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Upneeq

RESTORE MORE YOUTHFUL, AWAKE EYES WITH DROPS IN WESTFIELD, NJ

Droopy upper eyelids—a condition known eyelid ptosis, blepharoptosis, or "sleepy eyelids"—is a condition that affects many adults. Traditionally, the only ways of getting a more "awake" appearance were by trying makeup tricks, using eyelash curlers, or having plastic surgery. Burnett Plastic Surgery also offers Upneeq for NJ patients.

Upneeq, available as of 2022, is the only FDA-approved prescription eyedrop that opens up and brightens the eyes by elevating the eyelids. This gives the open eyes a wider look. The innovative, non-invasive treatment is proven to deliver an "eyelid lift"-type effect straight out of the bottle.

WHAT CAUSES LOW-LYING EYELIDS (BLEPHAROPTOSIS)?

Drooping eyelids may be present at birth or can be acquired, meaning they develop over time as a result of aging. Genetics, eye surgery, certain underlying medical conditions, and even injectable neuromodulators may contribute to the problem.

Acquired ptosis is an often overlooked and undiagnosed condition that causes detachment of the eyelid muscle as a result of aging and is very common after the age of 40. Sometimes, younger patients may experience ptosis, which is believed to be a consequence of muscle strain from constantly staring at screens. The levator muscle of the eyelid atrophies and weakens with overuse, eventually becoming lowered and unable to return to its elevated resting position.

Heavy eyelids can cause you to look tired or make your eyes appear smaller. However, drooping eyelids are more than just a cosmetic issue that affects the appearance of the face. They may also bother patients from a functional standpoint, because they can lead to vision impairment.

The breakthrough Upneeq treatment may be the most effective non-surgical method of correcting acquired ptosis.

UPNEEQ BASICS

Upneeq is a prescription-only medicine for the eyelids that works in a similar way to how Latisse^® boosts lashes. The primary active ingredient is a vasoconstrictor, which is a drug that causes blood vessels to constrict so that blood flow is blocked. Called 0.1 percent oxymetazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, it stimulates receptors on the eyelid's muscles. This has the effect of causing one of the muscles that's responsible for opening the eyelid—called the Müller's muscle—to contract.

The result? The eyelid's muscles are elevated by between one to three millimeters, which gives the patient a more "wide awake" appearance. By constricting the blood vessels, Upneeq also makes the whites of the eyes look naturally whiter, so it’s an ideal solution for chronic "tired eyes."

The oxymetazoline hydrochloride is a less concentrated version of the same ingredient that has been used safely in nasal decongestants for decades. The risk of side effects from Upneeq is extremely low. In rare cases, some patients do experience some minor irritation, dryness, redness, and sensitivity.

Only one drop of the medicine per day on the affected eye is needed to make a noticeable difference.

WHO IS AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR UPNEEQ?

Adults with mild ptosis of the eyelids may be good candidates for Upneeq, as long as they aren’t taking certain medications that may interfere with it. Upneeq can be ideal for those who aren’t ready to have a surgical eyelid lift, but do want a temporary solution.

TIPS FOR GETTING THE BEST RESULTS WITH UPNEEQ

Upneeq should be inserted once each day as prescribed with one drop added to each eye. The Burnett Plastic Surgery team will work with you to determine how long you should use this medication, as well as provide other recommendations. Be sure to discuss any other medications or eye drops you are using to find out whether it will be safe to use them with Upneeq.

HOW LONG DO UPNEEQ RESULTS LAST?

Patients will begin to notice improvements after just a few minutes. The full results from Upneeq are typically seen within two hours, and the effects last for around six to eight hours on average.

WHAT ARE SOME COMPLEMENTARY OR ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS TO UPNEEQ?

Burnett Plastic Surgery also provides Latisse^®, a non-invasive cosmetic medication that produces longer, darker, and more volumized lashes. Fuller lashes pair very well with more alert-looking eyes.

BOTOX^® is an injectable wrinkle relaxer that reduces the muscle contractions that contribute to wrinkles. It can soften common types of wrinkles around the eyes, including crow’s feet and frown lines (11s) between the eyebrows.

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure for correcting drooping eyelids for cosmetic or medical reasons. It involves making changes to the skin, fat, or muscles of the eyelid. Although surgery may be required for more severe cases of ptosis, and the procedure provides lasting results, Upneeq can be ideal for someone who only wishes to address slight drooping