Do I have ptosis or hooded eyes? What can I do to enhance them? 32 y/o (photos)

Question

Dear Doctors, Do i have hooded eyes or ptosis? I am 32 years old and my eyes have always been this way and really do not like them. What treatment can I do to enhance them if it is not ptosis. Thanks.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

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.

A.J. Amadi, MD · Answer

Based on the photos, you do not have hooded eyes. That suggests that excess skin is hanging over your lashes or lateral canthus (outside corner of your eyes). However, it is difficult to assess whether you have ptosis from these photos as these are selfies and either you are not looking into the camera lens, or you have the phone in a low position so you are looking downwards. Ideally the phone should be perpendicularly in front of you, and you looking into the lens, rather than at the screen.

However, from the photos, we can determine that you have a negative canthal tilt: the outer corner of your eyes is slightly lower than the inner corner of the eyes. This configuration is less common and does  sometime make the eyes seem more "sad" in appearance. If this is the cause of you not liking your eyes, it can be improved with lower lid retraction repair with lateral canthoplasty/pexy to help elevate the outer corner of your eyes. 
Virtual consultations are available.

Ian MacArthur, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is not possible to make a diagnosis of eyelid ptosis based on these photos. Ptosis refers to the margin of the upper eyelid being too low in relation to the iris and pupil. I suggest you schedule an appointment with a board-certified plastic surgeon or ophthalmologist in order to be investigated for this condition. Take care.

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

You definitely have ptosis. What needs to be done depends on your perception of what bothers you. You need to see a plastic or ophthalmic plastic surgeon who is an expert in treating ptosis and discuss what bothers yo and what you would like to change.

Do I have ptosis or hooded eyes? What can I do to enhance them? 32 y/o (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Eyelid Ptosis

Answer: Eyelid Ptosis

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Do I have ptosis or hooded eyes? What can I do to enhance them? 32 y/o (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Eyelid Ptosis

Answer: Eyelid Ptosis

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

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