Hooded eyelids occur when excess skin from the upper eyelid and forehead eyebrow folds over the natural crease, reducing the visible eyelid and creating a heavier appearance around the eyes. For some people, this change is subtle, while for others it becomes more pronounced over time, affecting facial balance and, in certain cases, vision.
At British Face Clinic, we provide specialist assessment and hooded eyelid surgery in London, Milton Keynes and Northampton. Treatment is focused on precision, proportion and restoring clarity to the upper eyelids without altering the natural character of the face.
What Are Hooded Eyelids?
Hooded eyelids describe a condition where the fore head/eyebrow skin and upper eyelid skin loses firmness and drapes over the eyelid crease. This reduces eyelid definition and can make the eyes appear smaller, heavier or less open, even when fully alert.
Unlike temporary swelling or tiredness, hooded eyelids are structural. They develop due to changes in the skin, soft tissue and underlying support of the eyebrow and eyelid, or as a result of inherited eyelid anatomy.
Hooded eyelid surgery removes excess upper eyelid skin to restore eyelid definition and improve the openness of the eyes.
What Our Patients Have to Say
What Causes Hooded Eyelids?
Hooded eyelids usually develop due to a combination of structural and age-related changes around the upper eyelid. These changes affect how the skin sits over the eyelid crease and how much of the upper lid remains visible when the eyes are open.
- Natural ageing: Gradual loss of skin elasticity allows excess upper eyelid skin to form
- Genetic eyelid shape: Some individuals are predisposed to eyelid hooding due to inherited anatomy
- Skin laxity: Thinning skin becomes less able to maintain definition against gravity
- Facial anatomy: Brow position and eyelid structure depend on underlying skull bone shape and influence how skin settles over the eye
When Should You Consider
Hooded Eyelids Treatment?
Hooded eyelids treatment may be worth considering when excess upper eyelid skin begins to affect appearance, comfort or day-to-day function. As eyelid hooding progresses, the upper eyelids can appear heavier, eyelid definition may be lost, and the eyes may look less open or alert, particularly in photographs.
In more advanced cases, sagging upper eyelids can encroach on the upper or outer field of vision, introducing a functional concern alongside the aesthetic change. When eyelid hooding is caused by true skin excess rather than temporary swelling or fatigue, hooded eyelid surgery can provide a more reliable and longer-lasting solution than non-surgical approaches.
How Hooded Eyelids Are Assessed
Careful evaluation is central to achieving a natural and balanced result. During your consultation, we assess the amount of degree of eyebrow and fore head descent, excess upper eyelid skin, eyelid symmetry, crease position, fat protrusion or hollowing and overall facial proportions. This detailed assessment ensures that surgery is recommended only when appropriate and planned accurately to avoid overcorrection or unnatural outcomes.
Hooded eyelids can create a heavier appearance around the eyes, particularly when upper eyelid skin folds over the natural crease.
How We Treat Hooded Eyelids
Treatment at British Face Clinic is focused, precise and anatomy-led. The goal is to restore eyelid definition and openness while preserving natural expression.
Eyebrow Repositioning/Fore head lift
In a significant proportion of patients, excess upper eyelid skin is primarily due to drooping forehead and eyebrow skin. At BFC, Mr Supriya offers a range of surgical procedures e.g. Endoscopic eyebrow lift, Direct Eyebrow lift, Temporal lift;tailored to specific requirements of our patients. In many cases, this is combined with Upper Blepharoplasty and can be done under local anaesthetics, sedation or under general anaesthetic as per patient’s choice and medical fitness.
Upper Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Reduction Surgery)
Upper blepharoplasty is the definitive treatment for hooded eyelids caused by excess upper eyelid skin. During this procedure, surplus skin is carefully removed to re-establish a clear eyelid crease and improve the openness of the eyes. If required, protruding fat pad is trimmed and in some cases excess muscle removed.Hooded eyelid surgery is planned with close attention to symmetry and proportion, resulting in a smoother, more defined upper eyelid contour with long-lasting improvement.
Personalised Treatment Planning
Every face is different, and eyelid surgery should never follow a standardised approach. Treatment planning is tailored to your anatomy, the degree of eyelid hooding and your overall facial structure. This personalised approach allows for consistent, refined outcomes while avoiding unnecessary intervention or over-treatment.
