You’ve probably heard of Latisse for eyelashes and how it may be the secret to attaining longer, fuller eyelashes. While you might be intrigued, you likely have questions — is it safe, how does it work, is it a permanent product, and does it really work?
What is Latisse?
The pharmaceutical compound known as Bimatoprost Ophthalmic Solution 0.03% is also called Latisse solution. A wealth of evidence shows that treating one’s eyelashes with Latisse allows them to grow longer, darker, and thicker.
Latisse is also used as a prescription treatment to treat hypotrichosis–otherwise known as a lack of hair growing above someone’s eyes.
How was Latisse discovered?
Initially, in 2001, Allergan created an eyedrop for treating glaucoma/ocular hypertension patients. And coincidentally, one of the reactions to the treatment was lusher, longer, and fuller eyelashes when patients used the solution over an extended period.
Due to this reaction, Allergan studied the eyedrop’s active ingredient, performing a clinical trial. Afterward came Latisse eyelash serum, which was granted FDA approval in December 2008.
How Does Latisse work?
It’s believed that Latisse has the following two-pronged impact on the eyelash hair cycle’s anagen (aka growth) phase:
- It increases how long the growth phase lasts.
- It adds more hair to the growth phase.
Is Latisse eyelash serum Effective?
A wealth of thoroughly researched evidence speaks to the treatment’s effectiveness with eyelash appearance.
There was a clinical study involving 16 sites throughout the US. It included 278 men and women between the ages of 22 to 78. The test subjects were all from varying backgrounds and had an array of different eye colors.
Every 4 weeks – during the 16 weeks of treatments – saw each participant photographed. This measured the overall prominence of their lashes, which involved assessing length, thickness, and fullness.
The treatment was effective for 78% of participants after 16 weeks compared to 18% of the vehicle group. Vehicle was the same thing as Latisse but lacking the active ingredient.
How Soon Will I See Results With Latisse?
With Latisse, there’s the potential to see results as early as 4 weeks into treatment. And after 16 weeks, you’ll experience complete growth.
Note that eyelash growth is gradual, and you won’t see results immediately–albeit still quite promptly. It’s a once-per-evening treatment that you apply to the base of your upper eyelashes.
Users should never apply the Latisse eyelash serum to their lower lids. This will lead to excess hair growth beyond the area you’re treating.
Lastly, be sure to follow the application instructions provided by your doctor.
How do I maintain my results?
The only way to maximize Latisse eyelash growth is through using it each day over the 16 week treatment period. Once you’re finished with the initial usage phase, you can discuss ongoing use with your doctor.
If I apply more Latisse, will I get faster results?
You won’t get faster results by applying more eyelash serum.
Latisse eyelash growth is a gradual process that requires all 16 weeks to have the desired effect.
There’s another reason you don’t want to use too much lash serum, especially during individual applications:
You don’t want to use more Latisse than what is necessary because it can only be applied to the upper eyelid margin at the eyelash base. Using too much will lead to it ending up on your cheek or other areas of the skin–so it’s important to blot away any excess serum.
Also, Latisse lash serum should only be applied with the sterile applicator to ensure you don’t use too much.
Potential Latisse side effects
The Latisse eyebrow serum’s most frequent side effect includes itchy, sore, and red eyes. But only around 4% of patients reported these symptoms.
Other less typical side effects caused by the Latisse eyebrow serum affect the skin close to where the solution is applied or in the eyes.
Here’s a list of potential side effects:
- Darkened eyelid skin (this might be reversible)
- Irritation of the eyes
- Eye dryness
- Redness of eyelids
You’ll need to speak with your physician about using the Latisse lash serum if you experience in of the following issues:
- You develop an ocular trauma or infection.
- Your vision is suddenly less sharp or clear.
- You undergo ocular surgery.
- You develop conjunctivitis, eyelid reactions, or another ocular reaction.
Furthermore, Latisse lash serum might also intensify the brown pigmentation in the colored segment of your eye (usually only noted in green eyes) . This side effect could be permanent.
As mentioned above, be careful about hair growth on other areas of your skin regularly touched by the Latisse eyebrow serum.
You might also experience a difference in eyelash fullness, length, thickness, and pigmentation/darkness.
How Much Is Latisse Going to Cost?
