As you age, skin loses elasticity and causes extra skin to gather in both upper and lower lids due to gravity. This can block some areas of your vision.
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, aims to improve visual defects and eye symptoms caused by lid pressure causing ocular surface changes.
Following treatment you can expect better field of vision with reduced sagging in the lower lids or more lift in the upper lids. It can help you achieve a more youthful and refreshed eye appearance and improve how much you can see.
What is Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical treatment to remove or reposition extra skin, muscle and underlying fatty tissue around your eyes.
It aims to improve visual defects and eye symptoms caused by lid changes as they affect ocular surface. The overall goal of blepharoplasty is to improve the appearance and function of your eyes.
What Does Eyelid Surgery Treat?
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, can treat a range of functional issues related to the eyelids, including;
✓ Excess skin on the upper eyelids.
✓ Sagging or bagginess in the lower eyelids.
✓ Accumulation of fatty deposits in the eyelids.
✓ Impaired vision due to sagging upper eyelids.
✓ General signs of aging around the eyes.
What are droopy eyes?
Ptosis, or droopy eyes, is characterised by the sagging of the upper eyelid. This droopiness occurs when the muscles responsible for lifting the eyelids weaken or become impaired.
Various factors can contribute to ptosis, such as:
- Weakened eyelid-supporting muscles due to age.
- Oculomotor nerve palsy — dysfunction of nerve necessary for coordinating eye position.
- Genetic factors or abnormal development of eye muscles.
- Damage to eyelid-supporting muscles or nerves from injury or trauma.
Ptosis not only impacts the aesthetic appearance of the eyes but can also affect vision if the drooping eyelids obstruct the visual field.
Treatment for ptosis typically involves surgical intervention, such as ptosis surgery, which aims to repair or reposition the weakened muscles, restoring a more natural and functional eyelid position.
What are hooded eyes?
Hooded eyes occur when extra skin, fat, or muscle on the upper eyelid droop over the natural eyelid crease.
This can make the upper eyelid look partially hidden, giving it a heavy or “hooded” appearance. Hooded eyes can vary from subtle to more noticeable, and can be present from birth or develop with age.
Hooded eyes can cause issues like:
- Reduced Eyelid Space
- Tired or Aged Appearance
- Limited Eye Expression
- Potential Vision Obstruction
Blepharoplasty is a common solution for hooded eyes as it removes extra skin and adjusts the remaining tissue. It can lift up your upper lid, improve your vision, and give you a refreshed look.
What Causes Hooded Eyes?
Hooded eyes can develop due to various factors, both genetic and age-related. This includes:
1) Aging
2) Smoking
3) Prolonged Sun Exposure
4) Genetics
5) Ethnicity
6) Chronic Eye Inflammation
7) Allergies
8) Weight Fluctuations
9) Underlying Eye Structure
10) Other Lifestyle Factors
When Should You Treat Hooded Eyes?
To help you decide if you should consult a specialist, consider filling out the hooded eyes self-questionnaire below.
It’ll give you insights into your situation and whether you might benefit from professional intervention.
Hooded Eyes Self-Questionnaire
Are my hooded eyes causing functional issues like obstructed vision or eye strain?
Do I feel that my hooded eyes are significantly impacting my self-esteem or overall appearance?
Have I noticed a visible change in the appearance of my eyelids due to aging or genetics?
Am I bothered by the cosmetic aspects of my hooded eyes, such as a tired or aged look?
Do I experience difficulty when applying eye makeup due to my hooded eyes?
Have I recently experienced significant weight loss or weight gain that may have contributed to my hooded eyes?
Do I have a family history of hooded eyes, suggesting a genetic predisposition?
Have I been diagnosed with allergies or chronic eye inflammation, which might be contributing to my hooded eyelids?
Am I in good general health and at an age where I would like to address my hooded eyes?
Am I prepared to consider the recovery time associated with potential treatments for hooded eyes?
Next Steps:
- If you have checked one or two boxes: You might want to keep an eye on your concerns and think about non-surgical cosmetic solutions, like makeup techniques, for your hooded eyes.
- If you have checked three or more boxes: It’s a good idea to talk to a qualified medical specialist, such as a plastic surgeon or ophthalmologist, about your concerns, treatment options, and personalised guidance.