Meet Mr Mrinal Supriya
FRCS (OTOL-HNS), MRCS Ed, DO-HNS, MS in ENT, MBBS
Mr Mrinal Supriya is the Divisional Director of Surgery. He is highly experienced Head and Neck Surgeon, specialising in facial cosmetic surgery. He is the Divisional Director for Surgery at NGH in Northamptonshire and works as an ENT Consultant.
Mr Supriya is also the lead head and neck robotic surgeon at the University Hospital of Northamptonshire (2023). Previously, he held consultant positions at St. George’s University Hospital, London and Ninewells University Hospital, Dundee.
Mr Supriya has extensive experience in top hospitals around the world, including the UK, Australia and the USA. He has trained with Dr. Andrew Jacono, one of the top facelift surgeons in the USA. Mr Supriya is among the 30 surgeons certified by the Royal College of Surgeons to provide facial cosmetic surgery in the UK (2022).
Why Choose British Face Clinic
for Hooded Eyelids Treatment?
Choosing the right clinic is essential when considering hooded eyelid surgery, as outcomes depend heavily on surgical judgement, anatomical understanding and restraint. At British Face Clinic, treatment is focused on achieving balanced, natural results through consultant-led care.
- Facial focus only: The clinic is dedicated exclusively to surgery of the face and neck
- Consultant-led care: Assessment, surgery and follow-up are all provided by the same surgeon
- Natural results: Treatment is planned to restore eyelid definition without altering identity
- Clear guidance: Honest advice and transparent planning at every stage
- Trusted expertise: Extensive experience across private and NHS facial surgery
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you are considering hooded eyelid surgery in London, Milton Keynes or Northampton, booking a consultation is the best way to understand your options. A detailed assessment allows you to discuss your concerns, ask questions and receive clear guidance on whether treatment is suitable for you.
Patient Stories
It’s embarrassing looking tired at work, and social events aren’t so fun when your confidence and self-esteem are lacking. You’ve neglected yourself and feel inadequate compared to all the beautiful people around you. You deserve some self-love.
Take your first step and step into a more beautiful you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes hooded eyelids?
Hooded eyelids develop due to a combination of skin laxity, genetic eyelid shape and age-related changes in the upper eyelid. Over time, excess upper eyelid skin can fold over the eyelid crease and reduce visible lid space.
How do you fix hooded eyelids?
The most reliable way to fix hooded eyelids caused by excess skin is upper blepharoplasty surgery, many times combined with eyebrow repositioning. This procedure removes surplus upper eyelid skin and restores a clearer, more defined eyelid contour.
Is hooded eyelid surgery permanent?
Hooded eyelid surgery provides long-lasting improvement by removing excess skin from the upper eyelids. While ageing continues, results are typically maintained for many years.
Can hooded eyelids affect vision?
In more advanced cases, hooded eyelids can interfere with the upper or outer field of vision. This happens when sagging upper eyelid skin obstructs part of the visual field.
When should you consider hooded eyelid surgery?
You may consider hooded eyelid surgery when excess upper eyelid skin affects appearance, comfort or vision. A consultation helps determine whether surgery is appropriate based on anatomy rather than temporary swelling or fatigue.
What is the recovery time after hooded eyelid surgery?
Most patients return to normal daily activities within one to two weeks following hooded eyelid surgery. Swelling and bruising continue to settle gradually over several weeks.
What is the difference between hooded eyelids and droopy eyelids?
Hooded eyelids are caused by excess skin folding over the eyelid crease, while droopy eyelids relate to weakness of the muscle that lifts the eyelid. Correct diagnosis is important, as the treatments for each condition are different.
Am I suitable for hooded eyelid surgery?
Suitability for hooded eyelid surgery depends on the amount of excess skin, eyelid anatomy and overall eye health. A specialist assessment is essential to determine whether surgery is the most appropriate option.
Our Locations
- London City
The Wellington Hospital, 15 – 17 Lodge Road
London NW8 7JA
- London City
98 Harley Street
London, W1G 7HZ
- Milton Keynes
Athena Surgical Centre
16 Davy Avenue, Knowlhill
Milton Keynes, MK5 8PL
- Northampton
The Three Shires Hospital
The Avenue
Northampton. NN1 5DR
London City
The Wellington Hospital
15 – 17 Lodge Road
London NW8 7JA
London City
98 Harley Street
London, W1G 7HZ
Milton Keynes
Athena Surgical Centre
16 Davy Avenue, Knowlhill
Milton Keynes, MK5 8PL
Northampton
The Three Shires Hospital
The Avenue
Northampton. NN1 5DR
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