Hooded eyelid refers to the ‘hooded’ appearance of skin over the upper eyelids that makes the person look old and tired.
WHAT CAUSES HOODED EYELIDS?
Hooded eyelids are caused by a combination of many age-related changes in the eyelid skin, eyebrow, underlying fat, muscle and bone. The hooded appearance can mask underlying problems such as droopy eyelids (eyelid ptosis). If the patient has a droopy eyebrow it further exaggerates the hooded appearance.
WHY DO PEOPLE CHOOSE TO HAVE SURGERY TO CORRECT HOODED EYELIDS?
People who seek surgery for hooded eyelids do so because they want their eyes to look more open, refreshed and less tired. They also want to get rid of the heavy feeling and recurrent headaches
YOU WOULD BENEFIT FROM HAVING HOODED EYELID SURGERY IF:
- You have over hanging excess upper eyelid skin or eyelid hooding
- The ‘hooding’ or excess skin restricts your visual field, causes heaviness in the eyelids and headaches
- The hooded eyelids along with droopy eyelids that make you look tired and sleepy
IS SURGERY FOR HOODED EYELID COVERED BY MEDICARE OR PRIVATE HEALTH FUND
Hooded eyelids is a functional operation not a cosmetic one. If visual field restriction can be demonstrated following testing by an optometrist, you will be eligible for Medicare and health fund cover. At your consultation, your Plastic Surgeon will assess your eyelid and will refer you for the visual field testing. Lower eyelid surgery and eye bag surgery are deemed cosmetic and hence not covered by Medicare or Private Health funds.
DOWNTIME FOLLOWING HOODED EYELID SURGERY: THINGS TO KNOW
- For the first week, you will be asked to apply ointment to the suture line, lubricating eyedrops to the eye, ice packs for comfort. You will be prescribed pain killers and oral antibiotics.
- Blurry vision is common and usually resolves within a week.
- Pain is minimal and well controlled by pain medications. Patients often complain of feeling of tightness that gradually resolves.
- During the first week, it is advisable to stay at home. If you go out, you must wear a pair of good quality sunglasses. It is not uncommon for patients to complain of the sun’s glare when they go outdoors.
- Bruising and swelling may last up to 2 weeks.
- Sutures are removed 5 – 7 days following the operation
- You may start scar treatment 2 weeks following surgery as instructed by your Plastic Surgeon. Remember, eyelid scars heal very well.
- Silicone gel is often recommended, and you should take care to ensure that the excess silicone gel does not get into the eye.
- You can start wearing contact lenses about 4-6 weeks post-surgery.
- Light activities are allowed for the first 4 weeks and you can start your normal activities including going to the gym after 4 weeks.
Are you interested in eyelid surgery? Do you want to attain a more radiant, youthful look and get rid of droopy, hooded eyelids? Get in touch with us to make a consultation appointment – simply fill in your request using this booking form, choosing blepharoplasty or brow lift, and we will get back to you!
FRACS (Plastic Surgery) – Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Past President : ASAPS ( Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons)
Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
PhD (Eyelid Surgery) – University of Louisville, USA
