Eyelid surgery in the U.S. is booming, with over 115,000 procedures performed in 2022, a 13% jump since 2019. One reason for this rise is that people want to tackle hooded eyes. Surgery removes excess skin folds to make your eyes appear more open.

Could eyelid surgery for hooded eyes be right for you? It might be if your eyes appear tired or hidden whenever you look in the mirror. Excess skin that folds over the crease of your eyelid is to blame for hooded eyes.

In this article, we’ll unveil the magic of eyelid surgery for hooded eyes. Learn the benefits, options, and what to expect. Keep reading for more insights:

Understanding Hooded Eyes

Excess skin gently folded down from your brow bone, partially or completely covering the crease of your eyelid, is essentially what hooded eyes are. This extra skin can make your eyelids appear smaller. It can sometimes even obscure your eyelashes.

Causes of Hooded Eyes

There are two main reasons why someone might have hooded eyes. Just like hair and eye color, hooded eyes can be an inherited trait. As we age, the skin loses its elasticity, causing the skin around the eyebrows to become looser and droop down.

Note that having hooded eyes doesn’t necessarily mean you have impaired vision or require medical attention.

Variations of Hooded Eyes

The degree to which the skin covers the eyelid crease can vary, creating different types of hooded eyes. There are several variations of hooded eyes:

• Deeply Hooded: Sagging skin completely covers the eyelid crease, making the upper eyelid appear very small.
• Mildly Hooded: The crease is partially visible, but the eyelashes might be hidden or appear shorter.
• Monolid Hooded: More common in Asian ethnicities, the eyelid crease might be faint or absent altogether, with a more prominent hood of skin.
• Uneven Hooded: Sometimes, one eye might be hooded more than the other, creating a slight asymmetry.

Fortunately, all these situations can be improved and fixed with a simple eyelid surgery.

Impact on Appearance

Hooded eyes can cast a constant shadow, making you look perpetually tired. The combination of a smaller visible eyelid area and a slightly downturned appearance at the outer corners can create a grumpy or even frowning impression. Limited eye exposure might make your eyes appear smaller and downcast, giving off a sad vibe.

Eyelid Surgery for Hooded Eyes Explained

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, can be transformative for those seeking to address hooded eyes. But with different types and steps involved, it’s natural to have questions. Let’s break down the different options and walk you through the surgical process.

Two main types of eyelid surgery address hooded eyes. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is the most common procedure for hooded eyes. It removes excess skin and fat deposits on the upper eyelid that contribute to the hooded effect.

The goal is to create a more defined eyelid crease and open up the upper eye area. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is less common for hooded eyes. It treats puffiness or bags under the eyes by removing or redistributing extra fat to create a smoother under-eye area.

The Step-by-Step Walk Through

This is typically an outpatient procedure, performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Here’s a breakdown of what happens during each step:

Consultation

Meet with your plastic surgeon to discuss goals, medical history, and expectations. The surgeon will examine your eyelids and take measurements to tailor the procedure to your unique anatomy. You may need to stop certain medications and avoid smoking for a period before surgery.

Anesthesia

Local anesthesia with sedation is typically used, though general anesthesia may be chosen in some cases. This ensures you are comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure. The type of anesthesia used will depend on various factors, including the complexity of the procedure, your personal preferences, and your medical history.

Incision

A precise incision is made within the natural crease of your upper eyelid to minimize visible scarring. This technique allows for the scar to be hidden when the eyes are open, promoting a natural appearance. The incision is typically made with a scalpel or a laser, depending on the surgeon’s preference and expertise.

Excess Tissue Removal

The surgeon removes excess skin and possibly underlying fat tissue based on your individual needs. This may involve tightening underlying muscles for a more lifted appearance. The amount of tissue removed will vary depending on the severity of your hooded eyelids and desired outcome.

Sutures

The incision is closed with dissolvable sutures that disappear over time, leaving minimal scarring. Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions for post-operative care to ensure optimal healing and minimal scarring.

Reasons to Consider This Type of Surgery

In this section, we’ll explore why people choose eyelid surgery for hooded eyes. You’ll be surprised to note that the reasons go beyond just aesthetics. Delve into the potential benefits this procedure can offer below:

Reduced Eyelid Hooding and a Brighter Gaze

Our eyelids act like superheroes for our eyes. They blink constantly to keep our eyes moist and dust-free, like windshield wipers for our vision. When closed, eyelids also protect our eyes from bright light and injuries.

Since healthy eyelids are crucial for clear vision and overall eye health, addressing issues affecting them is crucial. Hooded eyes can cast a shadow over your entire eye area, making you appear tired or grumpy even when well-rested. Eyelid surgery can address this concern by removing excess skin.

The most noticeable change will be the increased visibility of your eyelid crease. Natural creases define the shape of your eye and frame your iris. By removing the excess skin that covers it, eyelid surgery creates a more open and youthful appearance.

When the hooded effect is diminished, more light reflects off the surface of your eye. It creates a brighter and more awake appearance, even if you didn’t have enough sleep. You won’t have to constantly battle the “tired eyes” look.

Smoother Under-Eye Area and Reduced Puffiness

Under-eye puffiness is another common concern that can contribute to a tired appearance. The puffiness can stem from excess fat deposits or fluid retention in the delicate under-eye area. Eyelid surgery can address this issue in two ways.

