Are your eyes tired even after an adequate night’s rest, and is applying makeup more difficult, with eyeshadow disappearing under folds of skin? If that is the case for you, you could have hooded upper eyelids – a condition in which excess skin folds downward from the brow bone, resulting in heavy, droopy eyes that make applying eye makeup difficult or impossible altogether.
Hooded eyelids may have been present since birth or may develop over time as you age, becoming an ever more challenging challenge when trying to achieve youthful, wide-eyed looks. If this sounds familiar, then perhaps it could be something else: hooded eyelids.
Hooded upper eyelids may seem like just another cosmetic concern. Still, the good news is they can be managed and enhanced through lifestyle changes and makeup techniques ranging from simple lifestyle alterations to advanced surgical options.
Eyes Defined’s guide can be your one-stop source for understanding hooded eyelids, learning how to treat them effectively and finding solutions tailored specifically to you and your needs. Let’s dive right in and discuss all you need to know about hooded upper eyelids–what causes them, how to recognize them, and the best treatments available. Let’s get going and discover everything there is about hooded upper eyelids so we can learn all we need about what causes, recognise them and treatment options!
What Are Hooded Upper Eyelids?
Hooded upper eyelids are characterized by folds of excess skin that fold over the natural crease of the eyelid, covering it or making it less visible altogether. While ageing is one factor that contributes to this condition, genetics also plays a key role: many individuals inherit this trait from their parents.
Causes of Hooded Upper Eyelids (CHELS)
Genetics: If both your parents or close relatives have hooded eyes, chances are it’s hereditary and may pass down through generations.
Ageing: With age comes degraded collagen and elastin in your skin, leading to it sagging and drooping. This loss of elasticity may contribute to or worsen existing hooded eyelids.
Lifestyle Factors: Factors such as smoking, poor diet, lack of sleep, and overexposure to UV radiation can hasten the ageing process and lead to looser skin around the eyes.
Medical Conditions: Ptosis (drooping eyelids) and other medical issues can contribute to or aggravate hooded eyelids, leading to either their formation or exacerbation.
How to Know If You Have Hooded Upper Eyelids
If you suspect that your upper eyelids have become hooded, look in a mirror straight ahead and observe your eyes. Look out for folds of skin drooping over their natural crease or barely visible when your eyes are opened – these could be signs that indicate hooded eyelids.
Signs and Symptoms
Minimal Eyelid Space: No visible gap exists between eyelashes and the brow bone, creating little or no space between them and each other.
Disappearing Eyeshadow: Difficulties with applying or seeing eyeshadow due to skin folds may prevent its application.
Tired Appearance: Eyes may appear smaller or tired even after a restful sleep.
Frequent Smudging of Makeup: Lack of space means that eyeliner or mascara may easily spread onto the upper eyelid and cause it to smudge.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Hooded Upper Eyelids
If you’re not quite ready to go under the knife, there are several non-surgical options to manage hooded upper eyelids effectively.
Makeup Tips for Hooded Eyes
- Apply Eyeshadow Primer: Use an eyeshadow primer as a first step to keep makeup from creasing throughout the day and smudging.
- Opt for Matte Shades: Matte shades offer more defined creases. Use a darker hue on the outer corner for added depth and dimension.
- Subtly Highlight Eyes: For larger-looking eyes, use lighter hues in strategic places on the inner corner and under the brow bone of both eyes to increase eye size.
- Eyeliner Techniques: For best results, choose a waterproof eyeliner to reduce any chance of smudging, and consider winged eyeliners to bring the focus back onto the eyes.
- Curl Your Lashes: Curling eyelash curlers are an effective way to widen and open up the eyes, making them appear more alert and refreshed.
Skincare and Lifestyle Adjustments
- Hydration and Nutrition: Maintaining proper hydration around your eyes can reduce hooding by using an eye cream with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants.
- Sun Protection: Wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen around your eyes to safeguard them from sun damage while also engaging in facial exercises such as eyebrow lifts or massage techniques that improve muscle tone and reduce the appearance of hooded eyelids.
Non-Surgical Medical Treatments
- Botox Injections: Botox can be used to lift the brow slightly, reducing the appearance of hooded eyes by relaxing the muscles that pull the brow downward.
- Dermal Fillers: Fillers can help restore lost volume around the temples and upper face, providing a subtle lift to the skin around the eyes.
- Laser Treatments: Fractional laser resurfacing or radiofrequency treatments can tighten and rejuvenate the skin, potentially reducing the appearance of hooded eyelids.
Surgical Options for Hooded Upper Eyelids
If non-invasive treatments have failed to produce the desired results, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) could be worth exploring as an option. This process entails extracting excess skin, muscle, and often fat from your upper eyelids through surgical means.
What to Expect with Blepharoplasty
- Procedure Overview: Blepharoplasty is typically performed under local anaesthesia and takes about one to two hours. The surgeon will make incisions along the natural lines of your eyelids, remove excess skin or fat, and then close the incisions with fine sutures.
- Recovery Time: Most patients recover within one to two weeks. Swelling and bruising are common but usually subside after a few days. You may need to avoid strenuous activities during the recovery period.
- Results and Longevity: Results are usually visible within a few weeks and can last for up to 10-15 years, depending on various factors such as lifestyle and skin care.
Are There Risks Involved?
As with any surgical procedure, blepharoplasty carries its own set of risks, including infection, scarring, and changes to eyelid sensation. Selecting an experienced and qualified surgeon is one way to lower these risks significantly.
FAQs About Hooded Upper Eyelids
Can Hooded Upper Eyelids Affect Vision?
Yes, in severe cases, hooded eyelids can impair peripheral vision. A blepharoplasty may be medically necessary to correct this.
Is Blepharoplasty Covered by Insurance?
If the procedure is deemed medically necessary due to vision impairment, some insurance plans may cover it. Check with your provider for specific details.
How Long Does Blepharoplasty Last?
While results can vary, many patients enjoy the benefits of blepharoplasty for 10-15 years.
Are There Non-Surgical Options to Correct Hooded Eyelids?
Yes, options include Botox, fillers, laser treatments, and makeup techniques.
Can Lifestyle Changes Help with Hooded Eyelids?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, using skincare products, and protecting your skin from sun damage can help reduce the appearance of hooded eyelids.
Conclusion
Hooded upper eyelids can impact both your appearance and, in severe cases, your vision. Whether you choose to enhance your look through makeup techniques, non-surgical treatments, or surgical options like blepharoplasty, there are solutions tailored to meet your needs. At Eyes Defined, we offer a range of treatments and consultations to help you achieve a youthful, fresh appearance.
Ready to enhance your appearance and regain your confidence? Visit Eyes Defined to book a consultation and learn more about the best solutions for managing hooded upper eyelids. Your journey to brighter, more youthful eyes starts today!