These Eye Drops Gave Me a Lid Lift in Minutes (2024)

These Eye Drops Gave Me a Lid Lift in Minutes (1)

I have hooded eyes, and while I'd consider myself to be confident in my appearance, that's one body part I wish I could change. My options for eye makeup tend to be limiting, as lots of looks end up being hidden behind my eyelids. Plus, while I'm all for cosmetic procedures and surgeries, I don't think I'd ever go under the knife for my eyes, which is why I was instantly intrigued when I heard about the treatment Upneeq.

Upneeq ($199, by prescription only) is an FDA-approved prescription eye drop meant to treat ptosis, also known as low-lying or drooping lids, with just a few droplets. I've heard people claim it was like a nonsurgical eyelid lift, which sounded like it was made for me. So I decided to try it via Ro.co, a platform that offers access to healthcare professionals virtually versus going in to see an eye doctor. After answering a few questions online and speaking with a doctor, my prescription arrived in the mail just a few days later.

If you're curious to see my results, keep reading to learn all about my experience and see my before-and-after photos.

About Upneeq Eye Drops

  • The exact ingredients in Upneeq are oxymetazoline (which is what treats ptosis or drooping) and hydrochloride (to treat redness).
  • The brand says results can be seen in just five minutes after application and can last for six to eight hours.
  • Prescriptions account for a 30-day supply with 30 vials.

What I Like About Upneeq Eye Drops

Upneeq is a great alternative for those who don't want to get surgery for their drooping eyelids, and while mine aren't too noticeable, I love the subtle lift Upneeq gave me. My eyes looked a tad bit bigger, and after taking before-and-after photos, I realized the difference was small but mighty. If you pay attention to the areas above the crease in my eyes, they look more lifted and plump.

I also appreciate the packaging — each vial is single-use, reducing the risk of contamination, and makes for easy use and cleanup. If you're familiar with using eye drops, this will be a total breeze for you.

These Eye Drops Gave Me a Lid Lift in Minutes (2)

How to Use Upneeq Eye Drops

Surprisingly, using Upneeq isn't quite as simple as placing a drop in each eye; in fact, there are specific instructions I had to follow to ensure I saw the full effects. The drops come in 30 individual vials, and after washing my hands, opening up the sachet, and twisting off the top, all I did was place a drop of the product into each of my eyes. But it didn't stop there.

After that, and in following the directions, I placed pressure on the inner corner of my eyes (while closed) to keep the product in the area for about two minutes. Then, I blinked repeatedly until it felt like there was nothing in my eyes. It wasn't exactly like other drops I've used, but it was still super simple and user friendly.

What to Consider Before Trying Upneeq

The only major downside when it comes to Upneeq is that results only last for a few hours at a time, and even then, they may not be too noticeable unless you have a more serious case of ptosis. However, if you go into it with the mindset that subtlety is a good thing, I highly recommend this product. If you want a short-term solution before a big event or meeting to treat your drooping eyelids, Upneeq gets the job done.

These Eye Drops Gave Me a Lid Lift in Minutes (3)

Is Upneeq Worth the Splurge?

While I don't plan on using Upneeq every day, I love the idea of using it for nights out with friends, fun events, or even just taking pictures where I want to look more alert. Upneeq isn't a long-term solution, but if you're looking for a quick, easy, and temporary way to make your eyelids appear lifted, it could be worth the splurge for you.

When you break down the price, and if you buy a month's supply, it costs less than $7 a day. And while my personal results weren't anything too noticeable, I did appreciate the subtle lift it provided me.

Rating

★★★☆

These Eye Drops Gave Me a Lid Lift in Minutes (2024)

FAQs

What eye drops give you an eye lift? ›

Upneeq is the only FDA-approved prescription eyedrop used to treat acquired ptosis in adults. It works by stimulating an involuntary muscle in your eyelids to lift them and open your eyes. Whether you have mild, moderate, or severe ptosis, Upneeq is likely a good treatment option. Individual results may vary.

What prescription eye drops are good for droopy eyelids? ›

Upneeq® (oxymetazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic solution), 0.1% is a prescription eye drop used to treat acquired ptosis in adults. Acquired ptosis, also known as low-lying lids, is a common condition that occurs when the muscles in the eyelid stretch and weaken, causing the top eyelid to drop.

