Hooded eyes refer to the excess lids between the upper lash lines and the eyebrows that hang over the eye. Surgical procedures used to be the only treatment for hooded eyes, but thanks to the advancements in the field of cosmetics and medicine, there are now non-invasive options like Botox to lift the hooded eyes.
So is Botox effective for fixing the hooded eyes? Botox is a low-risk procedure that helps lift the droopy eye and hooded lid. This procedure is called “Botox brow lift.” It works best for mild cases of hooded eyes.
Should You Try Botox to Fix Hooded Eyes?
According to the Society of Plastic Surgeons, Botox remains the most popular minimally invasive procedure to correct different cosmetic problems. In 2019, there were a total of 7,697,798 Botox procedures performed in the US alone. What makes Botox popular is the fact that it’s a safe and highly effective non-invasive solution for several conditions. It minimizes the appearance of forehead wrinkles and frown lines and fixes the thin lips and gummy smile.
Dark circles under the eyes are easily fixed by eye makeup, but noticeable eyelid droop is an entirely different problem. Botox is an effective treatment used for lifting the saggy skin that causes hooded eyes. Here are other things to know before deciding to use Botox to treat hooded eyes:
How Botox Treats Hooded Eyes
Botox treatments are simple yet effective when it comes to lifting sagging eyebrows. The doctor injects the right amount of Botox above the lateral area to give the droopy eyebrows a lift. The neurotoxin is strategically placed in the key areas of the forehead and the glabella to achieve a more relaxed look.
There are lots of ways to inject Botox in this area, but the provider should consider the patient’s facial structure first. Botox injection is administered into the muscle between the brows (procerus muscle) if the droopy eyebrows are low set.
The neurotoxin is also injected into the muscles around the eyes (orbicularis oculi muscles) to help pull down the brow’s tail. If needed, the doctor might also administer Botox on the forehead (frontalis muscle) to erase wrinkles and pull the brows up better.
Learn more: What Is A Botox Brow Lift?
The Benefits of Fixing Hooded Eyes With Botox
Surgical procedures are still preferred by patients who want to permanently fix their hooded eyes and droopy brows. But for those who aren’t ready for that kind of commitment yet, Botox is a great alternative. Here are other benefits of treating hooded eyes with Botox:
- It’s a non-invasive treatment that has fewer risks than surgical procedures.
- It’s a quick, lunch-hour treatment that doesn’t require a long downtime.
- It provides subtle and natural-looking results.
- It’s safe to be combined with other procedures for better results.
Botox treatments are a safe and effective solution that helps restore a person’s youthful appearance. It eliminates the tired and unfriendly appearance caused by hooded eyes for a few months. Patients who are happy with the results are advised to try maintenance Botox so they may enjoy a refreshed appearance for longer.
Am I a Candidate for Botox Treatment?
Botox is a popular anti-aging treatment that relaxes the overworked muscles in the face. This process helps smoothen the wrinkles in the treatment areas, such as the forehead and around the eye area. Patients who want a temporary yet effective solution for their hooded eyes may benefit greatly from Botox treatments, but it’s better to consult with a physician first.
Botox isn’t the best solution if there’s an excessive amount of eyelid skin that causes it to droop and hood over the eyes. Injectables aren’t enough to tighten or reduce the skin, so it’s better to opt for upper eyelid surgery instead. This procedure involves the removal of excess skin, tweaking of muscles, and repositioning fat in the eye area for more firm eyelids.
Does Botox for Hooded Eyes Have Side Effects?
Botox is a generally safe procedure that won’t produce serious side effects as long as it’s administered by a board-certified and experienced provider. Patients might experience the following minor side effects, but these symptoms usually subside after a few days:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Redness
Patients who had the injections around their eye areas may also experience:
- Droopy eyelid
- Dry eyes
- Uneven brows
- Excessive tearing
Some patients might also be allergic to neurotoxin, which is why prior consultation is always necessary. The best way to avoid these Botox mistakes is to find a reputable provider who’s skilled in administering the neurotoxin. Professionals should understand the facial appearance of their patients and the possible effects of Botox so they can provide safe and effective treatments.
How Long Do Results Last?
Although it’s widely used because of its effectiveness, Botox isn’t a permanent treatment for a hooded eye. The results usually become noticeable a few days after the appointment. It takes time for the neurotoxin to react with the body and lift the droopy brows.
