Get rid of Hooded Eyes: hooded eyelid surgery

Hooded eyes or hooded eyelids occur when there is excess upper eyelid skin or a brow that droops. This can be caused by ageing changes (skin excess fat prolapse), eyelid droop (ptosis) or brow ptosis. This can make the eyelid less visible and look like heavy lidded eyes when the eyes are open. The hooding over the eye can affect how we see and eye makeup can become more difficult to apply. There are hooded eyelids treatment or hooded eyelid surgery that can create a more youthful and refreshed eye.

At Kensington Medical in London our expert plastic surgeons can achieve a refreshed eyelid for you with hooded eyelid surgery, get in touch to find out more.

Carried out under local aneasthesia, hooded eyelid removal can change not only your vision but your face, makeup becomes easy and you will looked more refreshed. Recovery is swift. Price £3,300 which includes all pre operative and post operative care.

Our expert eyelift plastic surgeons who treat hooded eyelids:

Mr David Gateley Consultant Plastic Surgeon GMC 2939470, MA FRCS, FRCS (Plast)

Mr Amir Sadri Consultant Plastic Surgeon GMC 6163656, FRCS (Plast)

Mr Paul Tulley Consultant Plastic Surgeon GMC: 4035952 | BSc MB BS MD FRCS(Plas)

To find out about Kensington Medical, in Harley street, London, UK and Wimbledon click about us here.

There are a range of modern treatments available for hooded eyelids today, making it easier than ever to address this common condition and explore your options from £3,300.

Hooded eyes tend to develop with age or due to genetics. Facial structure and genetics both influence the development and appearance of hooded eyes, with inherited facial features affecting eyelid hooding and skin elasticity over time. If you have existing hooded eyes and are concerned about your appearance or if they affect your daily life, you may wish to seek treatment. There are various ways to address hooded eyes, including both surgical and non-surgical options.

At Kensington Medical in London our expert plastic surgeons can achieve a refreshed eyelid for you with hooded eyelid surgery, get in touch to find out more. If hooded eyes are affecting your confidence or daily functioning, seek treatment to explore the best solution for your needs, or learn more about facial plastic surgery in London for a transformative experience.

What Are Hooded Eyes?

Hooded eyes can also be called folded eyelids, droopy eyes, heavy lidded eyes or hooded eyelids and occurs when the skin on your upper eyelid droops down and covers part or all your eyelid. It is important to note the difference between hooded eyes and a droopy eyelid: a droopy eyelid (ptosis) involves the eyelid margin itself falling lower than normal, while hooded eyes are caused by excess skin folding over the eyelid. The position and condition of the eye brow also play a significant role in the development of hooded eyes, as age-related changes or medical factors can cause the brow to descend and contribute to the appearance of hooded eyelids. Some people have only slightly hooded eyes, which may require different approaches or milder interventions.

Hooded eyes can make you look tired, sad, or angry - even when you’re not. This problem occurs because of genetics, ageing, or the way your eyes are shaped. It can affect men and women.

For some people, hooded eyelids are just a cosmetic issue. But for others, the skin can impede vision. If your hooded eyelids are severe enough, they can block your peripheral vision or make it difficult to open your eyes fully. This creates a functional problem besides a cosmetic one.

If you’re seeking a treatment for hooded eyes, there are several options available. Non surgical treatments and non surgical methods, such as injectables, eye creams, or a non surgical eye lift, can be effective for slightly hooded eyelids or those who wish to avoid surgery. For more severe cases, surgical procedures and surgical treatments like blepharoplasty surgery are the main interventions, as they remove excess skin and fat. Hooded eye surgery specifically involves removing excess eyelid skin and is considered a more permanent solution, while non-surgical options are generally suitable for mild to moderate hooded eyelids.

Surgical treatment is typically recommended for significant drooping or when non-invasive options are insufficient.

For those who want a non invasive alternative, options like plasma pen treatments are available. Many patients prefer non-surgical options due to the perceived risk of surgery, such as concerns about anesthesia, side effects, and downtime.

Here are the best eye lid removal options to get rid of hooded eyes.

Causes of Hooded Eyes

Hooded eyes most commonly develop due to excess skin on the upper eyelids. This can be influenced by genetics—some people are simply born with an eye shape where the upper eyelid covers more of the lash line. As we age, the skin loses elasticity, which can lead to a droopy appearance as the upper eyelid begins to sag and fold over itself.

The structure of your brow bone also plays a significant role; a more prominent brow bone can push the skin downward, increasing the likelihood of hooded eyelids. In some cases, medical conditions or injuries affecting the eyelid or surrounding tissue can also contribute to the development of hooded eyes. Understanding the underlying cause is important when considering the best hooded eyelids treatment for your needs.

