Blepharoplasty is one of the most talked-about plastic surgery treatments. The procedure removes extra skin on the upper eyelid so eyes look less droopy and much more awake. I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t considered one before. However, going under the knife was never my first choice, and while researching alternative options, I discovered Upneeq. These prescription eye drops are approved for treating acquired blepharoptosis, a condition where the upper eyelid droops, explains optometrist Inna Lazar, OD.
Intriguing, right? Some say the results they got from Upneeq were comparable to a nonsurgical eye lift. Could these eye drops help me look more alive and bright-eyed? After confirming I was eligible for a prescription through Ro, I tested the eye drops for a few weeks. Below, read my full eye-opening review and learn everything you need to know about Upneeq.
Pros
- Makes my eyes look less droopy and tired
- Doesn't sting or make my eyes water
- *Super* easy to use
Cons
- Only available by prescription
What does Upneeq do to your eyes?
Upneeq "works by stimulating receptors in the muscles of your upper eyelid, specifically the Müller's muscle, which helps to elevate the upper eyelid and maintain that elevation," says Dr. Lazar. Essentially, the eye drops temporarily lift your eyelid to help reduce drooping. It can be prescribed by optometrists, ophthalmologists, dermatologists, and various other medical practitioners, but it is not available over the counter or at drugstores.
Those with acquired ptosis (AKA droopy upper eyelids as a result of age, Lasik or other eye surgeries), certain conditions like a stroke or tumor, nerve damage, or temporary drooping after Botox injections are good candidates for Upneeq. Keep in mind that if you were born with naturally drooping lids, you likely won't experience a major difference with Upneeq.
How to use Upneeq eye drops
Upneeq is administered just like any other eye drops. Each dose comes in individual packets and vials that are securely sealed. Once you twist off the top to break open the vial, squeeze a drop into one eye. It’s honestly super simple.
The first few times I used the eye drops, I stared at myself in the mirror, patiently (or maybe not so patiently) waiting to see a difference in my eyes. It took about eight minutes for me to witness the results take effect, which was faster than I expected. Some people see results in as little as five minutes, while others need a full 15 for Upneeq to work its magic, according to Dr. Lazar.
What are the negative side effects of Upneeq?
I didn’t experience any bad side effects from Upneeq, and for the most part, Dr. Lazar says there aren't very many downsides. The biggest con is that the results only last for six to 10 hours, which some might find frustrating. Watery eyes are also common at first, but that generally goes away in about 15 minutes. If you notice any itching, burning, or redness, call your eye doctor or prescriber and stop usage immediately.
Is Upneeq safe long-term?
"Upneeq is generally safe," says Dr. Lazar, "however, patients with systemic diseases such as high blood pressure, heart problems, or eye conditions like glaucoma should consult their eye doctor." If you notice any stinging, headaches, or blurry vision, stop using Upneeq and call your eye doctor ASAP. And if you're wondering, yes, it's safe to use Upneeq every day—just don't use it more than once in a 24-hour period.
Upneeq before and after:
Can Upneeq treat droopy eyelids permanently?
Upneeq is not a permanent solution to droopy eyelids. Typically, the effects of the drops last for six to eight hours, according to Dr. Lazar. In my experience, my eyes were lifted for most of the workday (I put the drops in at about 8 a.m. and noticed my eyes were still bright and wide-open by the time I came home, around 8 p.m.).
How much does a box of Upneeq cost?
A box of Upneeq can range from $170 to $240, depending on your provider, how many vials you get, and your location. Upneeq, unfortunately, is not covered by insurance, and it has to be obtained by a specialty pharmacy. According to Dr. Lazar, you can sometimes find it at certain med spas and doctors’ offices.
Is there a cheaper version of Upneeq?
Unfortunately, no. There are no generic versions of Upneeq currently available.
Final thoughts:
Upneeq definitely made me look more awake, giving my eyes a bigger, brighter look. Is it worth the prescription? For me, yes, because I don't have to use it every single day, which makes one box go a lot farther. And Dr. Lazar agrees: "Upneeq is an excellent medication for the right patients," she says. "It is often prescribed in my practice, especially for those who are not yet ready for eyelid surgery and only want a temporary ptosis treatment for events or work hours."
Admittedly, after initially testing Upneeq about a year and a half ago, it hasn’t remained a mainstay in my routine—mostly because I haven't needed it. That's not to say I haven't recommended it a handful of times, though.
Whenever anyone asks me for concealer or eye cream recommendations for their tired eyes, I always ask if they've talked to their doctor about Upneeq. It's not as easy as suggesting something they can pick up at Sephora—since the product is by prescription only—but I saw such significant results that I think it’s worth it for those who want a stronger option than a simple eye cream to lift and brighten eyes.
Meet the expert:
- Inna Lazar, OD, is a board-certified optometrist based in Old Greenwich, CT, where she founded her practice Greenwich Eye Care. Dr. Lazar is especially knowledgeable in treatments for dry eyes, myopia, and overall eye health.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from cleansing balms to eyelash serums to eyebrow serums. She’s an authority in all skincare categories, but became an Upneeq expert after discussing it with optometrists and dermatologists, as well as testing it on her own droopy eyelids.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
