Hooding of the upper eyelids is a common concern amongst my Houston upper eyelid surgery patients. As we age, we lose elasticity and collagen in our skin. This is most evident around our eyelids, the thinnest skin in our body. Hooding of the upper eyelids may begin with patients in their 30’s depending on their skin type. Hooding of the eyelids refers to excess skin overhang on the lateral or outside portion of the upper eyelid. This may give the appearance of tired eyes, or heavy eyes. Hooding of the upper eyelids may also make placement of eye shadow and mascara difficult.

In addition to the aesthetic concerns that may occur with upper eyelid hooding, some patients complain of peripheral visual loss due to this issue. Although Dr. Funk does not take insurance for upper eyelid surgery, upper blepharoplasty should improve vision if you have significant hooding of the upper eyelids.

Treatment for upper eyelid hooding can be non-surgical and surgical. Botox or Dysport injections can weaken the brow depressing muscles and lead to a slight lift of the tail of the brow helping with hooding. This is not as significant as a surgical brow lift, but can lift the brow by 1-2mm.

If the issue with hooding of the upper eyelid skin is due to heavy brow skin, a temporal brow lift is a surgical option for this issue. With a temporal brow lift, an incision is made behind the hairline in the temple and the skin is elevated to the brow. The muscle above the brow is suspended to the firm fascia and a small amount of excess skin is excised.

With most patients, upper eyelid hooding is simply due to excess upper eyelid skin laterally. An upper blepharoplasty or upper eyelid surgery can address this issue. Excision of this excess hooded skin is performed and the scar is hidden nicely in the eyelid crease and crow’s feet. This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia or slight sedation. Recovery is 5-7 days.

For further information regarding upper eyelid hooding in Houston, contact Dr. Funk’s office.