Bimatoprost (Latisse ) is the only FDA approved, prescription strength treatment for growing longer, fuller and darker eyelashes. These lashes are ones you grow yourself – that means no glue, no salon appointments, and no worries about losing them in the pool. Here’s what you need to know.
What are the benefits of Bimatoprost (Latisse)?
Bimatoprost (Latisse) is an easy-to-use, effective method for improving eyelash appearance. 78% of participants in clinical trials reported a significant improvement in eyelash appearance after using the product for 16 weeks.
But what about other methods for enhancing your eyelashes?
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Mascara: Mascara is an inexpensive option and is easily accessible at your local drug store. But it only provides temporary benefits and is prone to smudging. Because of its many ingredients, some people develop skin irritation or allergic reactions.
- Over-the-counter, non-mascara options: Several non-prescription products are available and marketed as “eyelash stimulators,” “eyelash enhancement serums,” or “eyelash conditioners.” Like Bimatoprost (Latisse), these products claim to enhance the length, fullness, or darkness of your eyelashes. But since the FDA does not regulate over-the-counter products, their effectiveness and safety often have not been thoroughly studied.
- Artificial eyelashes: Artificial eyelashes are made from human hair or synthetic material. These products are available as sets of strips that you apply to the eyelid or individual strands professionally applied to existing eyelashes. Individual strands take a considerable amount of time to apply and can be expensive. Some people are sensitive to the glue used to attach the eyelashes and can develop an allergic reaction.
Raise your brow game?
Bimatoprost (Latisse) could be an effective way to help you regrow your brows in the same way it works for eyelashes.
How does Bimatoprost (Latisse) work?
Bimatoprost (Latisse) ophthalmic solution 0.03% has been proven to make lashes longer, fuller, and darker. Each hair follicle undergoes a cycle of growth, transition, and rest before falling out to make room for a new hair follicle in its place. The amount of time a hair follicle spends in the growth phase determines how long the hair can grow. Bimatoprost (Latisse) works by extending the growth phase of your eyelashes. Longer growth phase = longer lash!
Normal eyelash growth cycle
The anagen, or growth phase, of eyelashes typically lasts about 1-2 months. The catagen, or transition phase, lasts about 15 days. The final telogen, or resting phase, lasts about 3-9 months. The hair then falls out and a new hair follicle grows in its place. Hair follicles exist in various phases of this cycle which is why your lashes don’t all fall out at once!
Pigmentation also only occurs during the growth phase. This means lashes that remain in the growth phase for an extended period of time are darker as well as longer. Finally, Bimatoprost (Latisse) can stimulate fine vellus hairs to become thicker dark terminal hairs, resulting in a fuller looking lash line.
What are the side effects of Bimatoprost (Latisse)?
The most frequently reported adverse reactions were:
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Eye itching, redness, and irritation.
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Dry eye symptoms.
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Eyelid skin darkening and redness – this will increase as long as the product is used. This may be reversible after stopping Bimatoprost (Latisse).
These reactions occurred in less than 4% of patients.
Since Bimatoprost (Latisse) can stimulate hair growth in a nonspecific manner, you should avoid applying the medication onto adjacent skin.
Additionally, iris darkening may occur and is likely to be permanent. In a pooled safety analysis of patients using Bimatoprost (Latisse) for eyelash growth, iris pigmentation was noted to occur in 2 of 680 patients (0.3%). In this study, however, the effect appeared to be reversible in 1 of the 2 patients. In glaucoma patients who apply the medication directly onto the eye itself, iris pigmentation occurs in 0.9-1.5% of patients.
You should not use Bimatoprost (Latisse) if:
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You have intraocular inflammation (e.g., uveitis).
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You have known risk factors for macular edema (such as an absent or torn lens of the eye).
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If you are allergic to bimatoprost or to benzalkonium.
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It should be used with caution in pregnant and lactating patients.
You should stop Bimatoprost (Latisse) if:
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You develop a new ocular condition (e.g., trauma or infection).
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You experience a sudden decrease in visual acuity.
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You have ocular surgery.
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You develop any intolerable eye symptoms.
Overall, Bimatoprost (Latisse) is a safe and effective medication to use for those looking for thicker and longer natural lashes. You’re armed with the knowledge to make the right decision for you and your lashes! If you think this is the right treatment for you, you can get Bimatoprost (Latisse) from a dermatology provider at Easy Health Rx.