An eye lift for hooded eyes works when the hood comes from excess upper-lid skin. If the brow has dropped and pushes skin onto the lid, a brow lift treats the cause, and many people need both. A quick test is to lift your brow gently with a finger: if the hood mostly disappears, the brow is a major factor.
This comparison is part of our eye lift overview. It helps you work out which procedure targets your type of hooding.
Cause of hooding
Hooding comes from extra eyelid skin, a dropped brow, a weak lid muscle or a mix, and each needs a different fix.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US) explains that a heavy upper lid may come from relaxed forehead skin and a dropped brow, which eyelid surgery alone may not correct. A lid whose margin sits low because its muscle has stretched (ptosis) needs separate surgery; see our ptosis surgery guide.
Signs that point to each cause:
- Excess lid skin: the brow sits at or above the bony rim, but skin folds onto the lashes.
- Low brow: the brow sits at or below the rim, the outer brow droops, and you often raise your forehead to see.
- Ptosis: the lid edge covers part of the pupil even when skin is lifted away.
Some people are born with hooded eyes or fuller lids, which isn’t a sign of aging. In my practice, I examine people with the forehead fully relaxed, because many lift their brows unconsciously and hide the real brow position.
Eye lift for hooded eyes vs brow lift
A brow lift for hooded eyes raises the brow and forehead skin; an eye lift removes lid skin. The right choice depends on brow position.
| Factor | Upper eye lift (blepharoplasty) | Brow lift |
|---|---|---|
| Treats | Excess upper-lid skin and fat | Low or sagging brows, forehead lines, frown lines |
| Incision | In the eyelid crease | In or near the hairline, or small scalp incisions |
| US surgeon fee, 2024 | $3,000 to $5,500 (ASPS) | $4,000 to $7,500 (ASPS, forehead lift) |
| Recovery | About 2 weeks off work (NHS) | Varies by technique |
| Risk if used alone for the wrong cause | Brow can be pulled lower; hood returns | Excess lid skin remains |
ASPS says a brow lift raises sagging brows that hood the upper lids and places them in a more alert position. Our brow lift overview covers the techniques. ASPS also notes that the choice between eyelid surgery and a brow lift depends on how much the brow has dropped compared with the amount of extra lid skin.
Combined approach
When both the brow and lid contribute, combining a brow lift with an upper eye lift often gives a more natural result than either alone.
ASPS confirms a brow lift can be performed together with upper or lower eyelid surgery. The usual approach is to set the brow first, then remove only the lid skin that remains excess. That helps avoid taking too much lid skin, which can make it hard to close the eyes.
If surgery isn’t for you, a small amount of botulinum toxin can lift the brow tail slightly for a few months. Our non-surgical eye lift guide explains the limits. For a lid-only plan, see the upper eye lift guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Answers on hooded eyes in younger people, home tests, makeup tricks and whether a brow lift changes your expression.
How can I tell if I need a brow lift or an eye lift?
Relax your forehead, look in a mirror and gently lift the brow with a fingertip. If most of the hood disappears, the brow is a big factor. If skin still folds onto the lashes with the brow at the rim, lid skin is the main issue. A surgeon should confirm.
Can young people have hooded eyes?
Yes. Hooded lids are often inherited and have nothing to do with age. Surgery isn’t needed unless the hood bothers you or blocks vision. Makeup techniques can change how hooded eyes look without any treatment, which our makeup guide explains.
Will a brow lift make me look surprised?
It shouldn’t if done conservatively. Over-raising the brow, especially the inner part, can create a startled look. Ask to see the planned brow position before surgery, and choose a surgeon who prioritises a natural height over a dramatic change.
Can Botox fix hooded eyes?
It can give a small lift to the outer brow, which may slightly open the eye area, for a few months. It can’t remove excess lid skin. If skin rests on your lashes, surgery is usually needed for a clear change.
If you’d like your brow position and lid skin assessed in person, you can book a consultation with Metropole Clinic by ABmedi. For more eyelid options, return to the eye lift hub.
This article is for general education and does not replace a personal medical consultation.
References
Show sources
- Eyelid surgery: Candidates. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US). Accessed 2026. plasticsurgery.org
- Brow lift. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US). Accessed 2026. plasticsurgery.org
- Eyelid surgery. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US). Accessed 2026. plasticsurgery.org
- 2024 Cosmetic Procedures: Average Cost. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS, US). 2025. plasticsurgery.org
- Eyelid surgery. National Health Service (NHS, UK). Reviewed 2023. nhs.uk
- BOTOX Cosmetic prescribing information. AbbVie. Accessed 2026. rxabbvie.com
