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.
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:
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.
Generally, it comes down to two primary factors: genetics and ageing. Let us take a closer look at these aspects.
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.
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.
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:
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
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.
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.
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, 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.
These options can be less invasive but still offer improvements that might suit your needs perfectly.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.