Bimat 0.03 % (Bimatoprost)

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Collins, RPh, Clinical Pharmacist — Updated April 2026

What Is Bimat (Bimatoprost 0.03%)? — Dual Applications

Bimatoprost 0.03% has two clinically established applications that Australian users should understand clearly, as the application method differs significantly between them:

Application 1 — Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension (medical use, into the eye): One drop instilled directly into the affected eye(s) once nightly. This is the TGA-registered, prescription indication for bimatoprost in Australia — reducing intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humour outflow through both trabecular and uveoscleral pathways.

Application 2 — Eyelash Growth / Hypotrichosis (cosmetic use, onto the lash line): Applied along the base of the upper eyelash line using an applicator brush or clean eyeliner brush — not into the eye itself. This is the off-label cosmetic use that has made bimatoprost products internationally popular. The same molecule that reduces eye pressure also profoundly stimulates eyelash growth through prostaglandin-mediated effects on hair follicle biology.

Bimat vs Careprost vs Lumigan vs Latisse — Australian Comparison

Bottom line for Australian buyers: Bimat, Careprost, Lumigan and Latisse all contain identical bimatoprost 0.03% and produce identical eyelash growth results — because the active molecule is the same. The difference is manufacturer, packaging, included accessories, price, and TGA registration status. For cost-effective eyelash growth, Bimat and Careprost offer the same clinical outcome as Latisse at a fraction of the price.

How Bimatoprost Stimulates Eyelash Growth — The Science

The eyelash-growing properties of bimatoprost were discovered serendipitously — patients using bimatoprost eye drops for glaucoma reported noticeably longer, thicker, and darker eyelashes. This led to dedicated research into bimatoprost's effects on hair follicle biology and the development of Latisse (bimatoprost 0.03% applied to the lash line) by Allergan.

Bimatoprost stimulates eyelash growth through prostaglandin F2α receptor-mediated effects on the hair growth cycle:

• Prolongation of the anagen (growth) phase: Human eyelash follicles cycle through anagen (active growth), catagen (regression), and telogen (resting) phases. The anagen phase of eyelashes is naturally brief (approximately 30 days) compared to scalp hair. Bimatoprost prolongs the anagen phase — giving lashes more time to grow before falling out
• Enlargement of the hair bulb: Bimatoprost increases the size of the dermal papilla (the hair follicle's growth centre) — producing a thicker, more robust hair fibre
• Increased melanogenesis: Bimatoprost stimulates melanin production in hair follicle melanocytes — resulting in darker lash pigmentation
• Recruitment of telogen follicles: Bimatoprost can stimulate resting (telogen) follicles to re-enter the growth phase — increasing the total number of actively growing lashes

Allergan pivotal trial results (bimatoprost 0.03% vs vehicle, 16 weeks):

• Eyelash length: +25% increase vs baseline
• Eyelash thickness/fullness: +106% increase vs baseline
• Eyelash darkness: +18% increase vs baseline
• Global Eyelash Assessment (GEA) score improvement: statistically significant vs vehicle at every time point from week 4

Step-by-Step Application Guide — Eyelash Growth (Cosmetic Use)

The correct application technique is critical for maximising results and minimising the risk of iris pigmentation changes:

1. Remove contact lenses first. Bimat contains benzalkonium chloride (BAK) — a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause eye irritation. Always remove contacts before application and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting
2. Remove all eye make-up and cleanse face thoroughly. Application over make-up significantly reduces absorption
3. Ensure face is completely dry. Wet skin dilutes the solution and reduces contact time
4. Place one drop of Bimat onto the sterile applicator brush (included with Bimat). If no applicator is available, use a clean, fine eyeliner brush or a sterile cotton-tipped applicator
5. Apply along the skin at the base of the upper eyelashes — precisely like applying liquid eyeliner, drawing from inner to outer corner. The goal is to coat the lash base, not the lash itself
6. Do not apply to the lower lash line directly. The solution will naturally migrate downward to the lower lashes through blinking — direct lower lash application increases risk of unwanted facial hair and periorbital skin darkening
7. Use a tissue to blot any excess product that has migrated onto surrounding skin — particularly below the lower eyelid
8. Apply once nightly before bed. Consistent nightly application is essential — irregular use significantly reduces results
9. Wait 15 minutes before reinserting contact lenses

