Hooded eyes are making my eyes look small. Will I need an upper blepharoplasty? (Photo)

Based on your photos, you have a low set eyebrow anatomy and full eyelids which tend to crowd your eyes, especially when smiling. You have two options to consider:1. Upper blepharoplasty- this would involve removing upper eyelid skin to create a better platform above the lashes. Muscle and fat removal is usually not recommended because this will change the shape of your eyes and make your eyes more hollow2. Brow lift- I usually recommend an open hairline (trichophytic) incision because it preserves your hairline, rather than an endoscope brow lift, though this is still an option if you have a very low hairline. Its important to discuss this option in person so that we can raise your eyebrow to the desired level during your consultation and see if you like this aesthetics. Though most people do like the aesthetic of an arched brow, it is important not to overdo the lift and set the proper expectations before surgery. 

For significant improvement, hooded eyelids require surgery if there is enough skin. For nonsurgical treatments: Radiofrequency (Thermage or Venus Legacy/Viva), injectable fillers, and a Botox brow lift can help contour the eyebrows and lift the eyelid skin. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced cosmetic dermatologist. Best, Dr. Emer.

Yes I believe you may be candidate for upper blepharoplasty but best to have evaluation for more detailed evaluation and details.

An upper blepharoplasty would help but you also have low eyebrows and a temporal brow lift which adds very little to the recovery time would enhance the result.   I often do these as an office procedure in combination with oral sedation.   When you select your surgeon be sure and look at before and after pictures with examples of eyes that look something like uours

Hi, I believe that you could benefit from an upper blepharoplasty to give you a more defined upper eyelid crease and youthful look. So far as your lower eyelids go, I don’t think you necessarily need surgical correction, but you may consider having a Botox injection to your lower lids to relax the muscle roll when you smile, which causes the eyes to look smaller. Also consider laser resurfacing or even a strong chemical peel to have a smoothing, tightening effect. Please visit an experienced oculoplastic surgeon for best results when it comes to your eyelids.   

It may be possible to open up your upper lids with an upper blepharoplasty. Another option is to use Botox to create a subtle brow lift. Possibly a combination of both is ideal. An office consultation is necessary to decide the best option. The narrowing of  your eyes  also seems to be due to thickening of the muscle called the orbicularis oculi. A little bit of Botox, placed in the appropriate area of the lower lids is a great way to soften the muscle ridge that forms when you smile and also relieves the narrowing of your eyes.
Speak to a board certified plastic surgeon that has experience with surgery and Botox. 
Best regards, Prashant Soni M.D. 

Hello and thanks for the question. Your quest for a more open eyelid requires a thorough evaluation or the amount of bone, skin and fatty tissue causing the small appearance of your eyes. The excess skin and fat can be removed with upper eyelid blepharoplasty. The position of the brows, and even the prominence of the brow bones may play a part in the look. Correction, if needed, of excess prominence of the brow can help to open the eyes, while a brow lift may be all that is required. Be sure to have all of the possibilities discussed with you during your consultation. My Best!John Standefer MD

Hello Aginggracefully019,AN upper eyelid surgery can help remove the excess eyelid skin and create a more open and awake appearance.  it is frequently performed under local anesthetic in the office with little downtime.  I'd recommend you consult with a facial plastic surgeon to learn more about your options.I hope this helps and good luck.  

 The photographs demonstrate hooded upper eyelids for which an upper blepharoplasty can improve. Upper eyelid surgery accomplishes removing excess skin and fat creating  the hooded appearance.  The incision is placed directly in in  upper eyelid crease. The procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia depending on the patient's desires.

Fullness of the upper lids can be cosmetically improved with a number of surgical options depending on individual anatomy and desired outcome: an artistically performed conservative upper blepharoplasty, a conservative limited repositioning of the brow if it is low or to improve asymmetry, or a combination of both. Following the advice of anyone who would presume to tell you exactly what to do for your upper and possibly your lower lids  based on  limited photos and more importantly without taking a full medical history, examining you, feeling and assessing your tissue tone, discussing your desired outcome and fully informing you about the pros and cons of each option would not be in your best interest.  Find a plastic surgeon that you are comfortable with and one that you trust and listen to his or her advice. The surgeon should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person. Robert Singer, MD FACS La Jolla, California