In some cases, excess fat deposits contribute to under-eye puffiness. During eyelid surgery, the surgeon can remove this unwanted fat. This way, they create a smoother and more youthful under-eye contour.

In other cases, fluid retention might be the culprit. Eyelid surgery can sometimes improve the drainage of this fluid. As such, it leads to a reduction in puffiness and a brighter under-eye area.

The result? You’ll look more refreshed and well-rested. Your face will comprise a smoother under-eye area that complements your newly opened-up eyes.

Confidence Boost: Owning Your Best Look

While aesthetic improvements are undeniable, the benefits of eyelid surgery extend beyond just looking younger or more awake. There’s a powerful psychological impact to consider as well. When you feel good about your appearance, it shows.

Eyelid surgery can significantly improve your self-esteem and confidence. With brighter, more open eyes, you might feel more comfortable making eye contact. You also project a confident and positive image.

First impressions often form within seconds, and your eyes play a significant role. By addressing hooded eyes, you can create a more youthful and approachable appearance. You potentially leave a lasting positive impression on others.

For some people, hooded eyes can be a source of self-consciousness. Eyelid surgery can be a transformative experience. The surgical procedure allows you to embrace your eyes and feel more comfortable and confident in your skin.

Increased Visible Eye Area and a More Youthful Look

Hooded eyes can significantly reduce the visible area of your eye. The hooded effect makes your eyes look smaller. It can cast unwanted shadows, which make you look tired.

Eyelid surgery for hooded eyes fixes this by removing extra skin. In some cases, it also removes fat, which adds to the hooded effect. After this cosmetic surgery, you’ll have a more defined eyelid crease.

The crease will reveal more of your iris and sclera (the white part of your eye). The result? Bigger, brighter eyes instantly convey a more awake and youthful appearance.

The increased visible eye area makes your eyes appear larger and creates a better sense of balance in your facial proportions. As we age, the skin around our eyes naturally loses elasticity, and the brows can begin to droop. This can further contribute to the hooded effect and make the upper eyelids appear even smaller.

Eyelid surgery can help counteract these age-related changes by lifting and tightening the upper eyelid area. It creates a more open and balanced look that brings back a youthful vibrancy to your face. Beyond aesthetics, having a larger visible eye area can also improve your overall vision.

Excess skin obstructing your upper eyelid can interfere with your peripheral vision. Eyelid surgery removes this obstruction to improve your peripheral vision, leading to a more complete and unobstructed view of your surroundings.

Effortless Makeup Application and Enhanced Results

For many people with hooded eyes, applying makeup can be a frustrating experience. The excess skin folds can obscure the eyelid crease. As such, it makes it difficult to create defined eyeshadow looks or apply eyeliner precisely.

Additionally, makeup products like eyeshadow can easily smudge or crease throughout the day due to the rubbing and folding of the hooded skin. Eyelid surgery can significantly improve your makeup application experience. It helps create a smooth and defined eyelid canvas.

With the excess skin removed, you’ll have a clear and visible eyelid crease to work with. The crease allows for a more precise application of eyeshadow and eyeliner, enabling you to create a wider variety of eye makeup looks with greater ease and control. A smoother eyelid surface also helps makeup products stay put longer, reducing the risk of smudging or creasing throughout the day.

Your makeup will look flawless and fresh for a longer period. Beyond improving the ease of application, eyelid surgery can also enhance the overall results of your makeup. With a larger visible eye area, you can experiment with bolder eyeshadow colors and techniques that the hooded effect might have previously hidden.

Additionally, eyeliner will be more visible and impactful, creating a more defined and dramatic eye look. You’ll express your style through makeup more effectively and achieve the desired results you’ve always wanted. The improved makeup application experience after eyelid surgery can also boost your confidence in your appearance.

Recovery and Aftercare

Proper aftercare is essential for optimal healing and beautiful results. Following the surgery, you’ll likely experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort around your eyes.

Managing Swelling and Discomfort

Cold compresses and pain medication can help manage swelling and discomfort. Getting plenty of rest with your head elevated is crucial to reduce swelling further.

Initial Healing Phase (Week 1-2)

Most of the swelling and bruising should subside within one to two weeks. Avoid strenuous activity and be gentle with your eyes during this time.

Returning to Normal Activities (Weeks 4-8)

By weeks four to eight, you should feel much closer to normal and can resume most of your daily activities. However, avoid heavy lifting or anything that could strain your eyes.

Final Results and Long-Term Care

Over the next several months, the final results of your surgery will continue to refine. Scarring will fade, revealing your refreshed and more open-eye area. Be patient with the healing process and consult your doctor with any concerns.

Schedule a Consultation for Eyelid Surgery for Hooded Eyes Today

Eyelid surgery for hooded eyes can help you achieve a more youthful, awake, and confident appearance. It removes excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids. For the best results, have this procedure performed by a board-certified surgeon.

Want to achieve a brighter, more youthful look around your eyes? At Atlanta Face & Body, led by the experienced and board-certified Dr. Elizabeth Whitaker, M.D., F.A.C.S., we offer eyelid surgery as part of our comprehensive cosmetic solutions.

Schedule a private consultation today to explore how Dr. Whitaker can help you unveil your most radiant self.