How long does it take for Upneeq eye drops to work? ›

UPNEEQ is known for its quick and effective results. Generally, the lifting effect on the eyelids is noticeable in as little as 15 minutes after application, but in some cases, it can take up to 2 hours. Individual response times may vary, and some people might experience a gradual onset of effects.

Who should not use Upneeq? ›

Upneeq (oxymetazoline) should be used with caution in people with blood flow problems, such as poor blood flow to the brain (e.g., stroke, "mini strokes") or heart (e.g., coronary artery disease or CAD), or Sjögren's syndrome. Upneeq (oxymetazoline) can affect blood flow and worsen these conditions.

Do you need a prescription for Upneeq eye drops? ›

Upneeq (oxymetazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, 0.1%) is the only FDA-approved prescription eyedrop used to treat low-lying lids (acquired blepharoptosis) in adults.

Why is Upneeq so expensive? ›

Upneeq comes only as a brand-name drug. It's not currently available in a generic version. A generic contains an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication but tends to cost less.

How much does Upneeq cost? ›

The cost for Upneeq ophthalmic solution 0.1% is around $229 for a supply of 30 solution, depending on the pharmacy you visit.

What is the easy lift for droopy eyelids? ›

You can work eyelid muscles by raising your eyebrows, placing a finger underneath and holding them up for several seconds at a time while trying to close them. This creates resistance similar to weight lifting. Quick, forcible blinks and eye rolls also work eyelid muscles.

Can I get a sample of Upneeq? ›

Welcome to the UPNEEQ (oxymetazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic solution), 1% E-Sampling Portal where you can request UPNEEQ samples at your convenience.

What are the negative side effects of Upneeq? ›

What are the most common side effects of Upneeq?
  • Eye tearing, redness, or discomfort.
  • Dry eye.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Pain after applying the eye drops.
  • Eye irritation.
  • Headache.
6 days ago

Can you use 2 drops of Upneeq? ›

You'll apply one drop of Upneeq to one or both eyes (as directed by your doctor) once daily. Be careful that the eyedrop container does not touch your eye. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying Upneeq. Then wait at least 15 minutes before reinserting them.

How many drops of Upneeq can I put in my eye? ›

Apply Upneeq in two easy steps. Step 1: Cut open the foil wrapper and remove the single-use vial. Step 2: Apply one drop of Upneeq in each eye as directed, once a day. Vials should not be reused after opening and should be thrown away after usage.

Does Upneeq work for hooded eyes? ›

Deliver rapid, visible lift to the upper eyelid with once-daily use of Upneeq, the only FDA-approved prescription eye drop proven to raise hooded eyelids in adults with non-congenital low-lying lids, known as acquired blepharoptosis, acquired ptosis, or droopy eyelids.

Does Upneeq change your eye color? ›

Their technology lightens eye color progressively with each treatment. UPNEEQ (oxymetazoline hydrochloride ophthalmic solution), 0.1% is a prescription eyedrop used to treat acquired blepharoptosis in adults that entered the market in 2020 from RVL Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Why didn't Upneeq work for me? ›

Upneeq works on a muscle that elevates the eyelid. It causes that muscle to contract, allowing the eyelid to open 1-2 millimeters wider than before treatment. Upneeq doesn't work for people who have droopy eyelid due to excess skin, saggy eyebrows, or underlying eye injury or nerve problems.

How much does Upneeq eye drops cost? ›

The cost for Upneeq ophthalmic solution 0.1% is around $229 for a supply of 30 solution, depending on the pharmacy you visit.

Can Upneeq damage your eyes? ›

Upneeq may increase pressure inside the eye and cause or worsen narrow-angle glaucoma, which can lead to blindness.

Is Upneeq over the counter? ›

Upneeq (oxymetazoline) is a brand-name eye drop that's prescribed for droopy eyelids in adults. The cost of the drug with and without insurance can depend on several factors. Specifically, Upneeq is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat droopy eyelids in adults.

What pharmacies carries Upneeq? ›

RVL Pharmacy does not accept payments from insurance providers, therefore accessing Upneeq is free of traditional hassles such as Prior Authorizations, Step Edits, and Callbacks. Upneeq is available exclusively through RVL Pharmacy.

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