In the past few years, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) has emerged as the country’s second most-performed invasive plastic surgery, according to the latest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. People turn to the surgery to correct various age- and genetic-related skin issues around the eyes, including blepharoptosis, the medical term for drooping eyelids. Some people are born with the condition, but many more develop it as they age, which is commonly referred to as acquired ptosis.” While primarily an aesthetic concern, acquired ptosis can cause vision issues if the drooping lids descend too low.

If your eyes constantly appear tired or sleepy, your eyelids noticeably droop, or your ptosis hinders your vision, you might have considered eyelid surgery. However, the aestheticians at Southwest Florida’s Tru Glō Medspa are pleased to inform you that there is an alternative. The FDA recently approved the first and only prescription eyedrops to treat acquired ptosis. Read on to learn more about this non-invasive, once-a-day treatment, and then book an appointment with our Naples, Florida, medical spa to get your prescription.

Introducing Upneeq^®

RVL Pharmaceuticals specifically developed Upneeq® as a non-invasive treatment for drooping eyelids, a condition impacting millions of Americans as they age. Upneeq® is formulated with oxymetazoline hydrochloride, a primary ingredient in decongestant nasal sprays. As a decongestant, the chemical stimulates the contraction of the blood vessels. Developed as an ophthalmic solution in Upneeq®, it works by activating receptors in a circular band of muscles connected to the eyelids, which causes the upper eyelids to contract and elevate.

In clinical trials used to gain FDA clearance, patients’ eyelids lifted by an average of one millimeter, and those dosed experienced three times the improvement of their visual field over those dosed with a placebo. Most patients noticed results within two hours of their first dose, with some experiencing lifting within five minutes. At least half the patients saw enhancements from their initial results after two more weeks of subsequent daily drops.

Are You a Good Candidate for Upneeq^®?

You may be a good candidate for Upneeq® if you have mild, moderate, or severe acquired ptosis and are not taking specific prescription medicines that can interfere with Upneeq’s® receptor activation: These include:

• Anti-hypertensive drugs
• Beta-blockers
• Cardiac glycosides
• Monoamine oxide inhibitors

Upneeq® is effective for treating Botox-induced droopy eyelids, a temporary form of ptosis caused by the inadvertent migration of the muscle relaxant into the eyelid muscles. This form of ptosis tends to only last a month or so, and Upneeq® provides a perfect interim solution. Upneeq® cannot treat genetic-related ptosis that has caused droopy eyelids since birth. Certain neurological conditions and eye issues—such as stroke, Horner syndrome, orbital infection, and external ophthalmoplegia—can also cause ptosis, which Upneeq® may not be able to treat.

Patients can use Upneeq® with contact lenses and other eye drops but should wait at least 15 minutes after taking their daily dose before using other drops or inserting contact lenses. Upneeq® should only be used once a day and not be used to address any other eye issues, such as redeye or dry eye.

To determine whether you are a good candidate for Upneeq®, RVL Pharmaceuticals offers a preliminary self-assessment on its website.

Schedule Your Upneeq^® Appointment with Naples-Based Tru Glō Medspa

If you would like to learn more about how Upneeq® can help raise your eyelids and reduce the appearance of your tired-looking eyes, one of our aestheticians would be glad to consult with you. To schedule a consultation and assessment of your eyes, contact our Naples, Florida-based medical spa through our website’s contact page or by calling 239-919-7009.