COVID-19 UPDATE: As of May 11, 2020, we have re-opened our office to regular in-person appointments. We are operating at a lower-than-normal capacity in order to respect social distancing advisories and best protect the health of our patients. We are still offering telemedicine as an option. For more information please call us at (314) 996-8800.

UPNEEQ®

Revitalize Your Look with Eye Drops for a Temporary Eyelid Lift in St. Louis, Missouri

Some people are born with drooping eyelids, while others find that sagging occurs later in life as the skin and muscles of the eyelids are stretched and weakened due to injury, disease, nerve damage, or aging. Upneeq® at St. Louis’ West County Plastic Surgeons of Washington University is a prescription eyedrop that provides a temporary eyelid lift for anyone experiencing drooping—no incisions or sutures required.

Acquired blepharoptosis is a common medical condition that develops later in life and prevents the eyelids from maintaining proper elevation. If the drooping is causing vision problems that affect quality of life or a patient is bothered by the appearance of their eyelids, there are several treatment options available, both surgical and non-surgical.

For more details about how Upneeq® at St. Louis' West County Plastic Surgeons restores a more youthful, refreshed appearance to the eyes, call (314) 996-8800 or request a consultation.

What Causes Drooping Eyelids?

Millions of people over the age of 40 have a condition known as ptosis of the eyelids. Although adults of all ages can be affected by this problem, it is more likely to occur in older women and men.

Ptosis commonly develops when the eyelid muscles become stretched and weakened over time. Eye surgeries, wearing contact lenses, and certain medical conditions can also sometimes cause the eyelids to droop.

In addition to being a cosmetic issue—since low-lying eyelids can give your face an overall tired appearance—drooping eyelids can also intrude into the field of vision, making driving, reading, and other activities more difficult. In the past, the only way of correcting this problem would be with cosmetic surgery. Now, however, patients can improve their eyelids without surgery using Upneeq® eye opening drops.

What is Upneeq®?

Upneeq® is a prescription version of “oxymetazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic solution,” which West County Plastic Surgeons offers as a treatment for acquired blepharoptosis. The drops produce a dramatic, noticeable lift for the eyelids without the need for cosmetic surgery.

Upneeq® makes muscles in the upper eyelid tighten or contract, producing a subtle lifting effect. Opening the eyes wider creates a more youthful, refreshed, and alert appearance. Studies have shown that Upneeq® lifts the eyelids by 1 mm on average for up to eight hours per treatment.

How Does Upneeq® Work?

One drop of Upneeq® can be added into each eye once per day. Before prescribing Upneeq®, your doctor will review your complete medical history with you, then will help you decide how long you will need to use Upneeq® to get optimal results. This consultation is also the ideal time to get answers to questions about the treatment, as well as discuss other options.

Who is a Good Candidate for Upneeq®?

Adults who have mild, moderate, or severe acquired blepharoptosis and are not taking other medications that could interact in a negative way with Upneeq® could be considered ideal candidates for this medication. It’s important to be open and clear about any medications and supplements you are currently taking, as well as to share your full medical history.

Patients who are taking certain types of anti-depressant medications should be cautious when using Upneeq®. The prescription medication may interfere with other prescription medications like beta-blockers, anti-hypertensive medications, cardiac glycosides, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Upneeq® is typically best for people who are searching for a non-surgical method to temporarily reduce eyelid drooping because they are not yet ready to undergo cosmetic surgery.

Other Cosmetic Treatments to Enhance the Eyes

In addition to Upneeq®, there are many other non-surgical aesthetic treatments offered by West County Plastic Surgeons for patients hoping to enhance the appearance of their skin and eyes. Latisse® is a topical prescription medication that can be applied at home to improve the appearance of the eyes by making eyelashes darker, longer, and more volumized.

BOTOX® is an injectable neurotoxin that relaxes muscles around the eyes to reduce common wrinkles like crow’s feet, which form next to the eyes as a result of repetitive facial expressions. This treatment makes the skin around the eyes smoother and younger-looking.

Chemical peels stimulate skin cell turnover and remove damaged or dry skin cells to reduce wrinkles and make the surface appear more radiant.

Although Upneeq® is highly effective, remember that it provides a mild and temporary improvement. It should not be thought of as a replacement for an upper eyelid lift. Eyelid surgery can provide more lasting results than eye drops and can treat congenital ptosis that occurs at birth as a result of genetics in addition to acquired blepharoptosis. A brow lift is another surgical option that can "open up" the eyes by addressing sagging tissue.

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of Upneeq® in St. Louis, request a consultation at West County Plastic Surgery. Please call (314) 996-8800 to find out more.


If you have questions or would like to book a consultation with one of the surgeons at West County Plastic Surgery, please call (314) 996-8800.

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