hair length,4,54 enhanced hair darkness with increasing melanogenesis,33 and magnified hair thickness with enlargement of the hair bulb and dermal papilla due to the present of PG receptors in the dermal papilla and the outer root sheath of hair follicles.33,54–56

Bimatoprost for the treatment of eyebrow hypotrichosis

In addition, its effectiveness in the treatment of eyelash hypotrichosis, evidence from case reports and randomized controlled trials, has revealed the efficacy of topical bimatoprost for the treatment of eyebrow hypotrichosis. Improvements in eyebrow growth with minimal side effects were demonstrated, and all are summarized in Table 2.

Table 2.

Summary of bimatoprost 0.03% for the treatment of eyebrow hypotrichosis

Reference Type of study and patient characteristics Dosage/duration Comparison Result Adverse effects
Elias et al, 201156 Case report
 2 cases with no underlying disease		 Bim 0.03% once daily/3 months, 4 months NA Satisfied NA
Schweiger et al, 201257 Case report
 1 case with no underlying disease		 Bim 0.03% once daily/4 months NA Satisfied Slight skin hyperpigmentation
Suwanchatchai et al, 201258 RCT, split-face
 30 patients with no underlying disease		 Bim 0.03% once daily/4 months Minoxidil 3% once daily Significant increase in hair diameter
Equal in efficacy		 Contact dermatitis
 11.11% in Bim group
 25.93% in minoxidil group
Beer et al, 201359 RCT pilot
 20 subjects with no underlying disease, pregnancy, or abnormality in the eyebrow area		 Bim 0.03% once daily (Bim group)/9 months Veh for 5 months then Bim 0.03% for 4 months (Veh-Bim group)
Veh for 9 months (Veh group)		 Best result observed in the Bim group
Improvement started at month 2
Maximum result noted at month 6		 NA
Vergilis-Kalner 201460 RCT pilot, split-face
 10 subjects with no underlying disease		 Bim 0.03% once daily/6 weeks Placebo Marked improvement in bimatoprost application site NA
Carruthers et al, 201661 RCT
 357 subjects with no underlying disease, infection, or abnormality in the eyebrow area		 Bim 0.03% twice daily (BID)/7 months Bimt 0.03% QD Veh twice daily Improvement observed with both bim QD and BID with no differences
Improvement started at month 2
Maximum result noted at month 7		 Pruritus
 0.8% in QD group
 2.5% in BID group
 0.8% in vehicle group
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Abbreviations: BID, twice daily; Bim, bimatoprost; NA, not applicable; QD, once daily; RCT, randomized, controlled trial; Veh, vehicle.

In 2011, Elias et al described two cases of thinning eyebrows successfully treated by 0.03% bimatoprost for 12 weeks and 16 weeks, respectively. Both patients were satisfied with the results, and no side effects were observed.56 In 2012, Schweiger et al reported a patient with left eyebrow hypotrichosis that experienced marked improvement after treatment with 0.03% bimatoprost once daily for 4 months.57 During the same year, Suwanchatchai et al evaluated the efficacy and side effects of 0.03% bimatoprost compared with 3% minoxidil by conducting a randomized, double-blind, split-face, comparative study involving 30 patients with eyebrow hypotrichosis.58 Patients were randomly treated with bimatoprost on one eyebrow and minoxidil on the other eyebrow for 16 weeks. The results showed markedly increased hair diameters in both groups and no significant difference between the two groups. Contact dermatitis occurred in 25.93% and 11.11% of the minoxidil group and bimatoprost group, respectively. The investigator concluded that bimatoprost is as effective as minoxidil for the enhancement of eyebrows and has fewer side effects.

In 2013, Beer et al conducted a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, pilot study involving a 9-month course for 20 healthy female patients with mild to moderate eyebrow hypotrichosis.59 The patients were randomized to two groups; one group (bimatoprost group) applied bimatoprost to each eyebrow daily for 9 months and the other group applied vehicle nightly to each eyebrow for 5 months. Patients in the latter group were re-randomized to apply bimatoprost (vehicle-bimatoprost group) or vehicle (vehicle group) daily to each eyebrow for 4 months. Assessments were performed using the 4-point Beer Global Eyebrow Assessment (GEyA) and responder analysis. The results showed that overall subject satisfaction was higher for the bimatoprost group than for the other two groups and were supported by the significant difference from baseline at 9 months for the bimatoprost group (p=0.0054). The GEyA and responder analysis data began to increase at month 2, indicating that maximum eyebrow improvement occurred at 6 to 7 months when bimatoprost was applied daily for 9 months. No side effects were observed in this study. Therefore, daily application of topical 0.03% bimatoprost for 9 months could improve the appearance of eyebrows more than vehicle and had a good safety profile.

In 2014, Vergilis-Kalner conducted a prospective pilot study to prove the efficacy of bimatoprost 0.03% for the treatment of eyebrow hypotrichosis for 10 female patients.60 Patients were randomly treated with bimatoprost on one eyebrow and placebo on the other eyebrow for 6 weeks. All 10 subjects showed significant improvements in eyebrow hair growth on the site where bimatoprost was applied, without side effects.

In 2016, Carruthers et al performed a multicenter, randomized, double-blind study to compare the efficacy and safety of twice-daily topical bimatoprost 0.03% treatment, once-daily topical bimatoprost 0.03% treatment, and twice-daily vehicle treatment for 7 months for 357 patients with eyebrow hypotrichosis.61 Assessment was performed using the GEyA scale and Digital Monitoring System Analysis, and subject satisfaction was determined using the nine-item Eyebrow Satisfaction Scale. The results indicated that bimatoprost 0.03% twice daily and once daily showed favorable results starting at month 2, with marked improvement at month 7, with no serious side effects and no differences in eyebrow improvements for the two drug groups regarding the treatment of eyebrow hypotrichosis.

Conclusion

Eyebrow hypotrichosis can lead to a lack of confidence along with compromised self-image and self-esteem. It can be a benign isolated condition as well as a reflection of underlying etiologies. Therefore, making a proper diagnosis and using appropriate management that targets the etiologies are required. Topical bimatoprost can enhance eyebrow appearance, particularly in primary eyebrow hypotrichosis. It is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated option for the treatment of eyebrow hypotrichosis.

Footnotes

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

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