Latisse: Can It Be Used on Lower Lashes and Eyebrows?

Consumers and doctors are often interested in exploring off-label use of approved treatments - just look at all the uses discovered for Botox! - but sometimes it is best to stick with the specified treatment area. In the case of Latisse, many RealSelf community members asked the logical question, why can't it be applied to lower lashes, or help eyebrows grow? The short answer is: it (technically) can, but it isn't without risk. We'll let the doctors tell you in their own words why Latisse is only FDA-approved for upper lashes, and suggest an option that may be a better bet for eyebrow darkening.

• “I would caution people a bit about using Latisse in off label applications. Specifically, the lower lashes get some of the medication when you close your eyes (the reason Allergan recommends using it at night). Placing medication on both lashes is likely to increase the dosage of the medication you're getting…[which] increases potential side effects (most commonly eye irritiation which can be serious).” – Steven H. Williams, MD
• “As many of the physicians have stated Latisse is only FDA approved for use on eyelash hypotrichosis, which is another name for having inadequate lashes. With this said I have many patients in my practice who have found it to work quite well on their eyebrows.” –Michael Elam, MD
• “This is possible but it has not been evaluated. It is interesting that the company warns that if you "spill" this onto your cheek, it may result in increased growth there so it make sense that it could make your eyebrows grow. Of course the wheels are turning and your thoughts may wander to its' benefits in male pattern baldness but this has not been evaluated to the best of my knowledge.” –Otto Joseph Placik, MD
• “If you would like to darken your eyebrow, Rogaine would be a much better choice. You might take a Q tip and coat your eyebrow with this product. Be careful to only use this on your eyebrow since it might cause your normal skin to become hairy.” – Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD

Would you be more interested in Latisse if there was more than one use? Have you tried it, and what are your thoughts? Share in the comments below!

photo credit: Dr. Mitchel Goldman, MD