Upneeq is a prescription eyedrop taken once daily to lift the upper eyelids for patients with ptosis (low-lying lids). Also called blepharoptosis, the condition can make you look tired and interfere with your vision. Upneeq is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for this condition. ^[1] It is a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of your eyes and help you feel more confident when you greet the world. Patients who used Upneeq report feeling more alert and refreshed and say that their vision is better.

If you have ptosis and think you could benefit from a once-daily drop, call Gillian Institute. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kimberly Short can determine if you’re a good candidate for Upneeq. Patients in Northside Indianapolis can call (317) 913-3260, and in Downtown Indianapolis, call (317) 787-3260. Our offices serve patients from Noblesville and all over Indiana as well as out of state, and we frequently see patients from Chicago, Cinncinati, and Louisville. No matter where you’re located, we would be happy to help you schedule a consultation.

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How Does UPNEEQ Work?

Upneeq is an oxymetazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, which means it’s a medicated eye drop. The active ingredient in Upneeq, oxymetazoline, is a direct-acting alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist; this means it works by constricting blood vessels in the eye, which then decreases fluid leakage and lowers the pressure in the eye; this results in the lifting of your upper eyelid. ^[2]

In 2020, Upneeq became FDA-approved to treat ptosis in people aged 18 and older. Upneeq is used to improve the appearance of your upper eyelid temporarily; it is not a permanent solution. It may help aesthetically as well as functionally. The effects of Upneeq usually last for about 12 hours. You should not use it more than once every 24 hours.

Why Do My Eyelids Droop?

Ptosis is a condition in which your upper eyelid droops down from the edge of your eye, covering part of your pupil. Ptosis can happen to one or both eyes. It can occur at any age, but it is more common in older adults.

Ptosis can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on how much your eyelid droops. It can also be temporary or permanent.

Ptosis can happen for many reasons, including:

More serious causes of ptosis include tumors, stroke, and aneurysms, among others. If you feel your ptosis is caused by a life-threatening condition, like a stroke, seek medical attention immediately.

Ptosis can interfere with your vision by blocking your line of sight. It can also make you look tired or sleepy. In some cases, it can affect your self-esteem and quality of life. If you have ptosis and are looking for a way to improve your appearance, call the Gillian Institute today.

What are the Benefits of UPNEEQ?

The benefits of Upneeq include:

Upneeq is not a cure for ptosis, but it can temporarily improve the appearance of drooping eyelids without surgery.

Upneeq vs. Eyelid Lift

An eyelid lift, or blepharoplasty, is a type of surgery that is used to treat ptosis. It involves making an incision in the skin of your eyelid and removing excess skin, fat, and reinforcing the muscles. Eyelid lifts can be done on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both.

Eyelid lifts are usually done for cosmetic reasons. They can make you look younger and more alert. But they can also improve your vision if ptosis is interfering with your sight.

A surgical eyelid lift is an invasive treatment and requires recovery time. For patients with severe ptosis, this is typically a more appropriate solution, as it is also permanent. Dr. Short will be able to assess your degree of ptosis and recommend the best approach.

Candidates for Upneeq

Upneeq is for use in adults aged 18 and older. It’s not for use in children. If you have an eye infection, inflammation, or injury, you should find another treatment option.

To find out if you’re a candidate for Upneeq, call Gillian Institute. Patients in Northside Indianapolis can call (317) 913-3260, and in Downtown Indianapolis, call (317) 787-3260 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kimberly Short. We would be happy to help you determine if Upneeq is right for you!

Personal Consultation

During your consultation with Dr. Short, she will:

Dr. Short will also answer any questions you may have about Upneeq and any other cosmetic procedure she offers. She will evaluate your needs and goals to determine if Upneeq is the best treatment for you. If she determines that Upneeq is unsuitable, she will develop an alternative and individualized treatment plan to help you achieve your desired results.

Gillian Institute offers a variety of cosmetic treatments to help patients look and feel their best. To learn more about our services, schedule a consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!

How to Use Upneeq

Upneeq is easy to use. Simply place one drop in each affected eye once a day. Patients should not touch their eyes or eyelids until the drops have been absorbed. The best time to use Upneeq is about 30 minutes before you need the full effects of the medication.

If you are using Upneeq for the first time, be sure to test it on a small area of your skin, such as your forearm, to make sure you are not allergic to it. If you experience any redness, swelling, or other irritation, do not use Upneeq.

Avoid letting the Upneeq vial’s tip touch your eye or any other surface to prevent injury to your eye due to contamination. You should use each Upneeq vial one time only and discard it after use.

If you have any questions about how to use Upneeq, call The Gillian Institute. One of our helpful staff members will be happy to answer your questions.

When Will I See the Results of Upneeq?

The effects of Upneeq usually last for about 12 hours. You may see results as soon as 30 minutes after using the drops.

Side Effects & Precautions

The most common side effects of Upneeq are dryness, redness, and itching of the eyes. These effects usually go away within a few days or weeks.

Other possible side effects include:

If you experience any of these side effects, call Dr. Short so she can determine if you need to be seen in our office or if you can be treated over the phone.

Possible Medical Complications

When Drooping Eyelids are Cause for Concern

Low-lying eyelids are linked to stroke and/or brain aneurysm, Horner syndrome, myasthenia gravis, loss of eye muscle control, eye infection, and tumor growth in the eyes. If you have any of these issues, seek medical attention.

What are the Results of Upneeq?

Upneeq will create beautiful and natural-looking results. Your eyelids will open, bringing a bright and youthful appearance to your face. As you face the world, you will no longer be weighed down by droopy eyelids! With the ability to see clearly, you’ll navigate life with improved confidence.

See clearly, feel better, and live your best life with Upneeq!

To ensure optimal results, be sure to follow all instructions given to you by Dr. Short. You should also avoid rubbing your eyes, which can cause the medication to be less effective. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

Dr. Short offers a variety of other cosmetic treatments to help patients achieve their desired results. If you are interested in learning more about these procedures, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Short. During your consultation, she will discuss your goals for treatment and recommend the best course of action. Some of the corresponding and complementary procedures we offer for the face include

Additionally, Dr. Short offers a range of procedures for the body, including:

Gillian Institute is dedicated to helping patients achieve their cosmetic goals. To learn more about our services, call us at (317) 913-3260 for our Northside Indianapolis office or (317) 787-3260 for our Downtown Indianapolis office. We look forward to working with you!

How Much Does Upneeq Cost in Indiana?

The cost of your Upneeq prescription will be calculated at the time you checkout. The price will be based on the number of vials prescribed by Dr. Short, as well as your location.

References

1. Stewart J. Upneeq (oxymetazoline hydrochloride) FDA Approval History. Drugs.com. Published 2020. Accessed October 14, 2022. https://www.drugs.com/history/upneeq.html
2. Dean II JS, Reddivari AKR. Alpha 1 Receptor Agonists. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551698/