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Upneeq in Irvine, CA

Expert Surgeons
4.9 Google Rating
Serving Orange County Since 2012

About Upneeq

Upneeq is the first and only prescription eyedrop that temporarily lifts drooping upper eyelids without surgery, incisions, or downtime. Ideal for patients experiencing age-related or Botox-induced eyelid sagging, a single drop in each eye can create a noticeably more open, refreshed look in minutes. Whether you want to enhance your daily appearance or improve your field of vision, Upneeq offers a simple, pain-free solution you can use at home.

Procedure Quick Facts

Duration of Procedure:
A few seconds per eye
Anesthesia:
None required
Recovery:
No downtime
Results Duration:
Up to 6–8 hours per application

What is Upneeq in Irvine, CA?

Upneeq is a once-daily prescription eyedrop formulated with oxymetazoline hydrochloride 0.1%. The medication gently contracts the Müller’s muscle—one of the small muscles responsible for elevating the upper eyelid—creating an average lift of about 1 mm. Most patients notice their eyes appear wider and more energized within 5–15 minutes of application, and the effect can last for several hours. Because Upneeq works by stimulating your natural eyelid muscles, it avoids the need for surgery, stitches, or recovery time. You simply instill one drop in each affected eye each morning, then enjoy clearer vision and a brighter, more youthful gaze throughout your day.

What Upneeq Can Do for You

If you're considering Upneeq, South Coast Plastic Surgery is here to guide you through every step. Dr. Mark Song and our experienced aesthetic nursing team will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan that addresses your concerns and helps you achieve your aesthetic goals.
  • Non-Surgical Eyelid Lift
    Upneeq offers visible upper-eyelid elevation without incisions, anesthesia, or a lengthy recovery, making it ideal for patients who prefer a conservative approach.
  • Rapid, Same-Day Results
    Most patients see a noticeable improvement in eyelid position within minutes, allowing you to quickly enjoy a refreshed, more awake appearance.
  • Improved Field of Vision
    By raising the upper lids, Upneeq can reduce visual obstruction, helping tasks like reading, computer work, and driving feel clearer and more comfortable.
  • Convenient At-Home Use
    A single daily drop fits easily into your morning routine, giving you control over when you want to look and feel your best.
  • Painless and Downtime-Free
    Because application is completely non-invasive, you can return to work, workouts, and social activities right away—no bandages or bruising.
  • Bridge or Alternative to Surgery
    Upneeq can serve as a temporary alternative for patients not ready for blepharoplasty, or as a useful bridge before scheduling surgical correction.

Upneeq Videos

Watch our videos to see real patients results, learn from our experts, and discover what makes South Coast Plastic Surgery a trusted choice in Orange County.

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Key Benefits of Upneeq

Provides a noticeable upper-eyelid lift within just a few minutes of application
Enhances peripheral vision by reducing hooding from sagging eyelid skin
Delivers a refreshed, well-rested appearance without surgical intervention or scars
Offers flexible, daily control so patients can choose when to elevate their eyelids

Types of Upneeq

In-Office Demonstration & First Dose

New patients often start with an in-office application. Our team shows you the correct technique, monitors your immediate results, and answers any questions. This is ideal for anyone who wants reassurance that the drops are comfortable and effective before taking them home.

Daily At-Home Maintenance

After your initial visit, you’ll receive a prescription supply to use once each morning. This option suits patients who desire consistent, everyday eyelid elevation for work, social events, or improved vision.

Event-Focused Boost

Some patients reserve Upneeq for special occasions such as weddings, photo shoots, or important meetings. We provide smaller quantities and guidance on timing the dose for peak effect when you need to look bright-eyed and alert.

Not sure which option is right for you?

Meet your Upneeq surgeons

Upneeq treatments at South Coast Plastic Surgery are overseen by Dr. Mark Song and delivered by our expertly trained aesthetic nursing staff. Their deep understanding of eyelid anatomy and commitment to patient education ensures you receive safe, effective guidance on using this innovative eyedrop.

Why Choose South Coast Plastic Surgery for Your Upneeq?

Beauty Inside-Out

We care for your inner wellness as much as your outer beauty. Every treatment is provided with warmth and exceptional care to help you feel confident and supported

Clear Expectations from the Start

Share your goals in detail before you even arrive using Adoreal's personalized assessment. Your specialist will understand exactly what you're hoping to achieve before your consultation begins, making your visit more focused and personal

Dedicated Follow-Up Support

Your care doesn't end when you leave our office. Our team provides personalized check-ins to monitor your results, answer any questions, and make sure you're completely satisfied with your outcome.

