Hooded eyelids, where an extra layer of skin droops over the natural crease of the eyelid, is a common condition that can make eyes appear small, tired and aged. While genetics play a big role in hooded eyelids, the skin around the eyes tends to lose elasticity and sag more over time. For those seeking a refreshed, awake look, Tox injections are growing in popularity to provide a temporary eye lift. But how well does Tox work to lift hooded lids? And what should you know if considering this cosmetic treatment?
What Causes Hooded Eyelids?
Several factors can contribute to hooded eyelids, including:
- Genetics: Many people inherit a tendency for hooded lids that becomes more pronounced with age as tissues loosen. Ethnic backgrounds such as Asian and African American are more prone to having fuller, heavier upper lids.
- Aging: Over time, the muscles around the eyes weaken, skin loses collagen and elastin, and fat pockets can develop — all causing lid skin to descend more.
- Eye Problems: Issues like thyroid disease, nerve damage or weakened eye muscles can allow eyelid tissues to sag. Disorders producing fluid retention like allergies can also cause puffy hooding.
Can Tox Provide a Temporary Eye Lift?
Tox works by temporarily paralyzing muscles, allowing overlying skin to smooth out. When small amounts are strategically injected along the border of the upper eyelids, Tox can restrict muscle movement enough to lift hooded skin for several months. Results are not permanent, however, as nerves regenerate and reverse the effects. Repeat touch-up injections are needed to maintain results.
What to Expect with Tox Eyelid Lift Treatment
Getting Tox injections to lift hooded lids is a quick office procedure with little recovery. Your provider will likely carry out the following:
- Clean face around the eyes
- Carefully administer multiple tiny injections along upper lid borders
- Apply ice packs to ease swelling and tenderness
- Recommend over-the-counter pain relievers as needed
Improvements generally take around 7-10 days to fully develop as the Tox starts effectively paralyzing muscles. While results vary based on the severity of hooding and response to Tox, most can expect their eyelids to appear more open and lifted for 3-4 months on average before repeating treatment.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
When performed correctly by an experienced aesthetic provider, Tox eyelid injections are considered extremely safe with minimal risks. However, some potential temporary side effects include:
- Mild pain, swelling, bruising or redness around injection sites
- A “heavy” brow feeling as muscles weaken
- Excessive drooping of the upper eyelids or brows if too much is injected
- Dry eye feeling if lid closure is affected
In rare cases, the toxin can spread to nearby muscles causing distorted smiles or uneasy facial expressions. Thankfully, adverse effects are always temporary as the Tox gradually wears off. No serious lasting complications should occur when properly injected and doses aren’t excessive.
Is Tox Right for Your Hooded Lids?
While Tox can provide a simple, non-surgical eye lift for hooding, results still have limitations. People with very heavy, severely drooping lids often gain subtle improvements at best. Those with mild to moderate hooding tend to see the best outcome from Tox. Eyelid skin also continues to age despite paralysis, so a surgical blepharoplasty may become preferable long-term for some individuals.
Optimizing Tox Eyelid Lift Results
While injecting small doses of Tox along the lash lines can lift mild-to-moderate hooded eyelids, proper injection technique and aftercare can help maximize results. Your provider will likely use multiple strategic injections rather than a single dose to lift specific sections of drooping skin for a more natural look. They may also recommend gently massaging the eyelids afterward or using cool compresses to help disperse and settle the toxin. Avoid rubbing or stimulating the treated area for the first 24 hours. Proper aftercare helps the Tox settle evenly into tissues for optimal muscle paralysis and hooded skin lifting.
Combining Tox with Other Facial Rejuvenation Treatments
For optimal facial rejuvenation around the eyes, Tox eyelid lifting can be combined with other non-surgical treatments for better overall effects. For example, fillers like Restylane can add volume to sunken tear troughs or hollow under eye areas that can further contribute to the appearance of hooded eyelids. Resurfacing laser treatments can also improve the tone and texture of the delicate skin around the eyes. Your provider can recommend the best facial rejuvenation plan tailored your specific needs and level of hooding for maximum, balanced aesthetic results around the eyes.
Using purified botulinum toxin can offer moderate lifting benefits for hooded eyelids through temporarily restricting upper eyelid muscle movements. When choosing an experienced provider to carefully administer strategic injections, Tox presents a relatively safe, non-invasive treatment option. While results must be maintained with ongoing touch-ups, Tox allows you to avoid more invasive surgery if hooding is mild enough to achieve your desired aesthetic goals. Discuss personalized expectations with your aesthetic practitioner.