Hooded eyes refers to a condition of the eyelids in which extra skin has developed in the upper eyelids. This extra skin can droop so much over the eyes that the natural crease in the eyelid cannot be seen. Hooded eyes can be corrected with a procedure called blepharoplasty. The reason for having this procedure is different for everyone, but for someone who has hooded eyes, there are really only two reasons for choosing blepharoplasty: cosmetic or functional.

Cosmetic Reasons for Blepharoplasty
The eyes play an important part in the appearance and are probably the first feature in the face to show signs of aging, often in the form of hooded eyelids. Typically, most people who have blepharoplasty to correct their hooded eyelids, do so to improve their appearance. Regaining some or their youthful appearance can go a long way towards restoring self-confidence. Women with hooded eyes often complain that they don’t have enough exposed eyelid on which to apply makeup. Hooded eyelids can give a face a very severe appearance that makes someone look tired, angry, or sad.

Functional Reasons for Blepharoplasty
Some people can have such severe hooding in their eyelids that their peripheral vision is obstructed. It may even be difficult for them to use the muscles in the foreheads to lift the eyelids enough to allow them to see clearly. In cases like this when the surgery is done for medical reasons and not to improve the patient’s appearance, medical insurance may cover the procedure.

The Blepharoplasty Procedure, Recovery, and Cost
Eyelid surgery known as blepharoplasty removes the extra fat, skin, and even atrophied muscle tissue from the eyelids. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis by a plastic surgeon using local anesthetic. The surgeon will make an incision along the eyelid’s natural crease and then the excess skin, fat, and muscle is removed. The surgeon will then close the incision either with tiny stitches that are virtually invisible or with skin adhesives or surgical tape.

Blepharoplasty to correct hooding of the upper eyelids should only take about an hour. When the surgery is complete, an ointment is applied to keep the eyelids lubricated. Immediately after the surgery, it is possible that the patient may have some tearing, double vision, and sensitivity to light, but this should go away shortly. There will be some redness and puffiness around the incisions for a few days, and the eyelids may feel numb from the anesthetic. In addition, the eyes will be black and blue and swollen for about a week. This should be treated with ice or cold compresses.

There is little pain involved with the procedure, and if the incision was closed with stitches, they will be removed in 3 to 4 days. The surgery scars could last as long as six months before they fade completely. The patient should be sure to protect the area around the eyes from sun until the scars are gone.

The cost of blepharoplasty to correct hooded eyes can run anywhere from $1800 to $2500, depending on the surgeon. This price does not include extra hospital costs and the pre-operative blood tests that are required.

If you’re thinking about Lasik surgery to improve your looks while also improving your vision, then you are joining the ranks of those who opt for this procedure rather than wear glasses or contact lenses. Not all patients are candidates for Lasik surgery, and deciding to have the surgery is something that should be discussed with your optometrist. If he or she thinks you’re a good candidate, have them recommend a reputable surgeon. If possible, do some research yourself to see if his, or her, patients are happy with their procedure, and overall care.

Pricing for this procedure is generally quoted ‘per eye’, and starts (by a reputable doctor) somewhere between $1000 and $1500 per eye. (Make sure you have all the information if you’re planning to have both eyes done at the same time.)

The surgery itself is a quick, painless procedure that can correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or even astigmatism. The surgery is generally done as an ‘outpatient’ procedure, meaning once it’s over, you may have to wait a few hours to make sure you’re doing alright. At the beginning of the procedure, drops will be put into the eye, or eyes, to numb the area. After that, is when the laser will be used. A ‘flap’ will then be cut in the outer surface of the eye, and then, depending on your condition, part of the cornea is removed, or reshaped, to allow for better vision. You will then be put in ‘recovery’ for a few hours, just to make sure the ‘flap’ that was made is starting the healing process. For a few days following the surgery, you may be asked to sleep with ‘goggles’ to protect your eye from accidental rubbing or scratching while the cornea heals. You will also be given appointments for followups that are very important to keep.

Immediately after the surgery, the patient may see halos, stars, ghosting, glares, or even double vision, but usually clear up or even go away within a few days; extreme cases may last up to a few months, but in a diminished state.

There is no long-term information available as to whether the improvement will last a lifetime or if, as with farsighted people, the improved vision could diminish as the patient ages.

As with any surgery to help improve our looks, Lasik surgery may be well worth the cost to help improve our self esteem.