Precision & Artistry

Your treatment is performed by highly trained specialists
who understand facial anatomy at the deepest level. We combine technical precision with an artistic eye to enhance your natural beauty while keeping you looking like you

A Customized Approach to Skincare Procedures in Irvine & Ladera Ranchr

Every pair of eyes is unique, and so is every Upneeq plan. We consider your daily routine, eyelid anatomy, and vision needs to craft a regimen that feels effortless and delivers noticeable results.

Before your consultation, you can complete a brief personalized assessment from home, helping us understand your specific goals, concerns, and timeline.

Comprehensive Eye Aesthetics Care

This personalized assessment ensures your consultation is tailored to your unique goals from the moment you walk in.

Our provider will also assess individual factors such as eyelid muscle strength, skin elasticity, and ocular surface health, along with your personal preferences to determine the best approach for your goals.

Am I a good candidate for Upneeq?

Upneeq is designed for teens and adults experiencing mild to severe eyelid drooping who prefer a non-invasive option. A consultation helps determine whether medication interactions or eye conditions might impact your suitability.
Age 13 or older
Good overall eye health with no active infections
Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
Not using contraindicated medications (MAO inhibitors, beta-blockers, certain antihypertensives, or cardiac glycosides)
Desire for non-surgical eyelid elevation
Realistic expectations about lift magnitude and duration
Ability to follow daily application instructions

Help us understand your unique goals & concerns.

This personalized assessment ensures your consultation is tailored specifically to you, with no obligation. Your wellness journey, our commitment.

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Your Concerns

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Your Upneeq Journey and Recovery

Comprehensive Consultation & Assessment

Your journey begins with a private consultation with Dr. Song or an aesthetic nurse. This visit is focused on understanding what changes you'd like to see and whether Upneeq is the right solution for your concerns.

During your consultation, your provider will:

  • Evaluate the degree of your eyelid droop
  • Review your eye-health history and medications
  • Discuss how Upneeq works and what to expect
  • Demonstrate proper application technique
  • Outline a personalized dosing schedule

Together, you'll create a treatment plan tailored to your anatomy and lifestyle, with safety and realistic outcomes as the priority.

The Upneeq Procedure

Application is quick and comfortable—no anesthesia or special equipment required.

During the procedure:

  • Hands are sanitized and single-use vial is opened
  • One drop is gently instilled into each eye
  • Excess fluid is blotted to avoid runoff
  • Vision is checked after several minutes to assess lift

You’ll receive written instructions and your prescription supply, then you’re free to resume normal activities immediately.

Upneeq Recovery Timeline

Recovery experiences vary, but most patients follow a similar general timeline.

Immediately after application
Eyes may feel slightly cool or tingly as the drop spreads; vision typically clears quickly.

First few days

  • Notice consistent eyelid elevation within minutes of dosing
  • Monitor for mild redness or dryness
  • Avoid touching eyes for at least 15 minutes post-application

Weeks 1-2

  • Evaluate response and adjust dosing time if needed
  • Schedule follow-up call to discuss progress
  • Continue normal activities without restrictions

Weeks 3-4

  • Refill prescription if using daily
  • Consider combining with complementary treatments

You'll receive personalized post-treatment instructions and follow-up appointments to monitor results and address any concerns.

Your Upneeq Results

Upneeq results are visible right away, though your eyelids will continue to respond over several minutes as the medication fully activates.

Early results
Eyelids appear 1 mm higher and eyes look brighter within 5–15 minutes.

Following hours
Lift remains noticeable for most of the day, gradually diminishing as the medication wears off.

Long-term use
Daily application offers consistent improvement; you can discontinue at any time without lasting changes to eyelid anatomy.

With proper use and regular check-ins, Upneeq can provide ongoing, natural-looking eyelid elevation that helps you look rested and feel confident.

  • Days 3 - 5
  • Week 1 - 2
  • Week 2 - 3
  • Week 4 - 6

  • Month 2 - 3
  • Month 4 - 6
  • Long time

Upneeq Results and Safety Considerations

Understanding how medication, anatomy, and proper use affect Upneeq results can help you set realistic expectations and feel confident in your decision.

Achieving Natural-Looking Results

Upneeq works with your body’s own eyelid muscles, creating a subtle lift that looks like a naturally rested version of you rather than an over-corrected change. Because the effect is dose-dependent and temporary, you control when and how much lift you want by adjusting application timing.

Your unique eyelid anatomy—skin thickness, muscle tone, and fat distribution—impacts how dramatic your lift will appear. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate these factors and demonstrate your expected range of improvement so you can decide if Upneeq meets your goals.

Consistent application technique is essential. Our team provides thorough training and follow-up to ensure you’re instilling each drop correctly, maximizing symmetry and comfort.

Where Are the Incisions?

Upneeq is completely non-surgical, so no incisions or stitches are required.

