What is Upneeq?
Do you find yourself uncomfortable with your drooping eyelids? Are you looking for a nonsurgical solution that can give your eyelids the lift that you desire?
UPNEEQ is a unique prescription eye drop that helps to improve the effects of acquired ptosis (also known as low-lying eyelids) or droopy eyelids commonly experienced due to aging. UPNEEQ is the only FDA-approved prescription eye drop that helps to comfortably open the eyes.
While the results you will see won’t rival the dramatic lift you would expect from an eyelid lift surgery, patients average just over 1 mm of lift in their upper eyelid, which can make a significant and noticeable difference. UPNEEQ should only be used once daily, and generally lasts at least 6 hours.
How Does it Work?
Each day, an UPNEEQ eye drop is inserted into the eyes. UPNEEQ’s active ingredient, a .1% oxymetazoline hydrochloride solution, causes the upper eyelid muscles to contract, tightening the area and promoting a subtle lifting effect. This allows the user to open their eyes wider, effectively turning back the years and giving them the range of eye visibility they once had.
If you’re using other eye drops, administer your UPNEEQ solution first, then wait at least 15 minutes before applying your normal drops.
Candidates for Upneeq?
As aforementioned, UPNEEQ is a great solution for those that have droopy eyelids or ptosis. The daily prescription solution can help to tighten the eyelid by stimulating the involuntary eyelid muscle, the Muller’s muscle, to contract.
It is important that, if interested, you disclose all medications and supplements to your doctor before taking UPNEEQ, to ensure that nothing you are currently taking will interfere or negatively interact with the daily prescription solution.
UPNEEQ may interfere with certain prescription medications such as:
- Cardiac glycosides
- Beta Blockers
- Anti-hypertensive medications
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
UPNEEQ may also affect blood pressure. If you have a heart disease or blood pressure issues, be sure to consult with an expert here at Southern Dermatology. If upon taking UPNEEQ you find you feel faint either at rest or when standing up, contact a doctor immediately.
Other candidates for UPNEEQ are those that have had Botox injections that have led to low-lying eyelids. Botox -induced ptosis can occur when Botox injected into the forehead travels downward to the eyelid muscle, causing the muscle to relax and leading to drooping.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Side effects are very minimal and in clinical trials were only found in an extremely small percentage of patients. Some, like irritation or inflammation, often are corrected within a few minutes of administration. However, other side effects included:
- blurred vision
- dry eyes
- eye redness
- headaches
- eye pain
If you experience any side effects, be sure to immediately consult your board-certified cosmetic surgeon.
Consultation
Reach out today and speak to one of our experts at Southeastern Dermatology. We can schedule a consultation, discuss your medical background, answer any questions you may have about UPNEEQ, and determine whether or not you may be a positive candidate for the daily prescription eye drops. Give us a call at (865) 474-8800 or request an appointment online
