Hooded Eyelids Causes and Effective Treatments
Hooded eyelids are a natural eyelid shape where the skin folds down over the crease, sometimes partially or fully covering the mobile lid, the portion of your eyelid that moves when you blink. The crease can appear to be quite deep, giving the impression of a ‘hood’ over the eye, hence the name. People with hooded eyelids often have less visible lid space when their eyes are open.
This type of eyelid is quite common and can be seen across all genders and age groups. Many people are born with hooded eyelids, while others develop them as they grow older, thanks to the natural ageing process. It is a normal variation in eye shapes and is seen in various ethnic backgrounds.
Chester Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna performs eyelid surgery to help patients get the aesthetic results they desire.
Identifying Hooded Eyelids
While it is a prevalent type of eyelid, distinguishing it correctly can sometimes be a bit tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with the subtle differences in eyelid shapes.
Firstly, observe the crease of the eyelid; in individuals with hooded eyelids, this crease tends to be deeper and more pronounced. The brow bone may also appear to be more prominent, giving a characteristic ‘hooded’ appearance.
Here is how you can self-assess or help someone identify hooded eyelids:
- Physical characteristics: Start by noting the shape and depth of the eyelid crease. Individuals with hooded eyelids often have a more substantial brow bone that can shadow the eyelid. The mobile lid, or the part of the eyelid that moves when you blink, might be partly or entirely covered
- Self-assessment: Stand in front of a mirror in a well-lit room. Open your eyes wide and observe the lid space — is a considerable part of your eyelid covered by the brow bone, giving a hooded appearance? You might want to take several glances from different angles to be sure
Keep in mind that having hooded eyelids is a completely normal and natural eye shape variation. It does not indicate any health issues or concerns; it is simply a distinctive feature that many individuals have.
Causes of Hooded Eyelids
Generally, it comes down to two primary factors: genetics and ageing. Let us take a closer look at these aspects.
Genetics
Many people inherit the trait of hooded eyelids from their family members. It is quite common among certain ethnic groups and families to have this characteristic eye shape, defining their aesthetic appearance. Knowing your family’s eye shapes can often give you a clue into whether your eyelids are a genetic trait.
- Ethnic Background: Certain ethnic backgrounds have a higher prevalence of hooded eyelids, making it a distinguishing feature for many
- Family Traits: If family members have hooded eyelids, there is a likelihood that other family members will have it too, showcasing the genetic linkage
Ageing
As we age, the skin loses its elasticity and tends to sag, affecting various parts of the body, including the eyelids. This natural process can lead to the development or exaggeration of hooded eyelids over time, as the skin becomes less firm and droopier.
- Skin Elasticity: Over time, the skin loses its firmness, leading to a more pronounced hooded appearance
- Natural Process: Ageing is a natural part of life, and developing hooded eyelids can be a part of this process, occurring naturally as we grow older
When is the Right Time to Address Hooded Eyelids?
Determining the right time to address the natural characteristic of hooded eyelids can be a nuanced journey. It is a personal decision, and what might be the right time for one individual might not be the same for another. However, we can guide you through some common considerations that might help you in making this decision:
· Aesthetic Preferences
Sometimes the reason to think about changing the look of your hooded eyelids comes from your own personal taste. You might just want to freshen up your look a bit, and that’s totally okay. It’s all about what makes you feel good. On top of that, you might find putting on makeup a bit tricky because of the way your eyelids are shaped. If doing your eye makeup feels like a hassle more often than not, this could be a sign that it’s time to look into ways to address your hooded eyelids
· Vision Concerns
In some cases, having hooded eyelids can get in the way of seeing clearly. This happens when the “hood” part of your eyelids covers a large portion of your eyes, affecting what you can see on the sides, known as your peripheral vision. If you’ve noticed that your side vision isn’t as good as it used to be because of your eyelids, it might be time to think about what you can do about it. Besides that, if you find that your day-to-day tasks are becoming harder because you can’t see as well, this is another sign that you should start considering your options. Whether it’s struggling to read a book or having trouble while driving, don’t ignore these signs; it might be the right time to address the issue.
· Medical Advice
If you are thinking about making any changes to your hooded eyelids, it’s a smart move to talk to your plastic surgeon first. Anca can help you understand if now is the right time to take any steps based on your own personal situation. She can look at your specific case and give advice that suits you. Plus, she can tell you about all the options you have, including surgeries or other treatments that don’t involve surgery. That way, you have all the info you need to make a choice that you feel good about.
Surgical Options for Hooded Eyelids
While many individuals embrace their hooded eyelids, showcasing their unique beauty through makeup and skincare routines, others may seek ways to alter the appearance of their eyelids. Fortunately, there are both surgical and non-surgical solutions available for those looking to make a change.
Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a procedure that involves removing excess skin and, sometimes, fat from the eyelids to create a more open, awake appearance. It is a permanent solution but comes with the usual risks associated with surgery.
- Permanent Solution: Once done, the results are generally long-lasting, providing a permanent solution to hooded eyelids
- Surgical Risks: Like any surgery, blepharoplasty comes with its set of risks and requires a recovery period post-surgery
Non-Surgical Options for Hooded Eyelids
These options can be less invasive but still offer improvements that might suit your needs perfectly.
