Though they represent a very small part of your body, the eyelids can be incredibly expressive, conveying much about your mood or your energy level. For example, if your eyelids appear saggy or droopy, it suggests that you’re behind on your sleep, or perhaps a bit fatigued.
It may also mean that you suffer from ptosis, a very common condition that results in chronically droopy eyelids. Millions of Americans suffer from ptosis, and historically the only way to address it has been with eyelid surgery. Now, there is a new approach, called Upneeq. Upneeq eye drops provide a non-surgical eyelid lift, allowing you to rejuvenate your appearance without the need for incisions, anesthesia, or a prolonged recovery time.
We are pleased to provide Upneeq eye drops to our patients at the Carolina Age Management Institute. To find out more about the non-surgical eyelid lift, schedule a consultation with us at any time.
About the Upneeq Eye Drops
These eye drops gained FDA approval in 2020, and are directed for use in treating acquired ptosis… that is, ptosis caused by the eyelid muscles losing some of their strength over time, causing the lids to become droopy. These cases of “acquired” ptosis tend to worsen with age and are most common among life-long contact lens wearers.
So how do the Upneeq eye drops work, exactly? The active ingredient is something called oxymetazoline hydrochloride, which activates the muscles that are responsible for lifting the eyelids, causing them to contract for several hours at a time.
A single drop can bring about an immediate and notable change; patients often remark on their increased field of vision, the amount of light that comes in and the decrease in shading. In clinical trials, Upneeq eye drops raised the eyelid by about one millimeter on average; that may not sound like a lot, but for most people the eyelids only open by about three millimeters total, so even a little bit of movement can be significant. And, while these drops may not be effective for everyone, an overwhelming majority of patients do experience improvement (almost nine out of 10).
Is the Non-Surgical Eyelid Lift Right for You?
If you experience ptosis of the eyelid, it’s recommended that you seek a consultation as soon as possible. When you arrive at CAMI Med Spa, we’ll perform a full physical examination, assessing your candidacy for the non-surgical eyelid lift or for other treatment options.
For patients whose ptosis is more minor (particularly those who only need a millimeter of movement or less), the Upneeq eye drops may be a good option. For those whose ptosis is more severe, or whose droopy eyelids are caused by an issue other than acquired ptosis, we may recommend surgical intervention instead.
For those who do qualify for the non-surgical eyelid lift, the drops are available on a prescription basis, and can usually be administered just once per day. Most patients experience results within about five minutes, though in rare instances it may take up to two hours.
Be aware that there can be some side effects, though these effects are very mild and uncommon. Specifically, about one out of five patients experience some redness or dryness following the application of the Upneeq eye drops.
The Benefits of Upneeq Eye Drops
While these eye drops may not be the best option for all patients, they nevertheless represent an exciting new way for us to address droopy eyelids. And for patients who do qualify for the drops, the benefits are pretty clear:
- Stop looking chronically tired or fatigued
- Increase your field of vision
- Avoid the need for incisions or for anesthesia exposure
- Get the treatment you need without any kind of downtime or recovery
Learn More About Treatment for Sagging Eyelids
While a droopy eyelid may sound like a minor issue, it can actually have a significant impact on your facial appearance. If you’re tired of looking tired all the time, we invite you to join us at our Huntersville Med Spa or Greensboro Med Spa practice to explore different treatment options, including Upneeq eye drops.
To schedule a consultation appointment, contact CAMI at any time. We’ll be more than happy to sit down with you to discuss options for eyelid rejuvenation.