How to Fix Hooded Eyes with Blepharoplasty Surgery?
There are two primary approaches to blepharoplasty: upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty. Here’s a breakdown of each of these procedures.
What Happens During Upper Blepharoplasty Surgery?
Upper blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift, is designed to address hooded upper eyelids by removing excess skin and, if necessary, repositioning or tightening the remaining tissues. It typically involves the following steps:
1) Anaesthesia
You will be administered local anaesthesia to ensure your comfort during the surgery.
2) Incision
The surgeon will create incisions along the natural creases of the upper eyelids. These incisions are carefully placed to minimize scarring.
3) Tissue Removal
Excess skin and fat are removed through the incisions, which opens up the upper eyelid area.
4) Muscle & Tissue Adjustment
In some cases, the underlying muscle and tissue may be adjusted to create a more open and alert appearance.
4) Closure & Recovery
Following surgery, you will be given instructions for aftercare and recovery. Swelling and bruising are common in the initial days but typically subside within a few weeks.
What Happens During Lower Blepharoplasty Surgery?
Lower blepharoplasty is specifically targeted at reducing puffiness and improving the contour of the lower eyelids. It involves the following key steps:
1) Anaesthesia
You will be administered local anaesthesia to ensure your comfort during the surgery.
2) Incision
Depending on the technique used, the surgeon will make incisions either on the inside of the lower eyelid (transconjunctival blepharoplasty) or just below the lower lash line (external incision).
3) Fat Repositioning or Removal
Excess fat is either repositioned to fill hollow areas or removed to reduce puffiness.
4) Tissue Tightening
The surgeon may tighten the skin and underlying tissues to create a smoother and more youthful lower eyelid contour.
4) Closure & Recovery
If external incisions were made, they are closed with sutures, which are typically removed within a week. Transconjunctival incisions do not require sutures. Swelling and bruising are common after surgery but tend to resolve over time.
How to Treat Hooded Eyes Without Surgery
If you’d prefer to try non-surgical alternatives, or you want to enhance the results of your blepharoplasty further, consider the following approaches:
- Gently massage the eyelids using your fingertips in a circular motion.
- This can promote blood circulation and help reduce puffiness.
- Apply a cold compress or chilled cucumber slices to the eyes for about 10 minutes.
- Cold compresses can temporarily tighten the skin and reduce swelling.
Proper hydration is crucial for skin health. Drink an adequate amount of water daily (at least two litres or more) to keep your skin well-hydrated.
Always use sunscreen, especially around the eyes, to prevent premature aging and maintain skin elasticity.
Engage in overall facial exercises that may help improve muscle tone and reduce the appearance of sagging.
A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals supports skin health.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Hooded Eyes
Injectables like hyaluronic acid fillers can be used to add volume to areas around the eyes, reducing the appearance of hollows and puffiness.
Botox can be strategically injected to relax the muscles that contribute to hooding and create a more open appearance.
A non-surgical thread lift involves using dissolvable threads to lift and rejuvenate the skin around the eyes.
Radiofrequency treatments can stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin, improving the appearance of the eyelids.
Light chemical peels can help exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes.
Specialised eye creams may contain ingredients like retinol, peptides or caffeine, which can improve skin texture and firmness.
Ultimately, the choice between natural remedies and non-surgical treatments will depend on your preferences and the severity of your hooded eyes.
While many of these remedies may not provide permanent results, but they can be an excellent option for those looking to supplement or replace surgical intervention.
Hooded Eyes vs. Droopy Eyes
While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they refer to distinct eyelid conditions. Let’s explore the characteristics and differences between hooded and droopy eyes:
Description
Hooded eyes, also known as “hooded eyelids” or “eyelid hooding,” involves excess skin, fat, or muscle on the upper eyelid hanging over the natural crease, giving a hooded or heavy appearance.
Characteristics
Reduced visible eyelid space, may create a tired look, challenging for eye makeup.
Common Treatment
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty surgically removes excess tissue.
Description
Upper eyelids droop due to weakened lid-lifting muscles, known as eyelid ptosis, affecting one or both eyes.
