When an individual has excessive skin overlying their eyes crease, they are said to have hooded eyes. This excessive skin is draped over from the brow bone to the lash line. While hooded eyes are seen to get more prominent in aging individuals, they may also be seen during early age. In addition, individuals with hooded eyes may also have ptosis of the eyes, which may worsen the symptoms and require treatment.
Sign of Hooded Eyelids
When the skin overlying the eyelids starts to lose its elasticity, it tends to become wrinkled with an uneven distribution of fat. The excess tissue that forms over the upper eyelids and eyebrow takes a folded appearance and creates a hooded eye. This fold of skin extends to form the brow all the way to the lash line. Moreover, an individual may be more at risk for developing hooded eyes if they have a close relative with a similar eye morphology. While hooding of the skin most commonly occurs on the eyelids, it may also affect the brow bones and eyebrows.
Common signs of hooded eyelids include a thick layer of skin extending from below the brow bone and covering the eyelid crease. This makes the upper eyelid seems smaller than it really is. Moreover, the eyelid crease also seems hidden. In order to see if you have hooded eyes, you may stand in front of a mirror and inspect your eyes carefully. Both eyes should be completely open as you do this. If you have hooded eyelids, you will see skin covering the entire upper eyelid and the eyelid crease.
Difference Between Hooded Eyelids and Droopy Eyelids
While hooded eyelids and droopy eyelids are two terms that are often used together – they are two separate eye conditions. Individuals with droopy eyelids are also known to have ptosis of the eyes. The upper eyelids in these individuals do not completely open and appear to be sitting in a lower position. Hence, the skin droops over the eyes and covers a large portion of the eyes. On the other hand, hooded eyelids are also known as Dermatochalasis. Individuals with hooded eyelids have excess skin present on their upper eyelids, which appears to cover the eyelid crease. Both Hooded eyelids and droopy eyelids can also cause visual obstruction.
To be more specific, individuals with droopy eyelids or ptosis of the eyelids may have a drop in one or both of their upper eyelids, which may also obstruct their vision. However, this drop in the upper eyelids is not that evident for most individuals. These individuals may also have accompanying symptoms like watery or dry eyes. Individuals with droopy eyelids may also appear tired, even when they are not. In some cases, the eyelids may sit so low that the individual has to tilt their head upwards to see properly.
On the other hand, individuals with hooded eyelids are more commonly of an older age. They may have similar symptoms to droopy eyelids, like a mild degree of visual obstruction, but these symptoms are more commonly found on the upper lateral corner of the eyes.
Causes of Hooded Eyelids
The common causes of hooded eyelids include genetics, aging, trauma to the head, and medical treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Genetics
Our genes can determine the eye shape an individual may have. Hence, if an individual has an eye shape that causes them to have hooded eyelids, they are more likely to have children with hooded eyelids as well.
Aging Signs
Hooded eyes are common signs of aging in some individuals. As we grow older, the muscles around the eyebrows start to grow weaker and lose their tone. When the eyebrows droop, it also pushes down the soft tissue under them and creates a hooded appearance.
Head Trauma
Trauma to the side of the head can create the appearance of hooded eyes, as seen in some studies. There are a number of reasons that this may be caused. One of these reasons is the damage caused to the eyelid muscles. One of these muscles is the levator palpebrae superiorus, which is responsible for lifting the eyelids. It may also be caused by damage to the nerve supplying the eyelids muscles.
One of these is known as the Oculomotor nerve. Another reason that may be associated with head trauma is a fracture to the orbital bone. For example, when an individual falls back on their head, it may lead to a secondary fracture to the orbital bones.
Medical Treatment
Certain individuals may also have hooded eyelids after they undergo certain medical treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This is because radiation and chemotherapy can speed up the aging process, causing the soft tissues and skin overlying the eyelids to droop.
Can I Get Rid of Hooded Eyelids?
Hooded eyelids may not only affect the overall aesthetics, but they may also interfere with the vision of an individual. This is why many individuals with hooded eyes often seek medical intervention. There are many treatments that may be opted for for the correction of hooded eyelids. These include Dermal fillers, Botox injections, radiofrequency treatment, and brow lifts.
Treatment Recommendation for Hooded Eyelids
Dermal Fillers
Derma fillers are commonly used to fill certain areas of the face. These may be used on the lips, around the mouth, or under the eyes. However, another common use of dermal fillers is the correction of hooded eyelids. Injecting the dermal fillers under the eyebrows can help lift up the brows. This lifting up of the brows, in turn, causes the sagging skin to stretch up and lift up the eyelids. While these may not be able to show the same results as eyelids surgery, fillers are effective at temporarily improvement of hooded eyelids.
Sylfirm X
Sylfirm X involves the application of radiofrequency energy precisely to the skin. What makes this method unique is that it involves short bursts of energy in continuous waves, which generates heat energy in the skin. Sylfirm X is used for a number of cosmetic concerns one of which is hooded eyes. It does this by boosting collagen production in the skin which correct skin sagging and improves the appearance of hooded eyes.
Eyelid Thermage
Eyelid Thermage is another effective measure that may be used for the correction of hooded eyelids. During the procedure, the practitioner starts by applying topical anesthesia to the skin of the eyelids. When this has become effective, they target radiofrequency energy to the skin around the eyes. This helps to not only boost collagen production and tighten the skin but also lift up the eyebrows.
Sub-Brow Lift
Individuals with sagging eyebrows may opt for a sub brow lift procedure. This procedure may effectively correct the appearance of hooded eyelids and treat any deep furrows around the eyes. During the sub brow lift surgery, the surgeon starts by making a small incision below the brow. It is particularly preferred by individuals with a large gap between their eye and eyebrows. Through this incision the excess skin and fatty tissue is removed.
Bottom Line
Not every individual with hooded eyes may need medical intervention. However, those individuals who have aesthetic concerns or feel that their hooded eyes may be interfering with their vision might need to undergo treatments like dermal fillers, radiofrequency treatment, and brow lifts. These procedures have the potential to raise the upper eyelids and correct the hooded appearance. It may also make the eyes appear more open and allow the individual to see clearly.
About Dream Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery
Bespoke surgical for cosmetic or medical reasons is what Dream covers to bring out the beauty in every individual. Going beyond the aesthetics and working on physical anomalies are what we value the most in leading our patients to cherish self-improvement and confident lifestyles.
Derived from Associate Professor Vincent Yeow’s long-standing experience performing plastic surgery in Singapore, our treatment plans deliver physical remodelling in our patients’ favour. One of the notable remodellings is droopy eyelid correction. The ptosis surgery used for treatment eventually fixes drooping eyelids, improves vision and enhances appearance.
Most importantly, as a trustworthy plastic surgery and aesthetic clinic, we treasure positive and natural outcomes for each individual. We will ensure to deliver the beauty refinement of your dream without compromising your safety and privacy.
