A Pro Gamer’s 2026 Guide to Lifting Hooded Eyes

I’ve spent more late nights than I can count staring into a bright monitor, and as a professional gamer I’ve learned that small details on camera can change how alert and focused I look. That is why hooded eyelids — where the skin above the eye sags and hangs over the eyelid — became more than a cosmetic curiosity for me. In the past, if I wanted a brighter, more wide-eyed look, the main option was plastic surgery. In 2026, thankfully, there are many non-invasive and minimally invasive choices, from Botox and prescription eye drops to plasma fibroblast treatments. I leaned on the guidance of dermatologist Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD, and plastic surgeon Michael Horn, MD, to understand what each option can and cannot do. Dr. Zubritsky notes that hooded eyelids most often affect older people, but many younger patients, including men and young adults, now ask for treatment too. Her typical patients are women between 40 and 70, but the request is far from limited to one group.

Why Hooded Eyes Happen

From an aging perspective, hooded eyelids occur when the skin above the eye sags and hangs over the eye. The excess skin sits between the brow and the upper lash line. Genetics, aging, and underlying fat all contribute. Dr. Horn explains that as we age we lose bone, facial volume, collagen, elastin, and fat. Our muscles begin to lose elasticity and sag, and this is often first visible around the eye area because the skin there is the thinnest. Some people are simply born with a naturally hooded eyelid due to their facial structure, with skin folding over the crease. When eyes are hooded, sagging skin may cover all or part of the eyelid, creating a crease and making the eyes appear smaller. It usually does not cause medical issues, but in some cases it can obscure vision alongside the cosmetic concerns.

Before I tried anything, I reminded myself that this is a personal decision based on desired results, downtime, and budget. I also reminded myself to speak with a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon, and to see an ophthalmologist if I was uncertain about the cause of sagging eyelids. That advice matters even more in 2026, when at-home devices and quick fixes are everywhere.

The 11 Options I Researched

Surgical and In-Office Treatments

Eyelid surgery, known as upper lid blepharoplasty, is the gold standard for moderate to severe eyelid sagging. It is the most invasive and expensive option, and it comes with the most downtime, but results often last around a decade. A recent study found that complications were low and most patients were satisfied with the aesthetic results. Dr. Horn explains that blepharoplasty requires anesthesia but can be performed on an outpatient basis. It takes approximately one hour, or less, depending on whether upper and lower eyelids are corrected. The surgeon typically makes an incision along the eyelid’s natural crease, removes excess skin and fat deposits, and tightens the eyelid area. The goal is a more youthful, symmetrical, less puffy, wide-eyed, and rested appearance. Most patients can return to work or regular activity in two to three days, with full physical appearance recovery in about a week to 10 days. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has reported costs upward of $4,000, and in 2026 I would budget for that range or higher depending on location and surgeon.

Plasma fibroblast skin tightening works by creating hundreds of tiny holes, or controlled micro-injuries, on the upper eyelid with a high-frequency electric current. Instantly, the little holes shrink, causing retraction of the skin and a tightening and lifting effect. It sounds a bit frightening, but it is considered low-risk. Because the eyelid area is thin and delicate, some swelling may occur. The tiny holes usually heal in two to three weeks, and final results appear within six to eight weeks depending on skin healing time. Results can last up to three years, and the cost is typically in the upper hundreds of dollars.

Botox is an easy, relatively low-risk procedure with minimal downtime used to lift hooded eyelids and droopy brows; this is often called a Botox brow lift. It is best for mild cases or younger patients. Botox works by relaxing the muscles around the eyes and between the brows, which lifts the eyebrow to a higher position. Dr. Shirazi says that when Botox is strategically placed, it can lift and open the eyes quite significantly, resulting in a brighter look. Cost depends on the number of units used; the 2019 national average was around $379, so I would expect a higher figure in 2026.

Dermal filler can help when hooded eyelids are caused by loss of structure around the eyes. Adding filler to the temples and between the brows can provide a lift to the eyebrows and decrease droopiness. It smooths the area and temporarily lifts the eyelids. Cost depends on the brand used, such as Juvederm Ultra, Ultra Plus, Voluma, Restylane Lyft, Restylane, Belotero, or Sculptra. In 2019, the range was $625 to $850, and in 2026 it is likely higher.