When to expect results:

• Weeks 4–6: First visible improvement in length and thickness
• Weeks 8–12: Significant improvement visible — most users see clear results
• Week 16: Full clinical effect achieved — maximum length, thickness, and darkness
• Maintenance: Once desired results are achieved, reduce to 3–4 nights per week to maintain. Results gradually reverse within 4–8 weeks of complete discontinuation

Application Guide — Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension (Medical Use)

1. Wash hands thoroughly before handling
2. Tilt head back slightly and pull down the lower eyelid to form a pocket
3. Hold the bottle upside down above the eye — instil ONE drop into the pocket formed by the lower eyelid. Do not touch the eye or eyelid with the bottle tip
4. Close the eye gently and press the inner corner of the eye (nasolacrimal duct) with a finger for 1–2 minutes — this reduces systemic absorption and maximises ocular contact
5. If using multiple eye medications: wait at least 5 minutes between different drops
6. Apply once nightly — applying more than once daily is no more effective and may reduce effectiveness
7. Remove contact lenses before instillation and wait 15 minutes before reinserting

Critical Safety Information — Iris Pigmentation Warning

The most important long-term safety consideration with bimatoprost ophthalmic solutions is the potential for permanent iris (coloured part of the eye) pigmentation changes:

Iris pigmentation — what happens: Bimatoprost can stimulate melanin production in iris melanocytes, causing the iris to gradually darken over months to years of use. This effect has been predominantly reported with direct ophthalmic (into-the-eye) use in glaucoma patients — not with lash-line application for cosmetic eyelash growth. However, any bimatoprost that enters the eye during lash application carries this theoretical risk.

Who is at risk: Individuals with mixed-colour irises — hazel, blue/brown, green/brown, grey/brown — where different amounts of pigmentation already exist. Iris darkening is essentially invisible in already dark brown eyes. The effect appears to be permanent — it does not reverse when bimatoprost is discontinued.

How to minimise risk during cosmetic eyelash use:

• Apply precisely to the upper lash base only — not into the eye or inner corner
• Blot excess immediately with a tissue
• Do not apply to lower lash line directly
• If you have light-coloured or mixed-colour irises and are concerned about this risk, discuss with an ophthalmologist before starting

Periorbital skin darkening: Bimatoprost can also cause darkening of the skin around the eyes (periorbital hyperpigmentation). This is more pronounced when excess solution contacts eyelid skin and is largely reversible upon discontinuation.

Side Effects

Very common (affecting more than 1 in 10 users — particularly with ophthalmic glaucoma use):

• Conjunctival hyperaemia (eye redness) — caused by prostaglandin-mediated vasodilation. Typically mild and diminishes with continued use. More common with direct ocular use than with lash-line application
• Eyelash changes — increased length, thickness, darkness, and number of lashes (a desired effect for cosmetic users; a side effect in glaucoma patients)
• Periorbital skin darkening

Common (affecting up to 1 in 10 users):

• Eye irritation, dryness, itching
• Foreign body sensation
• Punctate keratitis (superficial corneal erosions)
• Iris pigmentation changes (see warning above — particularly with ophthalmic use)
• Headache

Rare but serious — seek immediate ophthalmological review:

• Macular oedema — swelling of the central retina; vision changes including blurred or distorted central vision. Stop bimatoprost and seek urgent ophthalmological assessment. Risk is higher in aphakic patients or those with known risk factors for macular oedema
• Uveitis — intraocular inflammation
• Sudden significant vision change — call 000 or present to emergency

Contraindications and Precautions

• Known hypersensitivity to bimatoprost or benzalkonium chloride
• Do not use during pregnancy — bimatoprost carries theoretical risk of premature labour due to prostaglandin effects. Avoid during pregnancy and when planning to conceive
• Breastfeeding — unknown if bimatoprost passes into breast milk; avoid during breastfeeding
• Paediatric use — not established in children; use under specialist supervision only
• Contact lens use — remove before application; reinsert after 15 minutes
• Uveitis or iritis — use with caution; bimatoprost may exacerbate intraocular inflammation
• Aphakia (absence of natural lens) — increased risk of macular oedema