Characteristics
Eyebrows and eyelids rest lower, potential vision impairment, perpetually tired appearance.
Common Treatment
Ptosis surgery repairs weakened muscles, elevating eyelids.
- Hooded eyes involve excess tissue on upper eyelids, while droopy eyes result from weakened lifting muscles.
- Hooded eyes often only impact appearance, while droopy eyes affect vision and functionality.
- Surgical procedures differ: blepharoplasty for hooded eyes, ptosis surgery for droopy eyes.
Blepharoplasty Recovery and Aftercare
After eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), proper aftercare is essential for the best results — it reduces discomfort and lowers the risk of problems. Here’s what you need to know about the recovery process and caring for your eyes after blepharoplasty:
1) Rest: Plan to have someone drive you home after surgery, as you may be groggy from anaesthesia.
2) Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising around the eyes are common after blepharoplasty. These side effects typically peak within the first 48 hours and gradually subside over the following weeks.
3) Pain Management: Your surgeon will prescribe pain medications or recommend over-the-counter options to manage any discomfort.
✓ Plan 1-2 Weeks’ Downtime
✓ Use Prescribed Eye Drops
✓ Avoid Strenuous Exercise for 1-2 Weeks
✓ Sleep With Head Elevated for 3-4 Weeks
✓ Attend All Follow-Up Appointments
Blepharoplasty recovery can vary from person to person, and following your surgeon’s instructions is critical to ensure a smooth healing process and optimal results.
While you may see some improvements shortly after surgery, the full benefits of eyelid surgery may become more apparent over time as swelling subsides, and the incisions heal.
- Understand that complete healing and final results may take several months. It’s common to experience residual swelling and minor asymmetry during the early stages of recovery.
- Be vigilant for signs of complications, such as severe pain, infection, bleeding, or vision changes, and contact your surgeon immediately if you experience any concerning symptoms.
Are There Any Eyelid Surgery Risks?
Like any surgical procedure, eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, entails potential risks, including infection, bleeding, scarring, asymmetry, dry eyes, ptosis, double vision, vision changes, anaesthesia risks, numbness, undercorrection, overcorrection, and skin discolouration.
At AccuVision, an experienced surgeon will discuss all potential risks and complications associated with blepharoplasty with you at the time of consultation. More importantly, we then take steps to minimise these risks and provide detailed pre- and post-operative care instructions to help ensure a safe and successful recovery.
This is why choosing an experienced surgery is critical in reducing the likelihood of complications and achieving the best possible results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hooded eyes appear when excess skin or fat partially covers the upper eyelid, giving a heavy or droopy appearance.
Hooded eyelids can be more common in some ethnic groups due to genetic factors.
You should be concerned about a droopy eyelid if it suddenly occurs, affects your vision, or is accompanied by other unusual symptoms.
Quick fixes for droopy eyelids involve makeup techniques, but a permanent solution may require surgery.
Yes, cataract surgery can result in temporary droopy eyelids, a condition known as ptosis. This can be a side effect of the surgery but often resolves with time.
Yes, a brain tumour can cause a droopy eyelid, which is known as ptosis. However, it is usually accompanied by other severe neurological symptoms. If you suspect this, seek immediate medical evaluation.
The most effective way to address hooded eyelids is through surgical options like blepharoplasty. This procedure involves removing excess skin, fat, or muscle to create a more open and alert eye appearance.
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is often the preferred treatment for hooded eyes because it provides long-lasting results by addressing the underlying causes of the condition, such as excess skin and tissue.
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects eyelid issues by removing excess skin, fat, or muscle. It is commonly used to address concerns like hooded eyes, puffiness, and signs of aging around the eyes.
The cost of blepharoplasty can vary significantly depending on factors such as the location of the surgery, the complexity of the procedure, and the surgeon’s experience. It typically ranges from a few thousand to several thousand pounds.
Blepharoplasty cost in the UK varies based on factors like location, the surgeon’s expertise, and the complexity of the procedure. On average, it can range from a few thousand to several thousand pounds.
The results of blepharoplasty can last for many years, and they are typically long-lasting. However, some natural changes may occur over time due to the ongoing aging process.
