Upneeq® AT DERMACARE MEDICAL AESTHETICS

Prescription Eye Drops to Lift Droopy Eyelids

Eyelid ptosis (eyelid drooping, also called blepharoptosis) occurs when the eyelid tissues become weak and loose. The term acquired blepharoptosis refers specifically to drooping of the upper eyelids from weakened muscles that cause low-lying eyelids.

Acquired ptosis can develop over time due to natural aging. It can occur faster and more dramatically in some people due to previous cataract surgery, wearing hard contact lenses and certain neurological conditions like eye movement disorders. Acquired ptosis can make patients look constantly tired or upset. Sometimes, eyelid drooping is so significant that the tissue hangs over and physically blocks a patient’s full range of view.

If you have difficulties lifting your eyelids and notice your eyes looking tired, contact Dermacare to see if you can benefit from an FDA-approved prescription eye drop formula called Upneeq.

What Is Upneeq® Used For?

Upneeq contains oxymetazoline hydrochloride and is used to correct upper eyelid sagging due to acquired blepharoptosis. This medication is categorized as an alpha-adrenergic agonist because it attaches to muscle receptors and causes them to contract and the blood vessels to constrict. This process results in tighter, shorter eyelid muscles and a correction of droopy upper eyelids that provides an eye-opening lift.

Is Upneeq® Prescription Only?

Yes, Upneeq is a prescription medication. This means you must meet with Dr. Birchall at a Dermacare location in Rancho Bernardo, Carlsbad, or San Juan Capistrano for an evaluation before you can purchase Upneeq from us.

A consultation with the doctor is needed to determine that you have low-lying eyelids and that your acquired ptosis is not a sign of a more serious condition. Dr. Birchall will evaluate your medical history, eyelid condition, symptoms and various other factors to determine if Upneeq is the best and safest treatment for your eyelid ptosis.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Upneeq®?

Upneeq candidates have sagging upper eyelids caused by loose or weakened eyelid muscles. Candidates are also over the age of 13 and not allergic to any of the ingredients in Upneeq.

Who Should Not Use Upneeq®?

Those with drooping eyelids caused by excess skin will not benefit from Upneeq, as it only tightens the muscles.

Patients with specific conditions, like being pregnant or breastfeeding, or who are taking certain medications should have a discussion with their doctor about how Upneeq might affect them. Be sure to tell your provider about any existing medical issues you have and if you are taking medications for any of the following conditions:

Heart disease
Heart arrhythmia
High blood pressure
Depression
Enlarged prostate

How Do I Administer Upneeq®?

Upneeq is an at-home medication you can administer yourself. You’ll cut open the foil wrapper around the single-use vial and place one drop of Upneeq in each eye. Take care to avoid touching the dropper tip to any surroundings or your eyeball to prevent contamination or injury. The single-use container should be thrown away once you’ve put in your drops, as each vial only contains enough solution for a drop in each eye.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying the Upneeq eye drops and wait 15 minutes before putting them back in. Other eye drops or eye medications should be used at least 15 minutes prior to or after Upneeq.

Can I Use Upneeq® Every Day?

Yes, Upneeq is designed to be administered once per day. Most patients use Upneeq at the beginning of their day.

How Long Does Upneeq® Take to Work?

The results of Upneeq generally become visible within 15 minutes of applying the drops, but it can take up to two hours for some patients to experience a noticeable lift in their eyelids.

How Much Does Upneeq® Lift the Eyelids?

Clinical trials demonstrated an average upper eyelid lift of one millimeter with Upneeq. This lift provided significant improvement in the appearance of patients’ eyes and an increased field of vision.

Is Upneeq® Permanent?

Upneeq is a daily medication that clinical studies show provides results for at least six hours with each application. With regular use, you may notice a reduction in eyelid ptosis over time and longer-lasting results of eight to 10 hours with each application.

What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Upneeq®?

Side effects with Upneeq are rare, and if patients do experience them, they are generally mild and don’t last very long.

Potential Upneeq side effects include:

Headaches
Eye redness and inflammation
Irritated eyes
Dry eyes
Blurred vision

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the above effects for over an hour. If you have heart disease or uncontrolled high or low blood pressure and feel dizzy or faint when using Upneeq, reach out to your physician immediately. If you have untreated narrow-angle glaucoma, Upneeq may increase the risk of fluid buildup that causes eye pressure.

Learn More About the Non-surgical Eyelid Lift Achieved With Upneeq®

If you’re bothered by drooping upper eyelids that impair your vision or create a perpetually tired appearance, Upneeq might be right for you. Please call or text us at any of our 4 locations:

Rancho Bernardo: (858) 487-3376
Carlsbad: (760) 448-8100
San Juan Capistrano: (949) 658-2080
Encinitas: (760) 487-2520

*Disclaimer - Individual results may vary.