Is Scarring a Concern?

Because no skin is cut, Upneeq treatments leave no scars. Minor redness or irritation at the ocular surface may occur but typically resolves quickly.

Scar Healing Timeline

Understanding Risks and Safety

Medical examination room with a treatment table covered in white sheets and various medical equipment against the walls.

Understanding Risks and Safety

Upneeq is generally safe when prescribed by an experienced provider. However, as with any medication, potential side effects exist.

Potential risks may include:

  • Temporary eye redness
  • Mild irritation or dryness
  • Blurred vision immediately after instillation
  • Headache or brow ache
  • Elevated blood pressure in susceptible individuals
  • Uneven results if drops are not applied correctly

Your provider will review these risks with you in detail during your consultation and explain how they are minimized through careful screening, education, and follow-up care.

Reducing Your Risk

Your safety is a top priority at South Coast Plastic Surgery. Steps taken to support a safe Upneeq experience include:

  • Thorough medical and ocular history review
  • Demonstration of proper instillation technique
  • Clear written instructions for at-home use
  • Scheduled follow-up to monitor effectiveness and side effects

By following dosing guidelines and reporting any unusual symptoms promptly, most patients experience smooth, comfortable results with Upneeq.

How Much does Upneeq Cost?

The cost of your procedure will vary based on a variety of factors. During your consultation, your doctor will discuss your desired outcomes in detail and provide a fully transparent breakdown of all associated costs. Our practice helps patients achieve their aesthetic goals with a variety of financing options.

Financing options available through:
Book your consultation

Trusted by Our Community

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4.8/5 stars for 334 reviews / 90% word-of-mouth referral rate / Over 15 years serving Orange County

Dr. Song performed my breast implant surgery nearly 10 yrs ago with the ideal breast implant. I've had no issues in this time. I live on the other side of the country now, but I would've loved to come back for removal, since I'm on an all natural journey. I hope to find someone who can take care of me, keep me safe, & assured during & after surgery as Dr. Song & his staff did.

N. Snoozzz

Thank you Dr. Song. I’m 10 days post opp and am so happy with my experience with my mommy makeover! I can’t tell you how comfortable Dr. Song and his staff made me feel throughout this whole process. Surgery is a bit of a scary decision and sometimes I agonized about for years but I can promise you are in the best care with this team. I highly highly recommend them and am already so happy with my results !

Frequently Asked Questions About Upneeq

Everything you need to know about Upneeq, explained by South Coast Plastic Surgery's experts

About the procedure

How does Upneeq work?
Upneeq contains oxymetazoline hydrochloride, which contracts the Müller’s muscle in the upper eyelid. This causes the lid to lift approximately 1 mm, creating a more open appearance.
Is Upneeq painful to apply?
No. Most patients feel only a brief, cool sensation when the drop enters the eye. Any minor irritation typically resolves within seconds.
How quickly will I see results?
Many people notice lift within 5–15 minutes of application, with the effect peaking soon after and lasting up to 6–8 hours.
Is there any downtime after using Upneeq?
There is no downtime. You can resume normal activities immediately after the drops are applied.

Recovery & Results

How long do the results last?
Each application generally provides lift for most of the day. Once the medication wears off, your eyelids return to their baseline position.
Will my eyelids droop more if I stop using Upneeq?
No. Upneeq does not weaken the eyelid muscles. Your lids simply return to their original state when you discontinue use.
What are the possible side effects of Upneeq?
Potential side effects include temporary redness, mild irritation, blurred vision immediately after instillation, headache, or dry eye. Serious complications are rare.
Can Upneeq raise my blood pressure?
Upneeq may cause a slight increase in blood pressure in sensitive individuals. We review your medical history to ensure the medication is safe for you.

Safety & Risks

Is Upneeq covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans consider Upneeq a cosmetic treatment and do not cover it. Our team can provide documentation if your plan allows prior authorization.
Do you offer financing for Upneeq?

Yes, We partner with Cherry and CareCredit to offer convenient monthly payment plans for qualified applicants.

Can I wear contact lenses with Upneeq?
Yes. Insert the drops first, wait at least 15 minutes, then place your contact lenses to ensure proper absorption and comfort.
Can I combine Upneeq with Botox or fillers?
Absolutely. Many patients use Upneeq alongside injectable treatments for comprehensive eye rejuvenation. We’ll create a safe, coordinated plan during your visit.

Cost & Insurance

Is Upneeq covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans consider Upneeq a cosmetic treatment and do not cover it. Our team can provide documentation if your plan allows prior authorization.
Do you offer financing for Upneeq?
Yes. We partner with CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit to make treatment affordable through monthly payments.

Still have questions?

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