Most treatments last for 3 to 4 months depending on how well the patient takes care of their body. Here are different aftercare tips to follow for long-lasting Botox results:
- Wait for at least 24 hours before exercising. Physical activities increase the blood flow around the body, which spreads the neurotoxin to other areas and decreases its effectiveness.
- Avoid putting on makeup for at least 24 hours. Applying makeup requires the patient to rub their skin which disperses the toxin.
- Don’t bend or lie down for at least 4 hours after the treatment. This increases the risk of developing bruises on the treated areas.
- Consult with a doctor first before taking any medicine. Some medications cause bruising, so it’s better to ask the physician first when it’s safe to start taking them again.
- Avoid sun exposure for about 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. Heat exposure increases blood pressure and promotes flushing. These things encourage bruises to form on the skin.
Maintenance Botox treatments are highly recommended for patients who want to prevent their eyelids from drooping over their eyes. Talk to your provider about the best treatment plans to keep a youthful appearance for longer.
Botox vs. Other Treatments for Hooded Eyelid
Although Botox treatments are effective for treating hooded eyes, they may not be the best option for every patient. Depending on skin folding and the patient’s eye shape, the doctor might recommend other treatments, such as:
Temple and Brow Filler
The loss of structure and volume around the eye area is another possible reason for hooded eyes. In such cases, a dermal filler might be the better option because it restores facial volume in the right areas. By lifting the sunken areas, temple and brow fillers decrease the appearance of hooded eyelids.
Dermal fillers are slightly more expensive than Botox treatments. The exact cost of the procedure depends on the filler brand used, as well as the location of the clinic.
Resurfacing Laser
Resurfacing lasers are skin tightening treatments that also promote the body’s collagen production. The procedure removes old skin cells and reveals newer cells. The doctor uses a laser with precise control to manage the treatment depth. This allows them to minimize the possible complications and deliver the best result during each treatment.
This type of treatment produces dramatic results that also improve over time because of the promoted collagen production. This causes the skin to heal with a smoother and more even appearance.
Thread Lift
The thread lift is another minimally invasive procedure that fixes the hooded eyes almost instantly. During the treatment, the doctor places dissolvable threads around the treatment area. These threads act as anchors as they lift the skin upward.
Thread lifts also promote the body’s natural collagen production in the treated area, which is important for firmer and healthier skin. However, patients must be prepared for possible swelling, bruising, and soreness after the treatment. These symptoms usually subside after a few days, so make sure to contact a physician if they get worse.
Plasma Fibroblast Skin Tightening
With plasma fibroblast skin tightening treatment, the doctor creates controlled micro-incisions on the upper eyelid using a device that emits high-frequency electric current. These holes eventually close up, causing the skin to tighten and retract.
Although the procedure sounds dangerous, it’s actually a low-risk process recommended by many experts in the industry. However, the eyelid skin is thin and delicate so patients should expect some swelling after the procedure. The final results usually show within a few weeks depending on the body’s healing time.
Surgical Brow Lift
This cosmetic surgery is another way to fix saggy eyelids and droopy eyebrows. There are two kinds of incision for a surgical brow lift: the endoscopic and the coronal incision. The doctor decides on which incision is better depending on the patient’s facial structure.
Aside from fixing the sagging brow and eyelid drooping, the surgical brow lift also fixes the wrinkles in the upper parts of the face. However, an eyelid lift isn’t covered by most insurance plans, so patients must prepare to pay out of their own pocket for a high-quality procedure for a droopy brow.
Upper Lid Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty (or upper eyelid surgery) is a surgical procedure recommended for patients who have moderate to severe sagging eyelid skin. The doctor trims the sagging skin from the droopy eyebrow and repositions the muscle for an effective eye lift. It’s the most expensive and invasive treatment, but the results are expected to last for several years.
Before trying out plastic surgery for eyelid ptosis, you may want to try less invasive and temporary alternatives first. Blepharoplasty is a huge commitment, so you should consult with a trusted plastic surgeon before deciding on the treatment.
Say Goodbye to Hooded Eyes With Botox Treatments at Ethos Spa
Whether you’re born with naturally hooded eyes or they’re a result of aging, Botox is a great solution for fixing them. Here at Ethos Spa, we specialize in providing state-of-the-art aesthetic treatments for our patient’s needs. Our Botox treatments for hooded eyes are administered by our highly trained staff to ensure beautiful and long-lasting results.
Find out if Botox is the right treatment for your hooded eyes by consulting with us today. Get in touch with us through our website or by calling (908) 628-1916.
