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What Is Upneeq? The FDA-Approved Eyedrop for Low-Lying Lids

By TOTAL BODY AESTHETIC  |  May 18, 2024

Author Credit TOTAL BODY AESTHETIC

Drooping eyelids, medically known as acquired ptosis, affect millions of adults and can make you look tired, aged, or even impair your field of vision. For decades, the only reliable solutions were surgical blepharoplasty or learning to live with the droop. That changed with the FDA approval of Upneeq (oxymetazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, 0.1%), the first and only prescription eyedrop specifically designed to treat acquired ptosis in adults. This simple daily drop can open your eyes wider, brighten your appearance, and improve your visual field in as little as five minutes.

At Total Body Aesthetic in Westchester, Los Angeles, we are proud to offer Upneeq as part of our comprehensive approach to facial aesthetics and eye health. Our unique background combining medical aesthetics with eye care expertise allows us to evaluate whether Upneeq is the right solution for your specific situation and to integrate it seamlessly into your overall rejuvenation plan.

Understanding Acquired Ptosis

Acquired ptosis occurs when the levator muscle that lifts the upper eyelid weakens or stretches over time. This is different from congenital ptosis, which is present from birth. The most common form, aponeurotic ptosis, develops gradually with age as the tendon connecting the levator muscle to the eyelid thins and stretches. Contributing factors include long-term contact lens use, eye rubbing, previous eye surgeries, and the natural aging process.

Many patients do not realize that their tired or heavy-looking eyes are actually the result of a treatable medical condition. Low-lying lids can reduce your upper visual field, cause forehead strain from constantly raising your brows to compensate, and create an appearance that does not reflect how rested and energetic you actually feel. Understanding that this condition has a name and a treatment can be genuinely transformative.

How Upneeq Works

Upneeq contains oxymetazoline hydrochloride, a targeted alpha-adrenergic agonist that stimulates Mueller's muscle, a small smooth muscle in the upper eyelid that assists with eyelid elevation. When applied as a single drop to each affected eye, Upneeq activates this muscle, causing the eyelid to lift by an average of one to two millimeters. While that measurement may sound small, even a one-millimeter lift can produce a visible and meaningful difference in how open and alert your eyes appear.

The effects typically begin within five to fifteen minutes after application and can last for six to eight hours. Upneeq is designed for daily use, with one single-use vial applied to each eye once per day. In clinical trials, the most common side effects were mild and included eye inflammation, redness, blurred vision, and headache, all of which occurred in a small percentage of participants.

The Benefits Beyond Aesthetics

While many patients initially seek Upneeq for cosmetic reasons, the functional benefits are equally significant. Low-lying lids can obstruct the superior visual field, making activities like driving, reading, and working at a computer more challenging. Clinical studies demonstrated that Upneeq improved the superior visual field in the majority of patients tested, which means it does not just help you look better but can actually help you see better as well.

Upneeq is also an excellent option for patients who are considering surgical correction but want to experience what improved lid position feels like before committing to a procedure. It can serve as a bridge treatment or a long-term daily solution depending on the severity of your ptosis and your personal preferences.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Upneeq?

Upneeq is appropriate for adults with acquired low-lying lids who are looking for a non-surgical, non-invasive way to address drooping eyelids. Ideal candidates include patients who notice that their eyelids have gradually dropped over the years, those who feel their eyes look smaller or more tired than they used to, and individuals who experience visual field obstruction from their upper lids. It is also popular among patients who want a quick cosmetic enhancement before special events, photographs, or video calls.

Upneeq is not appropriate for patients with congenital ptosis, those with certain eye conditions, or individuals taking certain medications. A thorough evaluation at Total Body Aesthetic will determine whether Upneeq is safe and effective for your specific situation.

Upneeq as Part of Your Aesthetic Plan

At Total Body Aesthetic, we often recommend Upneeq as part of a comprehensive eye and facial rejuvenation strategy. It pairs beautifully with treatments like Emface for overall facial lifting, neurotoxins for brow elevation and crow's feet reduction, and under-eye treatments with PRF or dermal fillers for a complete periorbital transformation. The result is a refreshed, bright-eyed appearance that looks entirely natural.

Get Upneeq at Total Body Aesthetic in Westchester

Our team serves patients throughout the 90045 zip code and the greater Los Angeles area including Playa Vista, Marina del Rey, El Segundo, Culver City, South Bay, and surrounding communities. If you have noticed that your eyelids are not as open as they once were, or if you simply want brighter, more alert-looking eyes, we invite you to schedule a consultation to discuss whether Upneeq is right for you. A simple eyedrop could be the easiest aesthetic upgrade you have ever made.