If your upper eyelid seems to disappear into your crease or your eyes look tired—even when you’re fully rested—you may have hooded eyes. Hooded eyes are incredibly common and completely natural, but for many people, they affect everything from how makeup sits to how expressive the eyes appear.
At Qazi Cosmetic Center in Orange County, we see patients every week looking for ways to address this concern. The good news is, whether you’re bothered by makeup smudging, drooping lids, or visual obstruction, there are both surgical and non-surgical options to lift and define your eyes again.
Let’s break down what causes hooded eyes, how to tell if you have them, and what can actually help in 2025.
What Exactly Are Hooded Eyes?
Hooded eyes are characterized by excess skin or fat that folds down from the brow bone and partially or completely covers the natural crease of the eyelid. This can create the appearance of smaller or more deep-set eyes, and in more extreme cases, it can impair peripheral vision.
You can be born with hooded eyes (it's a genetic trait seen in all ethnicities), or they can develop gradually as you age and your skin loses elasticity. Lifestyle, gravity, and collagen loss all contribute.
Signs You May Have Hooded Eyes:
- Your upper eyelid is hidden under a fold of skin when your eyes are open
- Eyeshadow or eyeliner disappears into the crease
- Eyelids feel heavier or less defined
- You raise your eyebrows often to “open” your eyes
What Causes Hooded Eyes?
There are two main causes:
1. Genetics:
Many people inherit hooded eyes from a parent. This is particularly common among individuals of East Asian descent, but occurs in every racial background.
2. Aging:
As we age, the skin naturally loses collagen and elasticity. The muscles that hold the brow and eyelids taut can weaken over time, causing the upper lids to droop.
In either case, hooded eyes are not harmful—but many people seek cosmetic solutions when the shape starts to interfere with their confidence, makeup, or vision.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Hooded Eyes at Qazi Cosmetic Center
If you’re not ready for surgery, there are non-invasive treatments that can help lift and tighten the eye area.
1. Tox Brow Lift
Strategic injections of Botox (or Dysport) around the brows can relax the muscles that pull the brow downward, allowing the forehead muscles to naturally lift the brow arch. This gives the eyes a more open and refreshed appearance.
2. Radiofrequency Skin Tightening
These energy-based devices stimulate collagen production beneath the skin’s surface to firm and lift sagging tissue. They’re perfect for patients with mild to moderate hooding who want gradual, natural improvement.
3. Thread Lifts
Using dissolvable threads placed just under the skin, this treatment offers immediate lift to the brow and eyelid area with minimal downtime.
4. Laser Resurfacing (MicroLaser Peel, Erbium or CO2 Lasers)
Laser treatments can tighten eyelid skin and improve texture and firmness around the eyes. While not a substitute for surgery, they help reduce the appearance of hooding and fine lines.
Surgical Options: Upper Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift)
For moderate to severe cases, the gold standard treatment is an upper blepharoplasty—also known as an eyelid lift. This outpatient procedure is performed under local anesthesia and involves removing excess skin and fat from the upper eyelid.
Why Patients Choose Eyelid Surgery:
- Results are long-lasting (often 10+ years)
- Downtime is minimal (around 1 week)
- Scars are hidden in the eyelid crease
Dr. Qazi is known for his meticulous technique and natural-looking results. His approach avoids the “overdone” or hollowed-out look. Instead, he creates a refreshed version of your natural eye shape.
Can You Combine Treatments? Absolutely.
In many cases, we recommend combining procedures for optimal results. A Botox brow lift can complement blepharoplasty by enhancing the arch, while laser resurfacing post-surgery can improve skin quality and reduce fine lines.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
At Qazi Cosmetic Center, consultations are in-depth and highly customized. Dr. Qazi will:
- Examine your eyelid anatomy and brow position
- Discuss your concerns and desired outcome
- Recommend personalized surgical or non-surgical options
Virtual consultations are also available—perfect for out-of-state patients! Click here to self-schedule your consultation.
Traveling from Out of Town? We Make It Easy
Our patients come from all over the country. We’re just 5 minutes from John Wayne Airport, and our team can help you plan a same-day return visit if needed. Many of our eyelid lift patients travel in and fly back the same day or next morning.
Financing Options
Whether you’re opting for a non-invasive lift or surgical blepharoplasty, we make treatments affordable with:
- Cherry
- CareCredit
- Alpheon
- Affirm
Learn more at doctorqazi.com/pages/financing.
7 Things You Should Know About Hooded Eyes in 2025
- They’re more common than you think. Over 40% of adults over 40 experience some form of hooding.
- Makeup can only do so much. Many hooded-eye patients struggle with smudging, creasing, and loss of visibility of eyeshadow.
- Not all hooded eyes need surgery. Botox and non-surgical lifting can be effective for mild cases.
- Eyelid surgery is fast and safe. Most patients return to work within a week.
- You can lift without freezing. Dr. Qazi’s toxin placement enhances natural movement while lifting the brow.
- Laser resurfacing is a great adjunct. Especially for patients concerned about texture, crepiness, and fine lines around the eyes.
- Treatments are tailored to you. Everyone’s anatomy and goals are different. The best plan starts with a personalized consultation.
Confidence Comes in Many Forms
Hooded eyes are normal—and often beautiful. But if you feel like your eye shape holds you back from looking as awake, rested, or expressive as you feel inside, there are options.
From Botox to blepharoplasty, Dr. Qazi and our clinical team are here to help you explore safe, effective treatments with results that feel natural.
Call or text (949)-336-7293 or self-schedule a consultation here.
Want to feel refreshed this year? It might just start with your eyes.