TGA Status in Australia

In Australia, bimatoprost ophthalmic solution is a Schedule 4 (prescription only) medicine regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Lumigan (Allergan's brand) is TGA-registered and available on prescription through Australian ophthalmologists and optometrists for glaucoma. Bimat (Sun Pharma brand) is not separately TGA-registered as a product — it falls under the TGA's Personal Importation Scheme for personal use importation of up to a 3-month supply.

For cosmetic eyelash use: Australian dermatologists, cosmetic physicians, and some GPs and ophthalmologists prescribe bimatoprost off-label for eyelash hypotrichosis. This is a clinically accepted but off-label application in Australia — Latisse is not TGA-registered in Australia despite FDA approval in the USA. Cosmetic bimatoprost use is available through Australian cosmetic medicine clinics as well as via personal importation.

Delivery to All Australian States and Territories

redstonerx-au.com ships Bimat discreetly to all Australian states and territories. Standard delivery: 4–9 business days.

New South Wales (Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Central Coast) — Victoria (Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo) — Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns, Townsville) — Western Australia (Perth, Fremantle, Bunbury, Mandurah) — South Australia (Adelaide, Mount Gambier, Whyalla) — Tasmania (Hobart, Launceston, Devonport) — Australian Capital Territory (Canberra) — Northern Territory (Darwin, Alice Springs).

All orders are dispatched in plain, unmarked packaging with no reference to the contents or sender. A tracking number is provided with every order.

Frequently Asked Questions — Bimat in Australia

What is the difference between Bimat, Careprost, Lumigan, and Latisse? All four products contain identical bimatoprost 0.03% — the same active molecule in the same concentration. They produce identical eyelash growth results. The differences are manufacturer (Sun Pharma for Bimat and Careprost; Allergan/AbbVie for Lumigan and Latisse), TGA registration status, included accessories, and price. Bimat and Careprost are the most affordable options — from $49–$54 per bottle compared to $80–$200+ for branded alternatives.

How long does it take to see results for eyelash growth? The first visible improvement in eyelash length and thickness is typically seen at 4 to 6 weeks of nightly application. Significant results are usually apparent at 8 to 12 weeks. Full clinical effect (maximum length, thickness, and darkness) is achieved at approximately 16 weeks. Consistency is essential — missing multiple applications significantly delays results.

Will my eyelashes go back to normal if I stop using Bimat? Yes — eyelash enhancement with bimatoprost is not permanent. Results gradually reverse within 4 to 8 weeks of complete discontinuation as the hair growth cycle returns to its natural pattern. To maintain results long-term, reduce application to 3–4 nights per week once maximum effect is achieved.

Can Bimat change the colour of my eyes? Bimatoprost applied directly into the eye (for glaucoma) can cause gradual iris darkening over years of use — this effect appears to be permanent. When Bimat is applied to the upper lash line only (cosmetic eyelash use), the risk of iris colour change is significantly lower because the solution is not directly introduced into the eye. Individuals with light-coloured or mixed-colour irises who are concerned should discuss with an ophthalmologist before starting cosmetic bimatoprost use.

Do I need to remove my contact lenses before using Bimat? Yes — always remove soft contact lenses before applying Bimat. Bimat contains benzalkonium chloride (BAK), a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause lens discolouration and eye irritation. Wait at least 15 minutes after application before reinserting lenses.

How long does delivery to Australia take? Standard delivery to all Australian states and territories takes 4 to 9 business days. All orders arrive in plain, unmarked packaging with no reference to the contents or sender. Every order includes a tracking number.

All information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Bimatoprost is a prescription medicine in Australia — consult a qualified Australian healthcare provider before use, particularly for glaucoma management. Cosmetic eyelash use should be discussed with a dermatologist, cosmetic physician, or ophthalmologist.