Understanding Latisse and the Eyelash Cycle
Latisse (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) is a prescription medication, approved by the FDA for the treatment of hypotrichosis, a condition characterized by inadequate eyelashes. It works by prolonging the anagen, or growth phase, of the eyelash hair cycle. This allows the lashes to grow longer, thicker, and darker than they would naturally. For optimal results, it is initially applied daily to the base of the upper eyelashes for a period of 16 weeks. After this initial phase, the decision to continue, reduce application, or stop altogether depends on several factors.
Reasons to Discontinue Latisse
There are several reasons why a person might choose to stop using Latisse. It's a personal decision, but it's important to be informed about the implications of each scenario. Some people stop once they are happy with their results, while others may experience side effects that necessitate cessation.
Achieving Desired Results and Considering Maintenance
Many users find that after the initial 16-week period, their eyelashes have reached a length and fullness they are satisfied with. At this point, you have two primary options: stopping completely or transitioning to a maintenance schedule.
- Transitioning to maintenance: Many users and medical professionals report success with decreasing the application frequency to a few times per week (e.g., every other day or 2-3 times per week) to maintain the effect. This allows you to retain the results while using less product, which can be more cost-effective. The specific frequency needed for maintenance can vary by individual.
- Stopping completely: If you choose to stop completely, your eyelashes will gradually return to their previous appearance over a period of weeks to months as new, untreated lashes replace the ones stimulated by Latisse.
Side Effects Requiring Cessation
While generally safe, Latisse can cause side effects. Most are mild and reversible upon discontinuation, but some may be more serious. Immediate consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended if you experience any of the following:
- Severe eye irritation or itching: The most commonly reported side effects are eye pruritus (itching) and conjunctival hyperemia (eye redness). If this discomfort is severe, stopping is recommended.
- Eye infection: Any signs of eye infection, such as discharge, crusting, swelling, or severe discomfort, warrant immediate cessation and medical attention.
- Vision changes: Changes in vision, eye pain, increased sensitivity to light, or a sensation of a foreign body in the eye require immediate discontinuation.
- Allergic reaction: Symptoms like hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat are severe and require emergency medical care.
Specific Medical Conditions
Latisse is not suitable for everyone, and certain conditions are strong indicators for stopping or avoiding its use.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The FDA has not evaluated Latisse's safety for pregnant or nursing individuals. Animal studies showed adverse effects at high doses, and the drug can be excreted in breast milk. Therefore, it is generally recommended to stop use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
- Underlying eye conditions: Individuals with a history of certain eye conditions, such as uveitis, macular edema, or elevated intraocular pressure, should only use Latisse under the supervision of an ophthalmologist or stop if advised.
- Use of glaucoma medication: Since bimatoprost is also used to lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma treatment, using Latisse while on other prostaglandin analog eye drops requires careful medical supervision to prevent lowering eye pressure too much.
Comparison: Stopping vs. Maintaining Latisse
| Feature | Stopping Latisse Completely | Continuing Latisse (Maintenance) |
|---|---|---|
| Lash Appearance | Gradually returns to pre-treatment state over several weeks or months. | Maintains length, fullness, and darkness gained during the initial treatment. |
| Application Frequency | No application. | Reduced frequency, often 2-3 times per week, after the initial 16 weeks. |
| Side Effects | Temporary side effects like redness or eyelid darkening are expected to resolve. Permanent iris darkening is not reversible. | Potential for continued temporary side effects. Risk of permanent iris darkening remains if the solution contacts the eye. |
| Cost | No ongoing cost. | Significantly lower ongoing cost compared to the daily initial phase, as less product is used over time. |
| Convenience | No need for daily application or reordering. | Requires a regular routine to maintain results; forgetting doses can reverse progress. |
What to Expect After You Stop
Once you decide to stop using Latisse, the effects of the medication will gradually wear off. This process is not instantaneous. Your lashes will go through their natural growth cycles and will be replaced by new, untreated hairs over time. This typically takes anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
- Reversibility of effects: The increase in lash length, fullness, and darkness is entirely reversible. When you stop, your lashes will eventually return to their original state.
- Eyelid skin darkening: Any darkening of the skin along the lash line, known as skin hyperpigmentation, is also typically reversible after discontinuing Latisse.
- Iris color changes: This is a permanent side effect, although it is rare when Latisse is applied correctly to the upper lash line. It is most common in individuals with lighter-colored eyes when the bimatoprost solution is applied directly to the eye, as was the case for the glaucoma eye drops from which Latisse was derived. This effect does not reverse upon discontinuation.
Conclusion
Deciding when to stop using Latisse is a personal choice influenced by your treatment goals, tolerance of side effects, and financial considerations. For many, the full 16-week daily treatment is sufficient to achieve dramatic results, after which a maintenance schedule is adopted to prolong the effect. However, if side effects are severe or if you become pregnant or begin nursing, discontinuation is the appropriate course of action. If you stop completely, your lashes will return to their natural state, and any temporary side effects will resolve. Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for your individual health needs. For more information, the official Latisse website is a useful resource.