Laser resurfacing can provide substantial results by tightening the skin while promoting collagen production. This helps the area heal in a smoother, more even appearance while ablating loose skin around the eyes for a non-surgical eye lift. Dr. Horn explains that it works by heating the layers of eyelid skin to enhance collagen production, which we lose with age. It is typically performed with a fractional CO2 laser on an outpatient basis. Ablative laser resurfacing cost around $2,200 in 2019, so I would plan for a higher 2026 figure.

An eyebrow thread lift is minimally invasive. Dissolvable threads are placed in the appropriate layer of skin with a needle, with no incision needed, and lifted upward to act as an anchor. The excess threads are cut off. This creates an instant lift to the eyebrow area and adds support for the upper eyelid. It also helps the region produce new collagen over time. It is quick, performed under local anesthetic, and can even be done on a lunch break. Expect a little bruising, soreness, or swelling for a few days. Cost ranges from $1,500 to $6,000, and results last one to three years depending on how quickly the body dissolves the threads.

Non-Invasive and At-Home Choices

Microcurrent devices are relatively easy to use and often designed for at-home use, making them less expensive than in-office procedures. Devices such as NuFace Trinity with the ELE attachment, a smaller attachment for the eye and lip areas, work by stimulating muscles and producing a temporarily lifted effect. Prices average $200 to $400, and a device should last thousands of uses. Dr. Horn still advises speaking to an expert before even a minor cosmetic procedure.

UPNEEQ is a newer FDA-approved eye-lifting drop available by prescription. It offers a temporary fix for droopy eyelids and requires a single dose daily. Dr. Horn says it will not provide the permanent or dramatic results of surgery, but it can give about 1 mm of lift in the upper eyelid after the first use, which can be enough for some people to see an improvement. A 30-day supply ranges from $200 to $300.

Radiofrequency treatment offers a non-invasive way to stimulate collagen production by permeating the dermis in a high-density dot pattern. Dr. Horn explains that fast healing occurs because stem cells in untreated areas advance new collagen growth in the treated area. It is approximately a 15-minute procedure, and ideal candidates have mild to moderate eyelid skin laxity but are not ready for surgery. Several treatments may be required, and radiofrequency can be used on the upper or lower eyelids. Costs vary from $500 to $5,000 depending on the device.

Makeup Tricks I Use Before a Stream

If I am already on a treatment journey, or prefer to skip a formal treatment altogether, a simple makeup tweak can offer a quick, temporary lift. Cat-eye liner is one option: extending and subtly lifting the direction of the eyeliner creates the illusion of larger, more open eyes. I can use a pencil, gel, liquid, or powder liner, but finding a formula that stays put is key to avoiding smudging or feathering. I keep my eyes relaxed while drawing the wing for the most balanced result. For especially hooded eyes, I accentuate the curve as needed to make the wing visible. Drugstore options are available for under $10.

Eyeshadow can also help. As eyelids droop or sag, the natural eyelid crease lowers toward the lower lid and lash line. To visually counteract this, I can skip the series of treatments for a sweep of well-blended eyeshadow. Most tutorials tell you to define the crease with a deeper-toned eyeshadow, but that can exacerbate the downward descent of hooded eyes. The trick is to create my own crease. Like a surgeon wielding a scalpel, I take a blending brush and my desired crease color and carve out a fake crease slightly higher than my natural fold. Again, drugstore options are available for under $10.

FAQ

Are there natural ways to treat hooded eyes?

There are no true natural ways to treat hooded eyes, but there are non-invasive treatments such as radiofrequency that help stimulate collagen in the skin surrounding the eyes.

What causes hooded eyelids?

Various factors, from genetics to age, lead to hooded eyelids. When muscles begin to lose elasticity and sag, hooded eyes become more visible because the skin in the area is thin.

What is the gold standard treatment?

The gold standard is also the most invasive and most expensive, but it yields the most impressive results. A blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift, can correct the upper lid, lower lid, or both, and entails surgically restructuring the eyelid.

The treatment I ultimately choose, if I choose one at all, is a personal decision based on desired results, downtime, and budget. In 2026, I am glad that I can compare surgery, in-office procedures, prescription drops, at-home devices, and makeup tricks before deciding. The smartest move is still to speak with a board-certified dermatologist about my options and goals.