Latisse® for Longer, Fuller Eyelashes

Latisse® (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution, 0.03%) is a topical treatment developed by Allergan to treat hypotrichosis – short and inadequate eyelashes. It is FDA-approved for application to the upper eyelashes to create longer, darker, and fuller looking lashes.

Latisse is applied nightly to the upper eyelashes only. Lower eyelash treatment is not advised and the act of blinking can transfer some of the product to the lower lash line. Longer, fuller lashes that are greater in number will begin to appear in 2 months. Latisse takes full effect within approximately 4 months of nightly use. Once the full effect of Latisse is reached, patients may be able to maintain their lashes by using Latisse less frequently (3-4 times per week).

Although off-label, some patients may benefit from application to the eyebrow area, creating fuller, darker eyebrows with time.

The active ingredient in Latisse is bimatoprost, the ingredient used in some glaucoma medications. The concentration of bimatoprost found in Latisse is much lower than that found in glaucoma medications used as eyedrops instilled into the eye. The FDA labeling of Latisse warns of iris color pigmentation – the formation of brown spots on the iris of patients with blue or green eye color. However, no eye color change was observed in Latisse clinical trials. This color change was found only as a side effect in the higher concentration eye drop formulation of bimatoprost used to treat glaucoma. The risk of eye color change is extremely low but nevertheless is remotely possible. Treatment of short and few eyelashes with Latisse is typically well-tolerated. The most common side effects related to Latisse include eye irritation, itching, redness, and eyelid skin darkening or redness. Long-term treatment of bimatoprost used in the eye for glaucoma has been reported to decrease fat around the eye area. This would be extremely unlikely with topical eyelid treatment with Latisse.

Yes, patients that obtain eyelash extensions also benefit from Latisse use. Latisse use on the eyelashes receiving extensions may allow them to shed less commonly and concomitant use of Latisse with eyelash extensions may provide longer lasting results for the extensions themselves.

Latisse is a prescription product that is dispensed through physician offices. Dr. Palm and her staff can provide tips on how to make each prescription of Latisse last longer, a cost savings to you. In addition, bundled savings are sometimes offered on purchases of more than one box of Latisse.