Symptoms of Hooded Eyes

The most noticeable symptom of hooded eyes is the presence of excess skin on the upper eyelids, which can make the eyes appear smaller or more tired. In some cases, the outer corners of the eyes may appear downturned, further contributing to a droopy look. This extra skin can sometimes droop so much that it affects your field of vision, especially your peripheral sight. Many people with hooded eyelids find it challenging to apply eye makeup, such as eye shadow, because the lid space is reduced or hidden by the fold of skin. This can make achieving certain eye makeup looks more difficult. Additionally, hooded eyes can give the impression of droopy eyes, which may make you look older or more fatigued than you actually feel. Some individuals may feel self conscious about the appearance of their hooded eyes, which can impact their confidence and self-image.

Finding the Right Treatment for Hooded Eyes

Choosing the right treatment for hooded eyes starts with understanding your unique needs and what you want to achieve. Hooded eyes are often the result of excess skin on the upper eyelids, which can make the eyes appear smaller and, in some cases, affect vision. The best treatment for hooded eyes depends on several factors, including the severity of the excess skin, your overall eye shape, and your personal preferences regarding recovery time and results.

Non-surgical methods, such as a Botox brow lift or dermal fillers, can offer subtle improvements for those with mild hooding or who prefer to avoid surgery. These options can help lift the brow bone and open up the upper eyelid area, but results are typically temporary and may require ongoing maintenance.

For more significant cases, surgical procedures like upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) or a brow lift provide a more permanent solution by removing excess skin and reshaping the upper eyelid for a refreshed, youthful appearance.

A consultation with a qualified surgeon will determine the most suitable surgical treatment for your specific case. Our surgeon will assess the amount of excess skin, the position of your brow bone, and your natural eye shape to recommend the best approach. Whether you are considering eyelid surgery or exploring non-surgical methods, professional guidance ensures you achieve the results you desire while maintaining safety and natural-looking outcomes.

Lifestyle Changes to Fix Hooded Eyes

While medical treatments can provide dramatic results, making simple lifestyle changes can also help reduce the appearance of hooded eyes and support the health of the delicate skin around the eyes. A healthy diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can boost skin elasticity and help minimize excess skin and sagging skin on the upper eyelids. Foods like leafy greens, berries, nuts, and fatty fish are excellent choices to support collagen production and keep the skin firm.

Staying adequately hydrated is essential for maintaining plump, resilient skin around the eyes. Aim to drink enough water throughout the day to keep your skin looking its best. Getting enough sleep each night is equally important, as it helps reduce puffiness and dark circles, giving your eyes a more alert and lifted appearance.

Protecting your skin from sun damage is crucial—wear sunglasses with UV protection whenever you’re outdoors to shield the skin around your eyes from harmful UV rays, which can accelerate sagging and loss of skin elasticity. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can also help prevent premature aging and further loss of collagen.

Incorporating regular exercise, including facial yoga or targeted facial exercises, can help stimulate collagen production and improve muscle tone in the brow and eyelid area. These small changes can make a noticeable difference in the appearance of your eyelids over time, helping you maintain a more youthful, refreshed look.

How to Get Rid of Hooded Eyes with a surgical procedure

For some people, surgery is the only way to address hooded eyes or droopy hooded eyes. Eye surgery, such as blepharoplasty or brow lift, is the traditional, more invasive approach for treating hooded eyelids and typically provides dramatic, long-lasting results, but it comes with more downtime and recovery compared to non-surgical alternatives. There are two main surgical procedures for hooded eyelids to consider: blepharoplasty surgery and brow lift. These surgical treatments are performed by clinic doctors and in clinic doctors to ensure safety and optimal results.

A blepharoplasty for hooded eyelids, also known as blepharoplasty surgery or eyelid reduction surgery, is often the best and most effective option. During an upper blepharoplasty, your surgeon will make an incision in your eyelid skin and remove the excess loose skin. By removing this excess skin and restoring the eye's natural contour, blepharoplasty can help achieve a more youthful and alert appearance. This surgical blepharoplasty is an excellent hooded eye treatment, providing significant improvement in the appearance of hooded eyes.

Upper lid blepharoplasty or upper eyelid surgery is carried out under local anaesthesia as a day case procedure. A local anaesthetic will numb the area, and you may receive sedation to help you relax. The actual treatment takes about 1-2 hours, and you’ll be able to go home the same day.

