Is there any way to reduce upper eyelid exposure and get more "hooded" upper eyelids? (photos)

Question

My upper eyelid exposure isn't even half as severe as the example picture I posted, but it still detracts from my appearance substantially. Is there any way to get nicely hooded upper eyelids like the guy in the other picture has? Although total eyelid concealment would be great I'd settle for any substantial reduction in upper eyelid exposure.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

You have upper eyelid ptosis (droopy upper eyelids), which causes your eyebrow to elevate in order to help lift the droopy upper eyelids. Once the upper eyelids are lifted (through eyelid ptosis surgery), your eyebrows will relax down and give you more hooded look. Eyelid ptosis is done by an oculoplastic specialist and it can be done under local anesthesia in the office. See link and video below.

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing the question and photos. Ptosis surgery will elevate the eyelids and allow the brows to fall down, giving the upper eyelids extra skin. You will not achieve the "hooded" appearance, but should look substantially better. See an experienced Oculoplastic Surgeon for full evaluation.Good luck,

Joseph A. Eviatar, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question as it’s an interesting one.  The eyelid and eyebrow are connected as one unit and their position is also influenced by vision.  For example the person on the picture looks like he might have a weak muscle lifting both eyelids which we call congenital ptosis.  This can cause the lids to slightly interfere with upper vision and ther brain to unconsciously lift thebrows to improve the vision and the result is that brow elevation can make it appear as though there's no “fold” and only a deep crease or as we call superior sulcus.  Some people are also simply born with this eyelid configuration where there is very little fat under the skin of the eyelids so the skin retracts back causing it to look like there is no fold at all, as in the picture you show.   In the former condition, repairing the ptosis will improve the appearance but an advanced technique involves also bringing fat down from the surrounding area to also fill in that deep space and result in a more natural, masculine appearing eyelid and lower flat masculine brows.   If there is no ptosis (which can only be determined by examination, ideally by an oculoplastic surgeon), it is possible to add volume to the upper eyelid with injectable fillers but this needs to be performed by a true specialist in this field.  I prefer Restylane that I customize to the skin and volume needed.  It’s a very treatable condition but you need to be examined by a specialist to determine if surgery is the best response (if there is ptosis) or long-lasting filler (if it’s more of a condition that you were born with but is not related to eyelid position).I hope that’s helpful and leads you in the right direction.Good luck.

Is there any way to reduce upper eyelid exposure and get more "hooded" upper eyelids? (photos)

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Is there any way to reduce upper eyelid exposure and get more "hooded" upper eyelids? (photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.