Hooded eyes and droopy eyelids – what can be done?

If eyes are the windows to the soul, then they deserve to look their best! Today, more and more women (and men) are seeking beauty treatments for eye issues like hooded eyes and droopy eyelids that go beyond creams and serums. Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Adrian Ooi says that plastic surgery for the eyes, including double eyelid surgery, is the most sought-after procedure at his clinic, Polaris Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Eye enhancement surgery is performed here on a daily basis, for both upper and lower eyelid conditions. For many patients, these aesthetic treatments are about more than just vanity; they can also correct medical conditions that, if left untreated, can lead to more serious complications. At Polaris, this is done using gentle yet permanent procedures, and can be minimally invasive.

Droopy eyelids

One such condition is ptosis (or droopy eyelids), where the upper eyelid droops over the eye so much that vision is impaired. The constant eye strain from ptosis can cause headaches and fatigue. Obstruction in the field of vision may also be potentially dangerous for activities such as driving, navigating stairs or encountering unfamiliar places; this applies even more to seniors who are prone to falls. In addition, droopy eyelids can make a person look tired and old. While age plays a part in the weakening of the muscle supporting the eyelid, younger patients have also presented with ptosis, some of which have been there from birth.

Ptosis is generally corrected using upper blepharoplasty under local anaesthesia. In cases where an opthalmologist has certified significant vision impairment, Medisave or insurance may be used to pay for the procedure.

To achieve a pleasing and lasting result for droopy eyelids, upper blepharoplasty takes into account the anatomy of the upper eyelid – skin, muscles and tendons, ligaments and fat. Some patients may need their eyelids plumped up using fat grafting, or their eyebrows correctly positioned through browpexy. Dr Ooi uses a patient-first approach; he customises treatment in tandem with the individual’s medical and aesthetic concerns.

Double eyelid surgery

Double eyelid surgery is a form of upper blepharoplasty. Especially popular among Asian patients is a treatment known as Suture (or ‘Scarless’) Double Eyelid Creation. This is where a double eyelid is created through minimally-invasive methods using puncture access points in the upper eyelid. Downtime is three to five days with little scarring, and is recommended for those who want a subtle fix.

In cases where the double eyelid crease is less likely to hold with minimally invasive sutures, the incisional technique is recommended. This offers the surgeon more control over the fold and a more customisable and lasting outcome for the patient. The sutures are removed in five to seven days but downtime may stretch to a couple of weeks.

Double eyelid surgery may also come as a blessing for people with trichiasis, an irritating eye condition characterised by inward-growing lashes. Upper blepharoplasty can evert the eyelashes and effectively prevent eyelashes from touching the eyes. Creating a double eyelid can also help restore self-confidence in patients who don’t have symmetric eyelids due to genetics or injuries.

Hooded Eyes

Another quick fix for the appearance of ageing eyes is dermatochalasis excision, or the removal of excess skin from the upper eyelid. Polaris offers non-invasive procedures such as laser treatment and radio frequency for low-level intervention, but in more severe cases with lateral hooding or drooping, surgical excision is required. This can be done via the upper eyelid crease, or by what’s known as a sub-brow/infra-brow blepharoplasty just below the eyebrow. This enables skin removal while maintaining the natural upper eyelid crease and fold. Not only is scarring minimal, but the result can give the appearance of years being swept away in a flash.

Similarly, excess baggage on the lower eyelids can also be easily removed – and without leaving any external scars. An incision in the inside of the lower eyelid allows precise correction of the underlying cause including releasing the ligaments and removing or repositioning excess fat.

Dr Ooi can also perform adjunct procedures in the same sitting to address excess lower eyelid skin or loss of cheek volume; yes, it’s that secret mid-face lift that will keep friends and colleagues guessing!

About the doctor

Dr Ooi is accredited by the Ministry of Health, and is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training and experience in modern reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. He performs a wide spectrum of aesthetic procedures, harnessing advanced plastic surgery techniques and technology to achieve enhanced precision, outcomes and recovery for patients.

Find out more about the treatments mentioned above:

• Droopy eyelids correction
• Double eyelid creation
• Upper eyelid excess skin removal 

3 Mount Elizabeth, #08-05 Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
6737 4565 | 8828 4565 | clinic@polarisplasticsurgery.com
polarisplasticsurgery.com