Full recovery from blepharoplasty can take a few weeks. You will have some bruising and swelling, and your eyes may feel dry or irritated. Full details on what to do are provided well in advance of the operation. We are also on hand to answer any queries after the operation.

A lateral brow lift or temporal lift can also help address hooded eyes and hooded brows by lifting the brow so the brow bone sits just below the brow, creating a more youthful eye. A temporal lift tightens the skin above and below the brows, lifting them into a more youthful position. These procedures can also contribute to a more alert appearance by enhancing the natural contour of the eyes. The results appear subtle and create a refreshed look, often lifting the outer corner of the hooded eye.

A small incision is made in the hairline near the temple, and the underlying muscles are tightened. Recovery is quick, and you can be back to work in a day or two.

For those concerned about the perceived risk, downtime, or side effects of surgical procedures, there are non surgical eye lift options and non invasive alternatives such as plasma pen treatments. These procedures also target excess eyelid skin and loose skin to address hooded eyes. The first step for non-surgical options is a plasma pen consultation with a qualified specialist. While non-surgical treatments may require multiple sessions for significant improvement, they offer less downtime and lower perceived risk compared to surgery.

Find out if you are suitable, get in touch today.

Benefits of Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, offers a range of benefits for those seeking to address hooded eyes. By removing excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids, this surgical procedure can dramatically enhance the appearance of your eyes, making them look brighter, more open, and more youthful. Many patients notice a significant improvement in their overall eye shape, with the upper eyelid becoming more defined and the natural contours of the eye restored.

Beyond cosmetic improvements, upper eyelid surgery can also resolve functional issues, such as vision obstruction caused by drooping skin. This means you not only achieve a more youthful appearance but may also experience clearer, less restricted sight. For those seeking a comprehensive rejuvenation, eyelid surgery can be combined with other surgical procedures, such as a brow lift, to further enhance the results and create a harmonious, refreshed look.

With the expertise of a skilled surgeon, eyelid surgery delivers long-lasting results, helping you enjoy a more youthful appearance and improved confidence for years to come.

Risks and Complications of Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is generally considered a safe and effective way to treat hooded eyes, but like any surgical procedure, it does carry some risks. Potential complications include infection, scarring, dry eye, and temporary or, in rare cases, permanent vision problems. More serious but uncommon risks include hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin) or eyelid ptosis (drooping of the eyelid after surgery). It’s important to discuss all potential risks and your medical history with a qualified healthcare professional before deciding on eyelid surgery. Following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully is essential to minimize complications and ensure a smooth recovery.

Recovery After Eyelid Surgery

Recovery after eyelid surgery typically takes a few weeks, during which you may experience bruising, swelling, and some dryness around the eyes. Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions for post-operative care, which may include using ice packs to reduce swelling, applying prescribed eye drops to keep the eyes moist, and avoiding strenuous activities or heavy lifting. Most patients are able to return to work and normal activities within 5-10 days, but it can take several weeks for all swelling to subside and for the final results to become visible. Patience is key, as the most natural and refreshed appearance will emerge gradually over the months following your eyelid surgery.

How Long Do the Results from An Eyelid Reduction Last?

The results from eyelid surgery for hooded eyes are usually long-lasting. However, ageing and gravity will eventually take their toll, and you may need a touch-up procedure but generally in many years to come. The best way to keep your results reasonable is to protect your skin from the sun and avoid smoking. Focus on overall wellness and health, and your eyes will thank you.

Best Non-Invasive treatment Options for a Hooded eye or hooded eyelids?

If you’re not ready for surgery, there are several non-invasive options to address hooded eyelids and reduce the appearance of excess skin. Treatments such as Botox brow lifts can help lift the brow and open up the eye area, while dermal fillers may be used to restore lost volume around the eyelids, though they are not always suitable for every case. Medical plasma pen treatments, like Plexr, use targeted energy to tighten and firm the skin around the eyes, offering a non-surgical way to address hooded eyelids. A medical plasma pen treatment is a precise, minimally invasive alternative to surgery that delivers quick results by safely burning away excess eyelid skin and tightening the area. In addition, skincare products containing hyaluronic acid can help improve skin texture, firmness, and elasticity around the eyes, making them a beneficial option for those seeking non-surgical improvements. While these treatments can provide noticeable improvements, they are generally temporary and may require regular maintenance to sustain results. Consulting with a qualified practitioner can help you determine the most suitable hooded eye treatment for your individual needs.

Botox brow lift for hooded eyelift

Botox can help if the hooding is not too severe. Botox can help by giving a small lift above the eyebrow creating a non surgical eyelift. This will help lift the skin and make your eyes look more open. However, this will need to be done every three months to maintain results and it will not be as greater result as a hooded eye lift.