Fillers and Skin Relaxing Injections
If you’re not keen on the idea of surgery, using fillers and skin relaxing injections might be a good path to explore. Basically, what happens is that Anca will use these injectables to help refresh the look of the area around your eyes, helping them to appear more open and awake. This option has its perks: it’s not as invasive as surgery and gives you a bit of room to decide if you want to continue with this treatment or try something else since it’s only temporarily effective. However, it’s worth noting that since the effects aren’t permanent, you’ll need to go back for repeated treatments. Additionally, though it’s generally well-received, there is always a small chance of running into issues like allergic reactions or other side effects.
Injectables – Skin Relaxing Injections
Anca will use skin relaxing injections to target specific muscles in the face, relaxing them to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. They can also play a role in treating hooded eyelids by giving a slight lift, enhancing the overall look of the eyes.
Pros
- Quick procedure often completed in less than an hour
- Can see results in a relatively short amount of time, usually within 3 to 14 days
Cons
- Temporary solution requiring regular upkeep
- Potential for bruising and swelling at the injection site
To get the most out of skin relaxing injections, it is generally recommended to maintain a routine of regular treatments. This approach helps in preserving the achieved results for a longer time. Remember, the goal here is not just to get rid of wrinkles but to find a harmonious balance that addresses both your wrinkles and hooded eyelids, enhancing your natural features without overdoing it.
Injectables – Dermal Fillers
When you are looking to add volume and smooth out lines and wrinkles, dermal fillers can be a beneficial choice. These injections, performed by Anca, can aid in reducing the hooded appearance of eyelids as well.
Dermal fillers involve injecting substances (commonly hyaluronic acid) into the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines, and create a youthful, revitalised appearance. When dealing with hooded eyelids, these fillers can be used to lift the brow area subtly, reducing the hooded appearance of the eyelids.
Pros
- Immediate results, you can see a difference shortly after the procedure
- Non-surgical and less invasive compared to surgical options
Cons
- Temporary, meaning you’ll need to have repeat treatments to maintain the results
- There’s a risk of complications including infection, and in rare cases, filler migration
Daily Care Tips
Caring for your hooded eyelids is not just about makeup; it is also about maintaining the health of your eyelids through simple daily routines. These routines can go a long way in keeping your eyelids feeling fresh and looking great. Here are some straightforward and easy-to-follow care tips for individuals with hooded eyelids.
Hydration
Keeping the skin around your eyes well-hydrated is a simple yet effective way to care for your hooded eyelids. Daily hydration can help in reducing puffiness and maintaining a smooth texture.
- Moisturise daily: Utilise a good eye cream or moisturiser daily to keep the skin hydrated
- Drink water: Ensure you are drinking enough water throughout the day to aid in overall hydration
Massage
A gentle massage can help in stimulating blood flow, reducing puffiness, and promoting relaxation. It’s a little gesture that can make a substantial difference over time.
- Gentle movements: Use your ring finger to gently massage the eyelid and surrounding area using circular movements
- Cooling treatment: Occasionally use a cool compress or cooling eye masks to soothe the eyes and reduce puffiness
FAQs about Hooded Eyelids
Can makeup techniques for hooded eyelids help in enhancing my eye shape?
- Utilising makeup techniques such as placing eyeshadow slightly above the crease and opting for thin eyeliner lines can enhance the natural shape of hooded eyelids and create stunning looks.
How can I take daily care of my hooded eyelids?
- Simple daily care routines like keeping the eyelid area hydrated through moisturising and drinking enough water, along with gentle massages to stimulate blood flow, can be beneficial in maintaining the health and appearance of the eyelids.
Are there any surgical solutions to alter the appearance of hooded eyelids?
- Yes, there are surgical solutions such as blepharoplasty, which involves removing excess skin and sometimes fat to create a more open appearance. Non-surgical options like skin relaxing injections are also available, which temporarily alter the appearance by making the skin look smoother. It’s important to consult with a professional to explore these options thoroughly.
Do hooded eyelids affect vision?
- In most cases, hooded eyelids do not affect vision as it is more of a cosmetic feature. However, in extreme cases, the hooding can become severe enough to obstruct peripheral vision. If you experience any vision problems, it is recommended to consult with a plastic surgeon.
Can hooded eyelids be a sign of a medical condition?
- While hooded eyelids are generally a natural variation of eye shape, in rare circumstances they can be associated with a medical condition or be a result of an injury. If you have concerns or experience sudden changes in your eyelid shape, seeking medical advice is a wise step.
Further Reading about Eyelid Surgery with Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna
- Read more about Upper Blepharoplasty
- Read more about Droopy Eyelids
- Read more about Lines & Wrinkles
- Read Anca’s Blog on Where to Get Skin Relaxing Injections in Chester
- Read Anca’s Blog on Dermal Fillers Removal – How Do They Work?
- Read Anca’s Blog on How to Avoid Blepharoplasty Complications
- Read more about How to Reduce Swelling and Bruising after Blepharoplasty
- Read Anca’s Blog on Causes and Treatments for Eyelid Ptosis
Medical References about Hooded Eyelids
- Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) – WebMD
- What are hooded eyes? – Medical News Today
- Ptosis – NCBI
- Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty – NCBI
- Hooded Upper Eyelids – Causes, Treatment and Benefits – Aesthetics Plastic Surgeon
