The Truth Behind Long, Strong Lashes: What You Need to Know About Latisse

The models on the covers of magazines are known to be retouched, and they have a whole team of makeup and hair artists to make them look as good as they do. But what if you could get movie star lashes on your own, without the help of cosmetic professionals but rather with the help of a doctor?

For many people, Latisse makes that possible. Latisse is FDA-approved for growing eyelashes for people who have inadequate or not enough lashes. It was first used to treat glaucoma, but when people realized that a side effect of the drug was causing people to grow longer, fuller lashes, they quickly realized that it had a wider variety of use possibilities than they originally thought.

To see real before and after results of using Latisse, check out many women’s eyelash growth process on the Latisse website’s Real Women Gallery. The photos are not retouched and the eyelashes do not have mascara.

In this article, we’ll go over all you need to known about growing long, full, dark lashes with Latisse. Read on if you have been prescribed Latisse or if you dream of fluttery lashes to frame your eyes.

What is Latisse? An approved treatment for glaucoma… and thin, short lashes

Latisse won’t just help with eye issues--it can also help with eyelash issues. Some people truly have lashes that are too thin and short, and not just for vain reasons but because the lashes aren’t adequate to protect the eye in the way the eye needs. Either way, if those situations are the case for you, Latisse may be a good option.

So you want gorgeous lashes and you’re interested in Latisse as the solution to all your thin hair problems--but what exactly is it? An article in GQ calls Latisse “the miracle hair-growth product you’ve never heard of.” The Latisse website says that Latisse, or bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03%, is “indicated to treat hypotrichosis of the eyelashes by increasing their

growth, including length, thickness, and darkness.” Hypotrichosis is a condition in which a person does not have enough hair, including for places like their eyelashes.

Latisse is the brand name of the drug bimatoprost. According to GQ, “Bimatoprost is a synthetic hormone that was invented to treat glaucoma (among other things), until a few astute, gorgeous scientists realized that it was also effective for lengthening eyelashes. It was reformulated for topical application, approved by the FDA in 2008, and thus Latisse was born. Now, with a doctor’s note … you too can have more hair around your eyes.”

Latisse will not create new hair growth, but it will thicken existing hair where it’s already growing. However it cannot make hair grow where none exists, so it’s best for just thickening up areas where your hair is thin and where you’d prefer it to be more full. Eyelashes are a great example, but even men are using Latisse for their beards, moustaches, and hair lines.

Latisse is a prescription medication. Doctors typically prescribed it for glaucoma at first, until people realized its amazing effects on lashes and other areas of thin hair. It’s also important to note that some users of Latisse report mild side effects such as a darkening of the skin around the eyes or even an increase in eye irritation, such as itchy or red eyes. While these side effects are not major, they are still important to be aware of before you begin taking Latisse.

Important notes on how to use Latisse and potential side effects you should know

There are some things you need to know before you begin use of Latisse. As with most drugs, there are potential side effects to be aware of, as well as important specific instructions to ensure safe and proper use of the medication.

According to the Latisse website, “If you stop using Latisse, your eyelashes are expected to return to their previous appearance over several weeks to months. Results may vary from eye to eye. There may be differences in eyelash length, thickness, fullness, pigmentation (darkness), number of eyelash hairs or the direction of eyelashes. If you experience any of these variations in your lashes, they will usually go away once you stop using Latisse.”

Latisse also has the potential to change or affect the color of the eye. If Latisse causes brown darkening of the colored part of the eye, it is likely permanent. However, the potential darkening of the eyelid skin is likely reversible. You cannot apply Latisse to the lower lashes, only the base of the upper lashes.

When using Latisse, make sure to blot any excess liquid, as it can cause hair growth on any place where it continually touches, such as the corner of your eye or a spot on your eyelid where you do not want eyelashes growing. For more information, make sure to study the Dosing and Application instructions on the Latisse website.

Is there a generic Latisse?

Latisse sounds like the dream solution to lash woes, but of course, it comes with a price.

But here’s the good news: generic Latisse is available. While brand name Latisse is costly, a generic version can get you the same results without breaking the bank. The price of brand name Latisse varies regionally, but a 30-day supply is usually $139 or more. Needless to say, growing long, strong lashes doesn’t come cheap.

However, patients can turn to a generic version instead if they want a more affordable option. We offer generic Latisse, bimatoprost, at a steep discount of $75 for a quantity of three units of 0.03% 3 ml. It comes from India and is also called Bimat manufactured by Ajanta. Or sometimes we carry the generic bimatoprost from India also known as Careprost manufactured by Sun Pharma.

Latisse requires consistent daily use. You can’t cease use of Latisse or else your hair will go back to normal and the new thick, full lashes will fall out during the natural growth cycle and not re-grow as the eyelashes you hope for.

Keep in mind that it takes about 16 weeks to achieve the full results of Latisse. And even then, when a patient has achieved their full Latisse look, they should not discontinue use of Latisse or else they’ll face the possibility of losing their results. Latisse must be a continual and ongoing treatment in order to achieve and maintain the look the patient wants.

