HOW UPNEEQ (OXYMETAZOLINE) CAN FIX DROOPY EYELIDS

Drooping eyelids are a common cosmetic concern experienced by aging patients. In the past, an eyelid lift surgery was the most common way to lift and open the eyes. However, Upneeq is now one of the most prolific ways to restore droopy eyelids – and the best part is that it only requires small eyedrops daily. Let’s explore how a drop of Upneeq treats drooping eyelids, and how RSVP Med Spa can help you look and feel better than ever.

What is Droopy Eyelid and What Causes It?

Blepharoptosis, or droopy eyelids, is a common upper eyelid problem – an average of 11.5% of adults suffer from the condition. Drooping eyelid is where the upper eyelids rest close to the lower eyelids and sag or descend. It can not only cause you to look tired or worn out, but can even completely block normal vision. Some patients experience headaches from lifting their eyebrows too much all day in order to see.

The problem appears mainly due to aging, but long-term use of contact lenses may also contribute. Often, weakness of the eyelid muscle (the levator muscle) allows it to droop down over the eye. The traditional option to treat droopy eyelid is blepharoplasty or ptosis repair, a type of eyelid surgery and outpatient procedure. It’s the third most in-demand surgical procedure in the U.S., according to a survey conducted in 2019. Today, this eye surgery is often reserved for more severe ptosis or cases where the upper eyelid droops so much that it causes vision problems.

What is UPNEEQ and How Does It Work?

Another treatment option to treat ptosis with prescription eye drops, one that doesn’t include surgery. UPNEEQ is an FDA-approved prescription-only medication that effectively improves drooping eyelids with a single dose.

Upneeq is the brand name for oxymetazoline hydrochloride. Oxymetazoline is an alpha-adrenergic agonist that causes the Muller’s muscles (or the upper eyelid muscles) to contract to raise the upper eyelid. A temporary treatment, Upneeq is the safest non-invasive method to treat ptosis, and it has proved to start working within minutes to create a lift that lasts for eight hours in one or both eyes. Upneeq provides about 1 mm of lift, which is a very noticeable difference, especially for people with vision problems.

What Are the Side Effects of Upneeq?

Upneeq is not without side effects, although they are typically mild. Common side effects include:

• Eye inflammation

• Irritation

• Blurred vision

• Headache

• Redness

Upneeq also carries risks like any other medication. Used improperly, Upneeq can cause eye injury. It should only be used under the supervision of a knowledgeable oculoplastic surgeon. If you carry a higher risk with Upneeq, Dr. Selena Fu may recommend a complete eye exam by your eye doctor or follow-up with your ophthalmologist regularly before prescribing Upneeq.

How Do I Get Started with UPNEEQ?

Dr. Selena Fu, board-certified oculoplastic surgeon, recommends using Upneeq one dose once daily in the affected eye as approved by clinical trials. Before taking the Upneeq drops, you must discuss your medical and medication history with her to ensure that you are the right candidate for using Upneeq ptosis treatment. Upneeq may affect blood pressure and interfere with prescription medicines such as anti-hypertensive medications, beta-blockers, cardiac glycosides, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. She will thoroughly discuss your medical history to determine if an oxymetazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic solution is the best option for your cosmetic goals.

UPNEEQ in Kansas City

If you want to learn more about the safe use of UPNEEQ, book your initial consultation by filling out an online consultation form.