Eyelid ptosis (eyelid drooping, also called blepharoptosis) occurs when the eyelid tissues become weak and loose. The term acquired blepharoptosis refers specifically to drooping of the upper eyelids from weakened muscles that cause low-lying eyelids. Acquired ptosis can develop over time due to natural aging and can make patients look constantly tired or upset.
The condition can occur faster and more dramatically in some people due to previous cataract surgery or wearing hard contact lenses. Sometimes, eyelid drooping is so significant that the tissue hangs over and physically blocks a patient’s full range of view.
If you have difficulties lifting your eyelids and notice your eyes looking tired, you may benefit from an FDA-approved prescription eye drop formula called Upneeq®. Dermacare Medical Aesthetics offers the treatment to women and men who wish to open up their eyes wider.
Upneeq® candidates have sagging upper eyelids caused by loose or weakened eyelid muscles. Those with drooping eyelids caused by excess skin will not benefit from Upneeq®, as it only tightens the muscles. Candidates should be over the age of 13 and not allergic to any of the ingredients in Upneeq®.
Patients with specific conditions, like being pregnant or breastfeeding, or who are taking certain medications should have a discussion with their doctor about how Upneeq® might affect them. Be sure to tell your provider about any existing medical issues you have and if you are taking medications for any of the following conditions:
A consultation with our providers at Dermacare Medical Aesthetics can help determine whether or not you are a good candidate for Upneeq®.
Upneeq® contains oxymetazoline hydrochloride and is used to correct upper eyelid sagging due to acquired blepharoptosis. This medication is categorized as an alpha-adrenergic agonist because it attaches to muscle receptors and causes them to contract and the blood vessels to constrict. This process results in tighter, shorter eyelid muscles and a correction of droopy upper eyelids, providing an eye-opening lift.
Upneeq® is an at-home medication you can administer yourself. You’ll cut open the foil wrapper around the single-use vial and place one drop of Upneeq® in each eye. Avoid touching the dropper tip to any surroundings or your eyeball to prevent contamination or injury.
The single-use container should be thrown away once you’ve put in your drops, as each vial only contains enough solution for a drop in each eye. Other eye drops or eye medications should be used at least 15 minutes before or after Upneeq®.
Since Upneeq® are eye drops and, therefore, medicine, it does not involve downtime. You can return to your usual routine within a few minutes of administering them. Side effects with Upneeq® are rare; if patients experience them, they are generally mild and don’t last very long.
Potential Upneeq® side effects include:
Contact your doctor if you experience the above effects for over an hour. If you have heart disease or uncontrolled high or low blood pressure and feel dizzy or faint when using Upneeq®, reach out to your physician immediately. If you have untreated narrow-angle glaucoma, Upneeq® may increase the risk of fluid buildup that causes eye pressure.
The results of Upneeq® generally become visible within 15 minutes of applying the drops, but it can take up to two hours for some patients to experience a noticeable lift in their eyelids.
Clinical trials demonstrated an average upper eyelid lift of one millimeter with Upneeq®. This lift provided significant improvement in the appearance of patients’ eyes and an increased field of vision. However, the results are not permanent and will require frequent administration.
Upneeq® is a daily medication. Clinical studies show that it provides results for at least six to eight hours with each application. With regular use, you may notice reduced eyelid ptosis over time and longer-lasting results of eight to 10 hours with each application.
To learn more about Upneeq® at Dermacare Medical Aesthetics, please call or text us at any of our four locations:
Rancho Bernardo (858) 943-2443 | Carlsbad (760) 472-5088 | San Juan Capistrano (949) 658-2080 | Encinitas (760) 487-2520
Yes, Upneeq® is a prescription medication. This means you must meet with Dr. Birchall at a Dermacare location in Rancho Bernardo, Carlsbad, or San Juan Capistrano for an evaluation before you can purchase Upneeq® from us.
A consultation with the doctor is needed to determine that you have low-lying eyelids and that your acquired ptosis is not a sign of a more serious condition. Dr. Birchall will evaluate your medical history, eyelid condition, symptoms, and other factors to determine if Upneeq® is the best and safest treatment for your eyelid ptosis.
Yes, Upneeq® is designed to be administered once per day. Most patients use Upneeq® at the beginning of their day.
You can wear contacts while receiving the treatment as long as it is administered correctly. Still, you should wait 15 minutes after applying the drops to insert your contacts.
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*Disclaimer - Individual results may vary.