There are two different sizes in which Latisse is available: the 3ml bottle and the 5ml bottle.
The 3ml bottle has enough eyelash serum and applicators for around a month’s worth of use. This version of the solution costs about $110.
Whereas the 5ml bottle is meant to last for 2 months and comes with applicator brushes. On average, this version of the Latisse lash serum costs around $179 providing an ideal option if you don’t want to order frequently.
Many people find that the 5ml Latisse lash serum offers better value, as it is a more complete dose for full effect of lengthening and thickening, making it the perfect choice for those intending to use it long-term.
Latisse FAQs
Do you need a prescription for Latisse?
Before using Latisse, you’ll need to be evaluated by a physician, and you’ll then require a prescription.
Compared to what you’ll get charged at a pharmacy, the Latisse cost offered by physicians will be competitive while providing a discount or free consultation if you purchase the serum.
Generally, when you receive the product from Salas Plastic Surgery, our friendly staff will teach you how to apply the serum to your lashes.
Note that many kinds of doctors can give you a prescription for Latisse, such as:
- Dermatologists
- Plastic surgeons
- Ophthalmologists
- OB/GYNs
- Primary care doctors.
However, you should keep in mind that not every doctor will know about the Latisse eyelash serum.
Does insurance cover Latisse?
More often than not, health or vision insurance will not cover a Latisse prescription. How come?
Well, as important as rich, full eyelashes are to your overall enjoyment of life, thin eyelashes aren’t a severe condition. So, chances are, you’ll pay the Latisse cost out of pocket monthly for your treatments.
However, there’s one condition that might help someone qualify for health insurance after being prescribed Latisse eyelash serum: that being alopecia areata. This ailment causes hair loss in round patches all over the body.
Suffering from alopecia can cause your eyelashes to fall out. In this instance, it’s possible to get Latisse approved as a treatment.
Can Latisse turn blue eyes brown?
When the same formula was used to treat glaucoma as an eyedrop, (being applied directly to the eye, not the lashes) it turned some patients’ eyes more brown.
However, the Latisse clinical studies did not generate such results.
What happens when you stop using Latisse?
After you’re done using Latisse, your eyelashes should go back to the way they used to look after a few weeks or months.
Will Latisse work on your scalp?
There’s nothing preventing doctors from prescribing the Latisse eyelash serum for the scalp. Also, a limited number of studies have examined whether Latisse can help with baldness and be useful when applied to the scalp.
This research suggests that the solution won’t make you grow new hair on your head. However, the Latisse lash serum is believed to thicken the hair you already have, which is ideal for thinning.
Can Latisse cause styes?
On its own, Latisse won’t give you styes. Still, irritated eyelids might get infected due to the resulting skin bacteria, which can leave you vulnerable to styes.
With that said, applying the Latisse eyelash serum correctly and as instructed will drastically limit any chances of developing styes. On the off chance that one does form, it’s because of an external factor. Not because of the solution.
Will Latisse cause problems with eyesight?
If any Latisse gets in your eye, it shouldn’t cause any harm. After all, it was initially an eyedrop meant to treat glaucoma.
Furthermore, if the Latisse lash serum happens to get into your eye, you won’t even need to rinse it out. Still, it’s not meant to be an eyedrop. As such, you shouldn’t apply it to your eye or lower lid.
What’s the proper way to use Latisse?
Remove all makeup from your face before applying the Latisse eyelash serum.
You’ll also want to clean your face and ensure you remove your contact lenses if you wear them. From there, place the serum on the applicator. Then apply it to the junction of your eyelash and eyelid skin.
Remember to only use the serum on your upper eyelids. And apply from the inner eyelid to its outer part. Any excess Latisse lash serum that travels beyond the eyelid should be blotted away. Doing so will prevent eye irritation. You’ll then want to get rid of the applicator after usage.
Keep in mind, you still want to consult your practitioner before using the Latisse lash serum. Healthcare professionals will give you the most practical, valuable instructions.
Scheduling A Latisse Consultation
At Salas Plastic Surgery Miami, we are proud to offer LATISSE® (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03% — the first and only FDA-approved treatment for inadequate or not enough lashes. If you’re interested in learning more about getting Latisse in Miami or speaking with Dr. Salas about a prescription, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
