How Does Latisse Work and How Long Do Results Take?
Quick Answer: Latisse is a prescription treatment applied nightly to the upper eyelid margin to help eyelashes grow longer, thicker, and darker. Some users may notice longer lashes after about four weeks, while full clinical-study results were evaluated after 16 weeks of daily use.
What Is Latisse?
Latisse contains bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03%. It is FDA-approved to treat inadequate eyelashes, also called eyelash hypotrichosis, by increasing lash growth, length, thickness, and darkness.
Unlike mascara, false lashes, or extensions, Latisse gradually changes the appearance of a person’s natural eyelashes. It does not produce an immediate effect, and results vary.
Because Latisse is a prescription medication, a medical provider should determine whether it is appropriate before use.
How Does Latisse Work?
The exact way bimatoprost improves eyelash growth is not fully understood. It is believed to extend the active growth phase of the eyelash cycle and increase the number of lashes growing during that phase.
Changes develop gradually. In clinical studies:
- Differences in lash length began around week four
- Fullness and darkness became more noticeable around week eight
- Full results were assessed after 16 weeks
Consistent nightly use is important. Applying more product or using it more than once a day does not make lashes grow faster.
How Do You Apply Latisse?
Apply Latisse once each evening to clean skin along the upper eyelid margin using the supplied sterile applicators.
Remove makeup and contact lenses first. Use a separate applicator for each eye, apply only as directed, and blot away excess solution. Do not apply Latisse to the lower lash line.
Soft contact lenses may generally be reinserted 15 minutes after application. Mascara may still be used while Latisse gradually affects natural lash growth.
What Happens If You Stop Using It?
Continued use is generally needed to maintain the effect.
After Latisse is discontinued, eyelashes gradually return to their previous appearance as they move through their normal growth cycles. The change usually occurs over several weeks or months rather than immediately.
A prescribing provider can explain whether continued nightly use or another maintenance schedule is appropriate.
What Are the Possible Side Effects?
Common reported effects include:
- Eye itching or redness
- Irritation
- Dry-eye symptoms
- Eyelid redness
- Darkening of skin near the application area
Less common reports include eyelid swelling, blurred vision, lash breakage or loss, unwanted hair growth where the solution repeatedly touches the skin, and changes around the eyelids.
Bimatoprost has also been associated with increased brown pigmentation of the iris. This eye-color change may be permanent. Apply Latisse only as directed and contact the prescribing provider for eye pain, vision changes, significant swelling, persistent irritation, or another unexpected reaction.
Who Should Use Latisse With Caution?
Tell the prescribing provider about:
- Glaucoma or elevated eye pressure
- Use of Lumigan or a similar medication
- Active eye inflammation
- Previous eye surgery
- Eye or eyelid conditions
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Allergies to bimatoprost or other ingredients
People using medications that affect eye pressure should not add Latisse without guidance from their eye doctor or prescribing provider.
Latisse at LUX
LUX ~ A Medical Spa has previously published information about Latisse through its Bluffton practice. Because Latisse requires a prescription and product availability may change, contact LUX directly to confirm whether consultations and prescriptions are currently offered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ask LUX About Latisse
Contact LUX ~ A Medical Spa to ask whether Latisse consultations are currently available. A provider can explain proper application, expected timing, possible side effects, and whether the prescription is appropriate for you.