What Is Latisse?

Latisse is the brand name for Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03%, a prescription medication used to grow longer, thicker, and darker eyelashes. It's the only FDA-approved treatment for eyelash hypotrichosis — a medical term for having inadequate or not enough eyelashes.

Latisse is made by AbbVie (formerly Allergan) and has been available since its FDA approval in December 2008. The active ingredient, Bimatoprost, is a synthetic prostaglandin analog that was originally developed for treating glaucoma (marketed as Lumigan at a different concentration). Researchers noticed that patients using Bimatoprost eye drops for glaucoma were growing remarkably long, thick lashes as a side effect — and Latisse was born.

What Is Latisse Used For?

FDA-Approved Use

Latisse is FDA-approved for one specific indication: treatment of hypotrichosis of the eyelashes. In simple terms, it's approved to help people grow more eyelashes when they have too few or when their lashes are shorter and thinner than they'd like.

Off-Label Uses

Some healthcare providers prescribe Bimatoprost off-label for:

• Eyebrow hypotrichosis — thinning or sparse eyebrows
• Alopecia areata affecting eyelashes — an autoimmune condition that can cause lash loss
• Chemotherapy-induced eyelash loss — helping regrow lashes lost during cancer treatment

Off-label use means the medication is being used for a purpose not specifically approved by the FDA, but your doctor may recommend it based on clinical evidence and their professional judgment.

How Does Latisse Work?

Latisse works by affecting the eyelash growth cycle. Your eyelashes, like all hair, go through three phases:

1. Anagen (growth phase) — when the lash is actively growing
2. Catagen (transition phase) — when growth stops and the follicle shrinks
3. Telogen (resting phase) — when the old lash falls out and a new one begins to form

Bimatoprost extends the anagen phase, giving each lash more time to grow longer. It also appears to stimulate more lashes to enter the growth phase simultaneously, resulting in thicker, fuller-looking lashes overall. The exact biological mechanism involves prostamide receptors on hair follicle cells, though it's not fully understood.

For a deeper dive into the science, read our article on how Latisse works.

How to Use Latisse: Step-by-Step

Proper application is important for both effectiveness and minimizing side effects. Here's how to apply Latisse correctly:

1. Clean your face. Remove all makeup, especially eye makeup. Wash your hands.
2. Remove contact lenses. If you wear contacts, take them out before applying Latisse. Wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.
3. Prepare the applicator. Open a new sterile applicator (included with your Latisse kit). Place one drop of Latisse solution on the applicator tip.
4. Apply to the upper lash line. Gently draw the applicator along the skin of the upper eyelid margin, right at the base of your eyelashes — similar to how you'd apply eyeliner. One stroke is sufficient.
5. Blot excess. Use a tissue to blot any solution that runs beyond the eyelid margin. This helps prevent skin darkening and unwanted hair growth.
6. Dispose of the applicator. Each applicator is single-use. Throw it away after one eye.
7. Repeat for the other eye. Use a new sterile applicator for your other eye.

Important Application Rules

• Apply once nightly. More frequent application does not increase effectiveness.
• Upper lid only. Do not apply to the lower lash line. Latisse will naturally reach lower lashes through blinking.
• One drop per eye. Using more won't speed up results.
• Don't skip nights. Consistency is key. If you miss a dose, just apply the next evening — don't double up.

What Results Can You Expect?

Latisse doesn't work overnight. Here's a realistic timeline:

• 4 weeks: Most people don't see visible changes yet, though the lash growth cycle is already being affected.
• 8 weeks: Initial results become noticeable. Lashes start to look longer.
• 12–16 weeks: Full results. This is when you'll see the maximum effect — lashes that are measurably longer, thicker, and darker.

In clinical trials, Latisse increased eyelash length by about 25%, thickness by 106%, and darkness by 18% compared to baseline after 16 weeks.

Maintaining Results

Latisse is not a permanent solution. If you stop using it, your lashes will gradually return to their original appearance over several weeks to months. Most people who want to maintain their results continue using Latisse indefinitely, though some find they can reduce frequency to a few times per week after achieving their desired look.

Dosage and Available Forms

Latisse comes in one strength: 0.03% Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution. It's available in two sizes:

• 3 mL bottle — typically lasts about 4–6 weeks with daily use
• 5 mL bottle — typically lasts about 6–10 weeks with daily use

Each kit includes the solution bottle and a supply of sterile, disposable applicators.

Who Should Not Use Latisse?

Latisse is not appropriate for everyone. You should not use it if you:

• Are allergic to Bimatoprost or any ingredient in the formulation
• Have active eye infections or inflammation (wait until these resolve)
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding without discussing it with your doctor first (animal studies showed adverse effects at high doses; no adequate human studies exist)
• Are under 18 — safety and efficacy haven't been established in this age group

If you use prostaglandin analog eye drops for glaucoma (such as Lumigan, Xalatan, or Travatan), tell your doctor before starting Latisse. Using them together could affect your eye pressure. Learn more about Latisse drug interactions.

How Much Does Latisse Cost?

Cost is one of the biggest considerations with Latisse because most insurance plans don't cover it. It's classified as a cosmetic medication, which means you'll likely pay out of pocket.

• Brand-name Latisse: $180–$280 for a 5 mL bottle
• Generic Bimatoprost 0.03%: $35–$130 (as low as $58–$62 with GoodRx coupons)

The generic version contains the same active ingredient at the same concentration and is a great way to save money. For detailed savings strategies, check out our guide on how to save money on Latisse.

AbbVie also offers savings through the Allē loyalty program (formerly Brilliant Distinctions), where you can earn points on Allergan aesthetic treatments and redeem them for discounts — including $30 off a 5 mL bottle of Latisse.

Latisse vs. Over-the-Counter Lash Serums

You may be wondering how Latisse compares to drugstore lash serums like RevitaLash or GrandeLASH-MD. Here's the key difference:

• Latisse is an FDA-approved prescription drug with clinical trial data proving it grows lashes. It contains Bimatoprost, a pharmaceutical active ingredient.
• OTC lash serums are cosmetic products containing peptides, vitamins, and conditioning agents. They are not FDA-approved to grow lashes and don't contain prescription-strength ingredients.

OTC serums can condition and strengthen existing lashes, making them appear healthier. But if you want actual new lash growth backed by science, Latisse is the proven option.

For more on alternatives, read our comparison of alternatives to Latisse.

How to Get Started with Latisse

Getting Latisse requires a prescription. Here's how to start:

1. Find a prescriber. Dermatologists, ophthalmologists, plastic surgeons, primary care providers, and telehealth platforms all prescribe Latisse. See our guide on finding a doctor who prescribes Latisse.
2. Get your prescription. Most consultations are quick and straightforward.
3. Fill it at a pharmacy. Use MedFinder to check which pharmacies have Latisse in stock.
4. Apply nightly and be patient. Results take 8–16 weeks, so consistency is key.

The Bottom Line

Latisse is a safe, effective, FDA-approved way to grow longer, thicker, darker eyelashes. It requires a prescription, takes about 16 weeks for full results, and needs ongoing use to maintain those results. While it's typically not covered by insurance, generic Bimatoprost makes it much more affordable.

If you're considering Latisse, talk to your doctor — or explore telehealth options for a fast, convenient consultation. And use MedFinder to find it in stock near you.