Non-surgical solutions for droopy eyelid (hooding).

Are there any products that work for drooping eye lids (I am saving up for Thermage)? I tried Pericone MDAcyl-Glutathione Eye Lid Serum which actually worked very well, but then I read an article on the possible damage to skin cells from the DMEA. There was also a review by a user which claimed that the product worked beautifully for 7-8 months then her lids began to have a reaction including bumps and red irritated skin. Can you give me advice on a product that might be useful for the drooping eye lid? Thank you, Cheri

Okay so this depends on where your eyelids are drooping and how much they are drooping. Unfortunately, if you have that upper eyelid excess fold of skin, and it’s moderate to severe, no cream on earth will solve this. This is disappointing I know!  I really wish there was a non-surgical solution to the droopy eyelid situation, too. But, I don’t want you to waste your time or money. Here is a good eye cream that may help a little in the meantime. Look at your parents. You can often tell where your eyelids might be headed. Here are your options for your upper eyelid extra skin (hooding), our as you say “droopy eyelid”.

Surgical and non-surgical treatments that actually work for droopy upper eyelids:

  • Upper Eyelid Surgery: This is the best option if you have a lot of skin here. Most good facial plastic surgeons or oculoplastic surgeons are very capable at this. Look for someone with a minimum of 5-10 years from the date they graduated from their residency.  You don’t want to be in the learning curve. In my opinion, don’t let anyone sell you a “brow lift” also. Browlifts are  NOT high on the patient satisfaction list. Upper eyelids (blepharoplasty) are high on patient satisfaction lists. Check to make sure the doctor did a plastic surgery or ENT facial plastics residency and is board certified in those. Avoid any doctor who says they are a “cosmetic” surgeon and that’s their only credential.
  • CO2 Laser (fractionated) – Best option, in my opinion, for mild-moderate upper lid hooding. With a CO2, plan on needing two to three treatments over one to two years. Also plan on four to six days downtime. The swelling is most severe for the first two to three days. Prolonged redness is rarely a problem as long as a fractionated CO2 is used. With proper topical numbing and a Zimmer cooler, very little discomfort in this procedure. For more information on how this procedure works, average costs, and more, see my in-depth article on it here.
  • Fraxel Laser – Good for mild hooding and preventing recurrence after surgery or CO2 laser. A Fraxel treatment has less downtime than CO2. Plan on one to two treatments and two to four days downtown with each treatment.  Consult your doctor on specifics, of course. FDA approved eye tip.  With proper topical numbing and a Zimmer cooler, very little discomfort. More on this procedure, how it works, and average costs in my in-depth resource on it here.
  • Thermage Eyelids – Good for mild hooding and maintenance/prevention. No downtime. Very comfortable, except for an occasional “zinger” with the sapphire cooled tip. FDA approved eye tip. More information on this treatment in my article here.

On  Recharging and Downtime:   Our lives are too intense and crazy now! I vote for just welcoming this into our lives more.   Take a staycation….stay home, meditate,  read, catch up on Netflix and clean your closets!!  🙂

Droopy lower eyelids:

This post is getting a little long so I’ll do these in a post next week.   Lots of options now! Stay tuned for more info.

Hope this helps,  Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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