So, if you want to use Latisse to grow your lashes and improve your looks, or find relief from a lack of adequate eyelash hair, then you should plan to be in it for the long haul and stock up on a multi month supply.

What is the difference between Latisse and Careprost?

As with most drugs, there are a variety of alternatives to Latisse. Lumigan is another name brand lash growth treatment, while bimatoprost is the name of the generic equivalent to more pricey name brand drugs. Careprost is another alternative to Latisse that comes at a lower price.

While Lumigan and Careprost are less popular brands of bimatoprost, they are equivalent to Latisse and offer the same benefits of Latisse, but at a lower price, since they are an off brand. Lumigan and Careprost are made by other manufacturers, but the solution inside is the same. Bimat is also the best alternative to Latisse. They have an equivalent composition and also are sold in the same volume and packaging amount.

So while generic and off brand versions of bimatoprost will offer the same lash intensifying benefits, they won’t come at quite as high of a cost.

How can I grow my lashes? Other effective ways to grow longer eyelashes

Millions of people have turned to Latisse for an effective lash growth solution since the product launched. While Latisse or bimatoprost is a great option, there are some other ways you can try growing your lashes, too. Natural methods and home remedies are always worth a try.

When it comes to natural ways to grow longer lashes, you should first make sure you’re not adding to the problem by doing things that damage your lashes, such as curling them too hard or getting eyelash extensions that can put too much weight on your delicate lashes. The natural processes of aging and menopause can also result in thinner, fewer lashes, but unfortunately science cannot reverse those, at least not yet!

If the problem is even worse and your lashes are actually falling out at a rapid rate, you should see a doctor because it may be a sign of a thyroid condition or a nutritional deficiency. Other harmful conditions can also result in your eyelashes falling out, so make sure to seek medical attention if this is the case for you.

Otherwise, you can try some natural remedies to help boost lash growth and thickness. Start by eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet to make sure you’re getting all the vitamins and minerals you need, as this will help encourage healthy hair growth patterns. Applying oils can also help. Castor and olive oil will nourish your eyelashes, protect them, and encourage growth. You simply apply the oil to your lashes each night before bed with a cotton swab or clean mascara brush. Coconut oil and other vitamin oils can also help.

Another option to try is coconut milk. You can soak a cotton pad in full-fat coconut milk and then let it sit on your eyes for about 15 minutes, as this easy at-home treatment will help nourish your eyelashes and encourage the growth you’re looking for.

Choosing an organic makeup brand to use on your facial skin and eyes is also a wise move. Drugstore makeup brands can be full of harsh, damaging chemicals that aren’t good for your body. You should also avoid applying fake eyelashes or getting lash extensions. Gluing or attaching false lashes to your existing hairs can be very damaging and can even rip out these little hairs, impeding growth and creating the exact opposite of the look you were going for. While it may be tempting to get quick, dramatic lashes this way, you’ll reap more rewards if you opt to be patient and instead use something that nourishes your lashes rather than puts added stress on them.

As far as home remedies, some people even recommend giving yourself a light eyelid massage with your fingertips to encourage blood flow to the eyelids and thereby promote hair growth. This may be relaxing, but it’s vital that you make sure not to rub your eyes too hard or apply too much pressure, as this can cause harm to your eyes and lashes alike.

Where to buy Latisse and generic Latisse: from Canada or an online Canadian pharmacy?

You can buy Latisse from a pharmacy with a valid doctor’s prescription. However, an easier and sometimes cheaper way to get Latisse is to order from an online Canadian pharmacy.

Many patients find that ordering from an online Canadian pharmacy is the ideal way to get their prescriptions because it can save a significant amount of time, money, and hassle. Instead of making special trips to the pharmacy, you can simply get your medication order shipped straight to your door, even if you don’t live in Canada. Some even consider Canadian pharmacies to be the solution to America’s high drug prices.

It’s important to note that Latisse is available by prescription only. Even though the ongoing use of Latisse results in movie star lashes, Latisse is not actually a makeup or cosmetic product, so it is not available over the counter. You won’t find it hanging in the aisle of any pharmacy because it requires a pharmacist to dispense it to you based on your prescription. You can purchase Latisse from our website with a valid prescription.

If you go shopping, you may notice that there are some lash growth serums available over the counter or in the makeup section of drugstores and wherever else cosmetic products are sold. However, they will not have nearly the same effectiveness that prescription strength Latisse will. Since these items are not a prescription medication but rather a non-prescription solution, they cannot offer the same sure results that Latisse does and have not undergone the same testing and FDA approval process.

That’s why you shouldn’t waste your money on knock off versions of Latisse and lash growth products. Instead, go for a true dose of bimatoprost in order to secure the lash growth power you need to make a marked difference in your looks.

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Skye Sherman is a professional writer who has been published in numerous local and international outlets. She has also worked for a wellness company and is very familiar with the healthcare industry. She holds a degree from a Florida university.