Latisse for Eyelash Growth

LatisseTM is the first FDA-approved topical medication for eyelash growth, making eyelashes longer, thicker, and darker. Applied once a day, it works in over 75 percent of those using it. Latisse takes about 16 weeks to work. The drug is available only through a doctor’s prescription.

How To Use Latisse

Latisse is applied once a day to the base of the upper eyelashes. The bottom lashes receive the drug from the top lashes through blinking.

Once nightly, start by ensuring your face is clean, and makeup and contact lenses are removed. Remove an applicator from its tray. Then, holding the sterile applicator horizontally, place one drop of Latisse on the area of the applicator closest to the tip but not on the tip. Then immediately draw the applicator carefully across the skin of the upper eyelid margin at the base of the eyelashes (where the eyelashes meet the skin) going from the inner part of your lash line to the outer part. Blot any excess solution beyond the eye margin. Dispose of the applicator after one use. Use a different applicator for the other eye. This helps minimize any potential for contamination from one eyelid to another.

A 30-day supply costs approximately $120. Once results are seen, it is possible to decrease the application every other day to maintain results.

Background on Latisse

Latisse was first marketed under Lumigan to treat eye conditions associated with glaucoma. While being studied for the medical condition of glaucoma, researchers noticed the drug had the side effect of stimulating eyelash growth and darkening the eyelashes. Allergan re-applied for FDA approval for the cosmetic purpose of eyelash growth under the new name. The active ingredient in both Lumigan and Latisse is Bimatoprost. Both products are made by the pharmaceutical company Allergan.

How Latisse Works

Bimatoprost is a compound derived from fatty acids designed to bind to prostaglandin (PG) receptors. PG receptors are present in hair, particularly in the dermal papilla and outer root sheath of the hair follicle. Although the precise way Bimatoprost works is unclear, it is believed to affect the growth of hair follicles by increasing the percent of hairs in the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle and increasing the duration of this phase. It also increases the size of the dermal papilla (hair bulb). These actions have the effect of making hair longer and thicker. The drug also stimulates pigment cells in the skin and hair follicles (melanogenesis).

Side Effects of Latisse

The long-term safety of Bimatoprost is based on clinical trials over 13 years. Side effects occur in about 4 percent of patients using Latisse and include itchy eyes, redness, and skin pigmentation. The rare side effect of iris pigmentation that can occur when Bimatoprost has been used in much higher doses for glaucoma has not been reported when it is used to treat eyelashes, but this is still a potential risk.

Latisse for Eyebrows

Although Latisse has been approved for use on eyelashes, its potential benefit in making eyebrows more full is currently being explored. Of course, this off-label use is an easily added advantage of using the medication since there is usually enough medication left on the applicator to use on the eyebrows as well (for those who desire thicker brows). In our practice, we have found that Latisse is effective in thickening eyebrows, although the results are not quite as dramatic as with eyelashes.


Latisse for Eyelash Growth Near You in NY, NJ, PA, CT, FL, IL, MN and MO

Schweiger Dermatology Group offers Latisse for eyelash growth near you in NY, NJ, PA, CT, FL, IL, MN and MO. Call us at (844) DERM-DOC to set up your consultation today.

To find a location near you, check out our location pages. We look forward to working together to find the best treatment for your eyelash regrowth!


Latisse for Eyelash Growth FAQs

  • What is hypotrichosis of the eyelashes?

    Hypotrichosis is another name for having inadequate or not enough eyelashes.

  • What is Latisse solution?

    Latisse solution is a prescription treatment for hypotrichosis used to grow eyelashes, making them longer, thicker, and darker.

  • What is the active ingredient in Latisse?

    The active ingredient of Latisse is bimatoprost ophthalmic solution, 0.03%.

  • What should you do if you get Latisse in your eye?

    Latisse solution is an ophthalmic drug product. It is not expected to cause harm if it gets into the eye proper. Do not attempt to rinse your eye in this situation.

  • What happens if you stop using Latisse?

    If you stop using Latisse, your eyelashes are expected to return to their previous appearance over several weeks to months.

  • Can you use Latisse on the lower eyelid?

    No, you cannot use Latisse on the lower eyelid.

  • Can you use Latisse more than once a day?

    No, use of Latisse more than once a day will not increase the growth of eyelashes more than use once a day.

  • What special care should you take if you wear contact lenses?

    If you wear contact lenses, remove them prior to application of Latisse and then reinsert them 15 minutes following drug application.

About Schweiger Dermatology Group

Schweiger Dermatology Group was founded to help make excellent dermatology care accessible throughout the Northeast. In 2010, Dr. Eric Schweiger started the practice with a single location in Midtown Manhattan. When he saw the need for high-quality dermatology care that did not require weeks or months of waiting to see a qualified provider, his vision of a multi-location practice was born.

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