UPNEEQ®

Watch “Get Started with Upneeq®” on YouTube

Rx Eye Drops for an Instant Eyelid Lift

Do you have low-lying eyelids that make you appear tired or older than you are? Do your lids sometimes feel heavy and impair your vision? 

Ptosis is the medical term for sagging, and eyelid ptosis (also known as blepharoptosis) often leads to eyelids that hang and cause the eyes to close partially. This condition results from the muscles around the eyelids stretching, which can be caused by aging, wearing contacts, an underlying medical condition and various other factors. 

Dr. Ting and our certified providers at California Dermatology Care offer Upneeq, the first and only FDA-approved eye drop medication indicated for treating eyelid ptosis. 

WHAT IS UPNEEQ®?

Upneeq is a prescription eye drop formula for adults that lifts the upper eyelids. The 0.1 percent oxymetazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic solution can correct laxity in the eyelids to open your eyes and create a more alert, youthful appearance. 

HOW DOES UPNEEQ® WORK?

Upneeq is a type of drug known as an alpha agonist, which binds to receptors in the muscle to induce contraction and vasoconstriction. In this way, the ingredients in Upneeq shorten and tighten the eyelid muscles.

HOW MUCH OF AN EYELID LIFT DOES UPNEEQ® ACHIEVE?

In clinical Upneeq trials, the average improvement achieved in the upper eyelid was a one millimeter lift. While subtle, this amount of lift is adequate to provide more open eyes for a brighter, fresher look and an improved range of vision. 

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR UPNEEQ®?

If you experience low-lying lids and do not want to undergo a surgical eyelid lift procedure, you may benefit from Upneeq. This medication is for patients over 13 years old. You may be a candidate if your entire eyelid is resting lower than desired but you do not have excess skin hanging over your eyelids. You can also benefit from Upneeq if you have one eyelid that lies lower than the other and creates a “lazy eyelid” appearance. 

WHO IS NOT AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR UPNEEQ®?

Do not use Upneeq if you are allergic to any of the active or inactive ingredients. Tell your provider at California Dermatology Care if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking beta-blockers or medications for depression, hypertension, an abnormal heartbeat, heart disease or an enlarged prostate. In these cases, we can discuss the benefits and risks of Upneeq and help you determine if it’s the right medication for you.

At your consultation, Dr. Ting or one of our expert providers will evaluate you and your medical history to see if you are a good candidate for Upneeq. Text or call us at 925-328-0255 to schedule your personal consultation today.

HOW IS UPNEEQ® ADMINISTERED?

Upneeq is a prescription medication you take home and administer yourself once per day. It comes in single-use vials. 

When you’re ready, open the vial and place one drop in each eye. To do so, lean your head back slightly and look upward. Using your non-dominant hand, gently pull down on your lower eyelid to create space between your eyeball and lid. Add the drop of Upneeq from the vial using your dominant hand. While doing this, be careful not to touch the tip of the dropper to your eye or any other surface to avoid contamination or injuring your eye. Dispose of the single-use container after you’re done. 

If you use another type of eye drop or eye medication, don’t use it for 15 minutes before or after Upneeq. Allow several minutes for your vision to clear before you drive or operate heavy machinery.

CAN I USE UPNEEQ® IF I WEAR CONTACT LENSES?

Yes, you can experience the benefits of Upneeq if you wear contacts. Simply remove them before doing your eye drops. You can put them back in 15 minutes after using Upneeq.

WHEN WILL I SEE MY UPNEEQ® RESULTS?

Upneeq has been shown to significantly lift eyelids in as little as two hours after the drops are administered. Some patients see results within minutes.

HOW LONG DO THE RESULTS OF UPNEEQ® LAST?

This eye drop medication causes contraction of the eyelid muscle for about six hours initially. With regular daily use, results can last eight to 10 hours.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS WITH UPNEEQ®?

Potential Upneeq side effects include, but are not limited to, the following: 

  • Eye redness
  • Eye inflammation
  • Eye irritation
  • Dry eyes
  • Blurred vision
  • Headache

Most people do not experience severe side effects from Upneeq. If you experience any of these side effects for more than an hour, reach out to your doctor. Upneeq may affect your blood pressure. If you have uncontrolled low or high blood pressure or heart disease, contact your doctor immediately if you feel faint or dizzy when at rest or after standing up quickly. 

SHOULD I USE UPNEEQ®, OR DO I NEED EYELID SURGERY?

If you have low-lying lids without loose skin and tissue drooping over your eyelids, you may be best suited for Upneeq eye drops. If the cause of your low-lying lids is excess skin, loose muscles and displaced fat that cause eyelid sagging and bags around your eyes, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) may provide better results. Upneeq can achieve a one millimeter lift, whereas eyelid surgery can achieve a five or six millimeter lift. 

CAN I COMBINE OTHER TREATMENTS WITH UPNEEQ®?

If you’re interested in Upneeq and another cosmetic procedure, you can visit California Dermatology Care to learn about all of your options. Our medical spa offers a vast range of non-surgical cosmetic treatments, including microneedling, laser resurfacing, injectable fillers, QWO cellulite reduction and much more. We also provide dermatology and women’s health services. 

During your consultation, we can determine the ideal procedure combinations to meet your goals. 

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT UPNEEQ® FOR LOW EYELIDS?

For qualifying patients, we offer prescription Upneeq at our offices in Hercules, San Ramon and Livermore. Schedule your consultation and learn more about this innovative medication by calling or texting us at 925-328-0255.