The upper eyelids and brows are often the first to be affected by the natural aging process. This is because the skin is thinner and much more delicate. The natural aging process has a real impact on your skin. Collagen and elastin production begins to slow down as early as your twenties. These important proteins are necessary to keep your skin elastic and youthful-looking. Poor lifestyle habits accelerate natural aging. Smoking, excessive drinking, and sun exposure are major culprits. You may wonder, hooded eyes: is it your brow, your eyelid, or both?

Hooded Eyes: Is It Your Brow, Your Eyelid, or Both?

Hooded eyes can develop gradually. Many patients do not even realize why their eyes look tired and much smaller than before. The brow and the eyelid each play a distinct role in hooded eyes. This includes the amount of skin covering the eye. A skilled oculofacial plastic surgeon can assess the upper eyelids and brows to determine the issue. Sometimes one or both may need correction. Upper eyelid surgery or a brow lift can rejuvenate your appearance and address hooded eyes.

When to Consider a Brow Lift

Certain physical clues point toward the brow as the primary cause of eyelid hooding. Recognizing these signs can help guide your consultation discussion. Below are some common signs that a brow lift may be right for you.

Low Brow Position

If your brow sits at or below your bony brow ridge, brow ptosis may be the culprit. Brow ptosis creates a heavy, hooded look above the eyes. The condition causes the brow to droop, pushing excess skin down toward the eyelid. This condition often develops with age as the surrounding tissue weakens.

Forehead Fatigue

Many people with heavy brows compensate by using their forehead muscles to lift their brows. If you raise your brows, consciously or unconsciously, a brow lift may be right for you. In severe cases, patients also experience headaches. Fine lines can also turn into deep, horizontal wrinkles across the forehead. When paired with hooded eyes, this can make you look tired and much older than you are.

Uneven Brows

Natural aging rarely happens at the same rate on both sides of your face. It may be time for a brow lift if you notice that one brow sits lower than the other. Asymmetry often points to uneven muscle strength or age-related changes on one side of the face. A skilled oculofacial plastic surgeon can assess your brows to determine the cause.

When to Consider Upper Eyelid Surgery

Certain signs point towards hooding caused by the upper eyelids. Being able to spot these signs can help you know when to seek treatment. Below are some common signs that upper eyelid surgery may be right for you.

Skin Resting on the Eyelashes

Excess eyelid skin can drape directly onto the lashes. When you notice visible sagging from the upper eyelid, removal through eyelid surgery is the most effective treatment option. When this much sagging occurs, it can cause several challenges. It can make applying makeup extremely difficult. In severe cases, it can impact your peripheral and overall vision.

No Improvement From Brow Lifting

Gently lifting the brows with your fingers can help you identify the cause of your eyelid hooding. If the heaviness above your eyes is unchanged, the eyelid skin itself is likely the cause. Excess skin on the upper eyelid cannot be addressed with topical products. Eyelid surgery is the most effective treatment option.

Normal Brow Height and Excess Skin

If your brows are at a normal height and you still have excess skin, upper eyelid surgery may be the best fit. If you can lift your eyebrows and your eyes are still hooded, your brows are often not the cause. Folds that sit close to the lash line are often due to excess skin from the upper eyelids.

When to Consult with an Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon

If you notice any of the symptoms above, it is time to consult with a surgeon. They can assess your eyes, brow, and the surrounding skin. From there, they can determine which surgery is right for you. Some patients only need a brow lift or upper eyelid surgery. However, some patients can benefit from both procedures to ensure comprehensive results.

Leading Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon

Changes to your upper eyelids and brows can make you look much older than you are. If you want to refresh your look, contact the team at Chicago Oculofacial Consultants today to schedule your appointment!