Science and practical information
What is Latisse?
Latisse is the best known brand of bimatoprost 0.03% for eyelash growth. This guide explains what the names mean, how the treatment changes the eyelash cycle and what people in Australia should expect.
Latisse explained
Latisse is a brand. Bimatoprost is the active ingredient.
Latisse contains bimatoprost at a concentration of 0.03%, which is the same as 0.3 mg/mL. The names are often used as if they mean exactly the same thing but there is a useful distinction. Latisse refers to a particular American brand and presentation. Bimatoprost is the molecule that produces the biological effect.
The treatment was developed after doctors noticed that people using bimatoprost for raised eye pressure often developed longer and darker eyelashes. Researchers then studied a much smaller amount placed on the skin at the base of the upper eyelashes.
In the pivotal trial 278 adults took part. There were 137 in the Latisse group and 141 in the vehicle group. After 16 weeks digital image analysis found the treated group had lashes that were on average 25% longer, 106% fuller and 18% darker than at the start. Those are averages across a study group and should not be treated as a guarantee for one person.
The biology
How does bimatoprost grow eyelashes?
An eyelash follicle moves through a repeating cycle. The active growth phase is called anagen. It is followed by transition and rest phases before the lash is shed and replaced.
Bimatoprost appears to increase the proportion of follicles in active growth and to extend that growth phase. A lash has more time to lengthen and more follicles may be visibly producing lashes at once. Pigment changes can also make the lash line appear darker.
This explains why the result takes weeks. The liquid is not adding false fibres and it is not simply staining existing lashes. The visible change depends on new growth from the follicle.
Is it really an eyelash serum?
People commonly call Latisse a lash serum because it is a liquid applied at the lash line. It is different from most cosmetic eyelash serums. Many cosmetic serums condition the hair or contain peptides and plant extracts. Bimatoprost is a pharmacologically active prostaglandin analogue which has been clinically proven to grow eyelashes longer, thicker and darker.
What does 0.03% mean?
A 0.03% solution contains 0.3 mg of bimatoprost in each millilitre. The concentration associated with Latisse is 0.03%.
Expected progression
When do results appear?
Length can begin to separate from the starting point in clinical measurements.
Changes in fullness and darkness are usually easier to detect.
The overall eyelash line often looks more prominent.
The main clinical result was assessed at this point.
Safety overview
What side effects can occur?
The most common side effects in the clinical information are itching, redness and irritation around the eye. Eyelid skin can darken. This is often reversible after stopping.
Bimatoprost can increase brown pigment in the iris. The prescribing information warns that iris pigmentation is likely to be permanent. The cosmetic liquid is placed on the eyelid margin rather than used as an eye drop but anyone using it should still understand the warning. If you accidently and persistently put it into the eye then this is a risk. We are not aware of this happening to any of our clients since we began in 2007.
Other concerns include dry eye, eyelid reactions, inflammation and changes around the eye. Reports with prostaglandin analogues also include periorbital adipose atrophy but we have not seen this reported in any of our clients. Seek advice promptly if you develop pain, infection, a sudden change in vision or a significant new eye reaction.
How is it applied?
The labelled method is once nightly along the skin of the eyelid margin using a clean applicator. Makeup and contact lenses are removed first. Excess liquid beyond the lash line is blotted away. Applying more often does not improve the result. We provide detailed instructions that we have developed over years.
What happens after stopping?
The effect is not permanent. After stopping the eyelashes gradually move back towards their previous appearance over weeks to months as treated lashes complete their normal cycle and are replaced.
Latisse in Australia
Australians often arrive here after searching for Latisse Australia, bimatoprost lash serum Australia or where to buy Latisse online. Mylash.biz provides the background information. The live order route, current pricing and delivery details are shown on Mylash.org so that this long established information site does not duplicate the checkout.