How to Get Rid of Hooded Eyes (2025 Guide)
Hooded eyes can be identified as such when you have ever looked in the mirror and realized that your upper eyelid appears to be drooping or heavy. It is a typical problem, which is both genetically transferred and age-related. Although it is not a medical issue to most of us, you may find that your eyes appear tired, smaller or even asymmetrical due to it.
In this guide, I will give you everything there is to know about the most effective methods to minimize, improve or permanently correct hooded eyes.
What Are Hooded Eyes?
Hooded eyes are present in cases where the upper eyelid skin falls over the eyelid crease, and thus the eyelid appears smaller. In some instances, it is hereditary, and in other instances, it is age-related. It may not be a medical problem, but to many individuals, it becomes a problem of confidence, expressions, and even applying makeup.
Common Signs You Have Hooded Eyes
- The eyelid appears hidden under a flap of skin
- Difficulty applying eyeshadow
- Eyes often look tired or sad
- Uneven or smudged eyeliner
Non-Surgical Treatments
Eyelid Exercise
Eyelid exercises are one of the initial measures that you can take. They are non-invasive and do not have any cost.
How You Can Do It:
- Move your eyebrows up and pinch them with your fingers.
- Attempt to shut your eyes but hold your eyebrows fixed.
- Hold for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times.
- Do this everyday and you will improve slowly.
Benefits:
- Strengthens eyelid muscles
- Stimulates blood flow
- Improves the firmness of skin
Although this will not have dramatic effects, it can help in case your hooded eyes are not severe.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapies penetrate deep into the skin, stimulating collagen growth.
Types:
- Fractional CO2 lasers
- Erbium lasers
Benefits:
- Tightens and firms skin
- Improves skin texture
- Minimal recovery
What You Should Expect:
It might take you some sessions depending on the severity of the hooded eye. Some redness and swelling can occur, which subsides after a couple of days, however, the tightening effect gets better with time.
Eye Drops
There are special prescription eyedrops that may elevate the upper eyelid, by causing the muscles to contract.
Options:
- Oxymetazoline (Upneeq)
Benefits:
- Quick lift in 15–30 minutes
- Non-invasive
- Ideal for mild to moderate drooping

What You Should Know:
Upneeq is authorized to cure acquired ptosis (droopy eyelids). It’s not a cure but can offer a daily lift when used regularly. It will require a prescription, so consult a medical expert in case you are interested in this alternative.
Surgical Treatments
When you have hooded eyes and look severe or non-surgical options have failed to work, surgical options offer you long-lasting results that may even be permanent.
Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
It is the most popular and successful surgical procedure of hooded eyes.
Procedure:
- The upper eyelid is deprived of excess skin and fat.
- It remodels and elevates the eyelid.
Benefits:
- Permanent results
- Improves vision if obstructed
- Enhances appearance
Recovery:
Anticipate 1 -2 weeks of bruising and swelling. The sutures are normally removed after 5-7 days. It takes a couple of weeks to fully recover, yet the results can be noticed almost instantly.
This is greatest in case you are willing to have a permanent solution and do not mind having an operation.
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Brow Lift
In some cases, hooded eyes are not caused by the eyelid but by a sagging brow.
Types of Brow Lifts:
- Endoscopic brow lift
- Temporal lift
- Direct brow lift
Benefits:
- Elevates the brow and upper lid
- Reduces forehead wrinkles
- Lasts several years
What You Should Know:
This raises the brow region thereby lifting the skin on your eyelids. This makes the eye area more open and generates a younger look. Which technique is best for you, you will have to discuss with a surgeon.
Radiofrequency Treatment
It is a radiofrequency energy that heats the inner layers of the skin.
Benefits:
- Promotes collagen
- Tightens loose skin
- No downtime
Devices Often Used:
- Thermage
- Morpheus8
Why You Might Like It:
When you want something in between lasers and surgery, radiofrequency does not require needles or cutting, but you will still see the results. Several treatments are normally required and you will notice the difference in weeks.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Treatment
Root Cause
Your hooded eyes could be genetic, age-related, fluid-related, or lifestyle-induced. Understanding the cause of your drooping will assist you in deciding the most appropriate treatment.
Budget
Non-surgical procedures cost either nothing (such as exercises), to hundreds of dollars (laser and fillers). The cost of surgery usually begins at 2,000 and more.
Recovery Time
In case you have time to take off, blepharoplasty could provide you with the desired outcomes.
Consult a Professional
It is necessary to find a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. The anatomy of the eyes of every individual is distinctive, and the effectiveness and safety are guaranteed only with professional guidance.
Maintenance and Lifestyle Habits
Although you may opt to do a procedure or use a natural remedy, your day to day habits will either confirm or destroy your efforts.
Protect Your Eyes from the Sun
UV rays produce skin damages, and it destroys collagen. Always wear sunglasses and apply SPF to the eyelids and eye area skin.
Stay Hydrated
Dried skin makes the skin look older and droopier. Consuming the right amount of water causes the skin to be elastic.
Get Enough Sleep
The inadequate sleep leads to puffiness and drooping. Aim for 7–9 hours of restful sleep every night.
Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes
This habit of continuously pulling your eyelids makes the skin feeble in the long run.
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Final Thoughts
It has never been more possible to get rid of hooded eyes, whether you prefer natural treatments, make-up magic, non-invasive procedures, or surgery. I have witnessed men and women restore their confidence, become young again, and even become more functional in their day-to-day lives just by treating this problem.
But in case you feel not very uncomfortable about your hooded eyes, now you are aware of all the possibilities that are open to you.