Ultherapy brow lift

Ultherapy is a non sugical alternative and can help to lift the brow which will lift the upper eyelids. Ultherapy is a non-invasive ultrasound technology that helps to tighten the area above the brow. It can achieve a lifting effect, however, results last approx. 12 months and the cost over time can far outweight the cost of hooded eyelid reduction surgery.

Plexr

Plexr is a non-surgical eyelift alternative to tighten the skin. The treatment is a medical plasma pen treatment that creates many dots by the Plexr device that runs across the eyelid. Following treatment, the areas treated will be red with swelling. At the site of each dot, there will be a carbon crust that should not be touched except to camouflage for 7 days.Unusual side effects include infection, scarring or pigmentation changes.

It is not a long term solution for a hood eyelid.

Dermal fillers

Dermal fillers are not recommended to treat hooded eyes. Dermal fillers can be used to fill in a temple that has an indented appearance. Generally it does not give the lift required for a hooded eyelid.

Non surgical eyelift treatments offer short-term solutions, you will need yearly treatments to maintain the results. The result are not as impressive as an eye lift surgery.

Surgery for hooded eyelids is a more permanent solution and offers better results. However, it's a more invasive procedure with a longer recovery time. However our patients generally see a 10 day turnaround. Applying makeup near the eye area if there is some bruising can help and so too can wearing sunglasses. It's important to talk to our plastic surgeon at Kensington Medical about your goals and any timelines you may have to decide if eyelid reduction surgery is the right option you are seeking.

Am I a Good Candidate for an Upper Eyelid Reduction Surgery?

If you have hooded eyes and are looking for a way to improve your appearance, you may be a suitable candidate for eyelid surgery for hooded eyes. This procedure can help to correct functional problems, as well as give you a more youthful appearance.

The best way to find out if you are a suitable candidate is to talk to one of our expert plastic surgeons. They can chat you through what is involved in more detail, look at what type of blepharoplasty you need and talk about timelines.

Take a look at Mr. David Gateley’s video on upper eyelid removal surgery.

Are there Complementary Procedures with a Blepharoplasty?

For some people, a blepharoplasty for hooded eyes is all they need to achieve their desired results. But for others, complementary procedures can help achieve the look they want. Some decide to also have a temporal lift at the same time.

The temporal lift or lateral brow lift will help to lift the brow to expose the brow bone so it sits below the eyelid: which will create a more youthful looking eye.

You can observe this in the mirror to see where your brow bone sits, above or below the brow. If it is above the brow or burried in the eyebrow you may be a candidate for a lateral brow lift as well as a hooded eyelid lift. It is best to chat through what you are after with our cosmetic surgeons. To find out more visit contact us for eye lift advice.

The Importance of Choosing a Qualified Surgeon

Selecting the right surgeon is a crucial step in your journey to address hooded eyes. Eyelid surgery requires precision and expertise, so it’s essential to choose a surgeon who is board-certified and has extensive experience performing eyelid procedures.

At Kensington Medical our qualified surgeon will take the time to understand your concerns, assess your individual anatomy, and recommend the most appropriate treatment options for your needs. During your consultation, don’t hesitate to ask about the surgeon’s credentials, experience with eyelid surgery, and patient outcomes. A reputable surgeon will also explain the procedure in detail, discuss potential risks and complications, and set realistic expectations for your results. By choosing our skilled and experienced professional surgeon, you can feel confident that your eyelid surgery will be performed safely and effectively, helping you achieve the best possible outcome.

Aftercare and Follow-Up

Proper aftercare is essential for a smooth recovery and optimal results following treatment for hooded eyes. Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions tailored to your specific procedure, which may include applying ice packs to reduce swelling, taking prescribed medications, and avoiding strenuous activities or bending over.

Attending all scheduled follow-up appointments is important, as your surgeon will monitor your healing, remove any stitches or dressings, and address any concerns that may arise. In some cases, additional treatments such as a Botox brow lift or dermal fillers may be recommended to enhance or maintain your results, especially if you have chosen non surgical treatments or wish to further refine your appearance. By carefully following your aftercare plan and staying in close contact with your surgical team, you can help ensure a safe recovery and enjoy the full benefits of your hooded eye treatment.

Take the step and get in touch

If you are considering hooded eyelid surgery, the first step is to schedule a consultation with one of our expert cosmetic surgeons at Kensington Medical.

Call us or contact us with any questions on hooded eyelid reduction.