5 minute read

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and felt like your eyes looked tired, heavy, or less open than they used to, you’re not alone. Droopy upper eyelids are a common concern, especially as we age. While surgery has traditionally been the primary treatment option, there’s now a non-surgical alternative that may help some people achieve a more refreshed appearance.

Upneeq is a prescription eye drop designed to temporarily lift low-lying upper eyelids. It’s the first and only FDA-approved prescription eye drop for acquired ptosis, a condition that causes the upper eyelid to droop.

In this guide, we’ll explain what Upneeq is, how it works, who may benefit from it, and what to expect if you’re considering treatment.

What Is Upneeq?

Upneeq is a prescription eye drop containing oxymetazoline hydrochloride 0.1%. It was approved by the FDA in 2020 for the treatment of acquired blepharoptosis, more commonly known as acquired ptosis or droopy upper eyelids.

Unlike surgery, Upneeq does not permanently change the eyelid. Instead, it temporarily stimulates a small muscle in the upper eyelid called Müller’s muscle, helping the eyelid lift slightly and making the eyes appear more open and awake.

For many patients, even a small amount of lift can make a noticeable difference in appearance.

How Does Upneeq Work?

The active ingredient in Upneeq activates receptors within Müller’s muscle, which helps elevate the upper eyelid. As the muscle contracts, the eyelid lifts, creating a more open appearance and, in some cases, improving the upper field of vision.

Results can begin in as little as 5 minutes for some patients, though most people notice improvement within a few hours. The effects typically last between 6 and 8 hours. After using the product for a little while you’ll know how quickly it takes effect and how long it works for you, making the timing of application easier.

You can view some official Upneeq before and after pictures and see how effective it is.

How Long Has Upneeq Been Approved?

The FDA approved Upneeq in July 2020 for adults with acquired ptosis. However, since its approval, it has become a popular option for patients seeking a non-surgical way to address mild to moderate eyelid drooping. Upneeq is a safe and effective treatment that is widely used and often considered an alternative for surgical procedures used for “droopy” or heavy lids”

Who Is Upneeq For?

Upneeq may be a good option for adults who:

• Have mild to moderate drooping of the upper eyelids
• Feel their eyes look tired or less open than they used to
• Want a non-surgical treatment option
• Are not ready for eyelid surgery
• Want temporary improvement without downtime

Many patients use Upneeq for work, social events, photographs, presentations, or simply as part of their daily routine.

Who Should Not Use Upneeq?

Just like any treatment, Upneeq is not right for everyone. You should speak with a qualified medical provider before using Upneeq if you:

• Have uncontrolled high or low blood pressure
• Have certain cardiovascular conditions
• Have reduced blood flow to the brain or heart
• Have Sjögren’s syndrome
• Have unexplained eyelid drooping that has not been medically evaluated
• Are experiencing sudden eyelid drooping or other neurological symptoms

Because droopy eyelids can occasionally be a sign of an underlying neurological or medical condition, it is important to have a proper evaluation before starting treatment.

Is Upneeq Safe?

For most healthy adults with acquired ptosis, Upneeq has been shown to be safe when used as directed. Like any prescription medication, however, it may cause side effects.

Some of the more commonly reported side effects include:

• Eye irritation
• Dry eyes
• Mild redness
• Temporary blurred vision
• Headache
• Mild discomfort after application

A licensed provider of Upneeq can determine if it is appropriate for your individual health history, just make sure you disclose your history and any medications you may take.

How Do You Get Upneeq?

Upneeq is a prescription medication, so it cannot be purchased over the counter.

To obtain Upneeq, you’ll need an evaluation with a qualified healthcare provider. During your consultation, your provider will determine whether your eyelid concerns are caused by acquired ptosis and whether Upneeq is an appropriate treatment option.

How Do You Use Upneeq?

Upneeq is designed to be simple to use.

The recommended dosage is:

• One drop in the affected eye (or eyes)
• Once daily
• Using the single-use container provided with the prescription

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying Upneeq and wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them. You will be given instructions on how to use it when you’re given the prescriptions. Be sure to follow them carefully and always ask questions if you feel uncertain.

Can You Use Upneeq Every Day?

Yes. Upneeq is approved for once-daily use and can be used as part of a daily routine when prescribed by your provider.

Some patients use it every day, while others choose to use it only on certain occasions when they want their eyes to appear more open and refreshed.

Always follow your provider’s recommendations regarding long-term use.

How Long Does Upneeq Last?

Upneeq is not a permanent treatment. In other words, you have to reapply it daily to get the effect again. Clinical studies found that the lifting effect generally lasts between 6 and 8 hours after application.

Many patients find that one morning application provides improvement throughout most of the day.

Do You Need to Avoid the Sun?

No special sun restrictions are required when using Upneeq.

You do not need to stay indoors, avoid sunlight, or wear sunglasses because of the medication itself. However, wearing sunglasses is always a good idea to protect your eyes from UV exposure and reduce squinting, especially in Arizona’s bright sunshine.

If you experience eye irritation, redness, or unusual sensitivity to light, contact your healthcare provider.

Why Are People Using Upneeq?

Patients choose Upneeq for a variety of reasons, including:

• Looking more awake and refreshed
• Opening the eyes without surgery
• Improving confidence in photos or professional settings
• Enhancing the appearance of the upper eyelids
• Temporarily improving the visual field when drooping eyelids interfere with vision

Many people appreciate that treatment takes only seconds each day and requires no recovery time. This makes it a much simpler alternative to other treatments, like blepharoplasty for example.

Are There Alternatives to Upneeq?

It really depends on the cause and severity of your eyelid drooping. Some people use Upneeq because of ptosis or blepharoplasty. This is usually treated with surgery otherwise.

Botox does not treat ptosis directly, it can sometimes create a subtle brow lift that may improve the appearance of heavy upper eyelids. It takes a skilled practitioner to use Botox or similar neurotoxin in this manor, however, so this is not truly an alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions about Upneeq

Many people are surprised there is an eyedrop that can actually create a more lifted, open-eyed look. That leads to many questions, some of which we have included here.

Is Upneeq permanent?

No. Upneeq provides temporary lifting of the upper eyelids. The effects generally last 6 to 8 hours.

How quickly does Upneeq work?

Some patients notice results within 5 to 15 minutes, while others may take a couple hours to take full effect..

Can I use Upneeq twice a day?

No. The recommended dosage is one drop once daily. Using more than directed has not been shown to improve results.

Can I wear contact lenses with Upneeq?

Yes. Remove your contacts before applying the drops and wait at least 15 minutes before putting them back in.

Will Upneeq replace eyelid surgery?

Not necessarily. Upneeq is a temporary, non-surgical option. Patients with significant eyelid drooping may still be better candidates for surgical correction.

Does Upneeq make your eyes look bigger?

It doesn’t change the size of your eyes, but by lifting the upper eyelid it can create a more open, awake appearance.

Is Upneeq covered by insurance?

Coverage varies. Because many patients use Upneeq for cosmetic reasons, insurance coverage may be limited. Our team can help you understand your options during a consultation.

Interested in Learning Whether Upneeq Is Right for You?

The best way to determine whether Upneeq is a good fit is through a personalized consultation. If you’re in or near Prescott, Arizona, give us a call at (928)277-7414 and we’ll be happy to talk with you about Upneeq as an option for  achieving a brighter, more refreshed appearance.