Hooded lids/drooping eyelid when smiling? Is there a way to fix this? (Photo)

Question

I want my eyes to look more upturned but, especially when I smile, they are very hooded and downturned. Thank you.

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.

E. Ronald Finger, MD · Answer

Judging from your photo, which is out of focus and too small, it appears that you need an upper lid blepharoplasty to eliminate the excess skin. This is one of the most common procedures performed by plastic surgeons and can be performed under local anesthesia. This procedure uniformly gives a great result, and you should be pleased with the result. Ask your plastic surgeon for pre and  post-operative photos to view.Sutures stay in for about 5 days, and the recovery is basically placing ice soaks on your eyes for a day or so to minimize swelling. You can get some bruising, but it's generally not bad with the upper eyelids.Thank you for your question and photos, and good luck.

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

Your photo is so close up and very low resolution, so it's hard to know exactly how much extra skin there might be.  Without an exam, it will not be possible to fully evaluate you and give you recommendations. Be sure to discuss your goals and concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon and consider the pros and the cons. Be certain your surgeon is properly certified.  I've attached a link where you can start your search.

James H. Rogers, MD · Answer

It is difficult evaluate the extent of your problem from the photo provided. Hooding of the upper lids is usually associated with a combination of excess eyelid skin and drooping of the eyebrows. Depending on the extent of each, correction may be accomplished with either upper eyelid surgery or a brow lift, or a combination of both. Make an appointment with a surgeon to more fully evaluate your options.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  Based on
your photograph, you may benefit from an upper eyelid blepharoplasty.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Hooded lids/drooping eyelid when smiling? Is there a way to fix this? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Hooded eyelids

Answer: Hooded eyelids

Answer: Eyelid evaluation

Answer: Eyelid evaluation

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.

Hooded lids/drooping eyelid when smiling? Is there a way to fix this? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Hooded eyelids

Answer: Hooded eyelids

Answer: Eyelid evaluation

Answer: Eyelid evaluation

Browse related questions

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.