Latisse Tips from Dr. Jenny

Latisse (bimatoprost) is wonderful and it works beautifully. If you haven’t tried it, you should absolutely consider it. There is really no truth to the rumor that Latisse changes eye or iris color – no scientific evidence supports this with eyelid use, and millions of people have used it without any reports of this effect.  I have come up with some information about and tips for using Latisse that will help you extend the life of your bottle, and give fewer side effects:

LATISSE (BIMATOPROST) FAQs:

HOW DO I APPLY LATISSE?

First of all: don’t use the brushes that come with your Latisse; use a thin eyeliner brush. You will use less of the product, and can get the Latisse on to your eyelash line more accurately.

Second: Apply at bedtime when your skin is clean and you have finished applying all skin care products.

Third: Put a drop of Latisse on your brush

Fourth: Paint a thin line of fluid along the UPPER eyelid at the base of the eyelashes.

NOTE:  I like the Sephora bent eyeliner brush (Pro Bent Liner Brush), but any well-made thin make-up brush will do. The Sephora brush comes with a little plastic cap that you can put a drop of Latisse in to, then dip your brush in the Latisse and paint it on to the top lid right at the lash line.
If you do not have a Sephora brush lid, use a small plastic container, like a water bottle cap, to put a drop or two of Latisse in (one of my patients said she uses the dimple in the top of the Latisse cap). Rinse and air-dry your brush and your container after every use. Do not leave it out open in your bathroom where toilet bacteria can get on it! Cleanliness is important when using any product on your face, especially near your eyes.

HOW LONG WILL A BOTTLE OF LATISSE LAST?

If you use a small brush, you can often paint both eyelids with just one drop of fluid, which will save a significant amount of product so a 3 ml bottle will last longer: 2-3 months. Buying a 5 ml bottle is even less expensive and will last longer, obviously.

CAN YOU USE LATISSE ANYWHERE ELSE?

If you want to use Latisse on your eyebrows, it WILL increase brow hair growth. One drop is usually enough to paint on both brows. Try to avoid getting Latisse anywhere you don’t want hair to grow. Wipe off any Latisse that gets outside the brow or lash area you want to treat.

Technically you are NOT supposed to use Latisse on lower lids. This is because the product is more likely to leak in to the eye itself, which it will not do if you are using it on the upper eyelid only.

IS IT DANGEROUS IF YOU GET LATISSE IN YOUR EYES?

No – it was originally developed for use in the eyes for glaucoma, and is not going to harm your eyes if you get a little in by accident.

HOW LONG DOES LATISSE TAKE TO WORK?

You may notice an effect in as little as a month. Full growth usually comes 3-4 months after starting. Once your lashes are as long as you want them, you can start use Latisse every other day or even every 3 days to maintain your lashes. This will make your bottle last longer.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I STOP USING LATISSE?

Your eyelashes will go back to normal. You can use Latisse indefinitely as long as you don’t have any side effects.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?

Side effects of Latisse:
1. It can cause some itching and occasionally dry skin. Applying before bed will reduce itching. If it causes flaking or irritation of the skin, reduce use to every 2-3 days. If it still irritates the skin stop using it.
2. Some people get a darker color (reddish)  of the skin where they paint the Latisse. Sometimes this just looks like eyeliner, and is not necessarily a problem (some people like how it looks). Using a thin eyeliner brush so less skin is exposed to Latisse can reduce this. Wipe off any excess Latisse that gets on the skin around the eyes. If that doesn’t help, decrease frequency of use to every 2-3 days. If you stop using the product the effect will go away. It is not permanent.