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When the upper eyelid area changes, it can shift how “open” and refreshed your eyes look – and it’s often most noticeable in photos or bright lighting. An upper eyelid volumisation consultation helps assess what may be contributing to A-frame hollowing or shadowing and what options may be suitable for your anatomy and goals.
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Upper eyelid, or A-frame hollowing, is a frequently overlooked sign of facial ageing. Sunken upper eyelids can also make your brows appear droopier than they really are, adding unnecessary heaviness and shadowing to your eye region.
Causes of hollow eyes can range from natural ageing processes and genetics to lifestyle factors such as stress or lack of sleep – leading to a tired or prematurely aged appearance.
In a consultation, your cosmetic practitioner can assess whether upper eyelid hollowing is primarily driven by volume changes, skin quality, brow position, or a combination of factors. If appropriate, they can discuss options that may help soften the appearance of hollowing and shadowing, along with limitations, risks, and what outcomes may be realistic for you.
An A-frame deformity, also known as upper eyelid hollowing, describes the hollow appearance in the upper eyelid. This condition typically occurs from volume loss in the inner part of the eyelid. Hollowing in this area can give the illusion of droopy eyebrows even when the brow position is normal.
This is a well-documented phenomenon in the literature called “pseudo-ptosis” (a medical term for fake drooping). Restoring volume in this area may, in some cases, remove a droopy brow appearance. Sometimes brow heaviness is driven by brow position, while other times it’s primarily a visual effect from upper eyelid hollowing. If brow position is a key factor for you, we may recommend a Non-Surgical Brow Lift Consultation to assess brow position and symmetry assessment.
Upper eyelid hollowing, often referred to as A-frame hollowing or A-frame deformity, is a common sign of facial ageing that can make your eyes appear sunken, tired, or prematurely aged.
Understanding the anatomy of this area and lifestyle factors can help explain why upper eyelid hollowing develops and why it varies between individuals. In consultation, we use this assessment to discuss what options may be suitable for your anatomy, and what changes may be realistic over time
Several factors contribute to hollowing of the upper eyelids, including:
The upper eyelid contains soft pads of fat that naturally cushion and support the eyelid, creating a youthful fullness. As we age, these fat pads gradually diminish, shrink, or shift, causing the upper eyelid to look hollow or sunken.
Over time, subtle changes occur in the facial bones around the eye sockets (orbital bones). These changes include gradual bone resorption (bone loss), resulting in less support for surrounding tissues and creating a deeper, more hollow-looking upper eyelid area.
Ageing also affects your skin’s structure. Reduced production of collagen and elastin—two vital proteins responsible for skin elasticity and firmness—leads to thinner, looser skin. As skin around your upper eyelid becomes thinner and less elastic, underlying structures become more visible, contributing to the hollow, gaunt appearance.
Some individuals naturally have deeper-set eyes or thinner upper eyelids due to genetic factors. This predisposition can accelerate or accentuate the appearance of hollowing, even at a relatively young age.
Lifestyle factors like significant weight loss, stress, inadequate sleep, or chronic illness can accelerate volume loss and skin changes, further emphasising the hollowing around the eyes.
Upper eyelid hollowing may influence the appearance of your eyes and upper facial area. Changes in the upper eyelids can affect facial expressions and overall appearance.
Common cosmetic concerns related to upper eyelid hollowing include:
Treatments aiming to address upper eyelid hollowing may help support improved facial contours and overall balance. Results are individual, and specific outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
People often seek consultation at Contour Clinics when upper eyelid hollowing or shadowing affects how their eye area appears. Volumisation treatments are may help address cosmetic concerns related to upper eyelid volume loss, potentially improving overall facial balance.
In your appointment, your clinician may discuss goals such as:
Suitable candidates for upper eyelid treatments may include individuals who have concerns about the appearance of hollowing in their upper eyelids. This cosmetic concern may be related to natural ageing, genetics, or changes in body weight.
Treatment suitability depends on individual facial anatomy, skin condition, and aesthetic goals. Your clinician will assess your unique circumstances and discuss appropriate treatment options during your consultation. Individual results and experiences vary.
Upper eyelid volumisation may not be appropriate for everyone. For example, people with excessive upper eyelid skin and no clear volume loss may be better suited to discussion of alternative pathways, including Co2 laser, RF needling, or specialist referral where appropriate.
We understand that cost is an important factor in your decision-making process. Due to Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulations, we’re unable to publish pricing details online for prescription only treatments that may be discussed during XXX consultations.
At Contour Clinics, pricing varies depending on your individual anatomy, the areas assessed, and the extent of treatment that may be appropriate.
For a tailored estimate and detailed information, please feel free to call us directly, send us a message, or book a consultation. Our friendly team is here to provide you with personalised guidance, transparency, and clear pricing information to support your treatment decisions.
All consultations with our experienced cosmetic doctors are complimentary and obligation free.
Regulations in Australia prevent clinics like ours from publicly advertising the prices of certain treatments. You can read more about it in Contour Clinics pricing.
All review appointments are complimentary. We understand that most of us lead busy lives. These reviews are not mandatory and only need to be booked if you feel it necessary.
At Contour Clinics, we’re committed to providing safe, ethical, and personalised cosmetic care. Our experienced doctors focus on delivering balanced, realistic consultations tailored specifically to your needs.
Book your complimentary consultation today to discuss suitability, cosmetic options and experience the patient-focused care that sets Contour Clinics apart. Individual results can vary, and your practitioner will guide you through what could be achievable for you.
Results can vary from person to person. During a consultation with an experienced medical practitioner they can explain the expected outcomes.
Discomfort is usually minimal. A prescription numbing cream is applied beforehand, and local anaesthetic may also be used for added comfort. Nitrous oxide can be offered if clinically indicated.
Due to Australian TGA regulations, we cannot display prices online. Treatment cost varies depending on the amount of volume required and your aesthetic goals.Please contact Contour Clinics directly for a tailored quote
Non-surgical treatments, including upper eyelid and tear trough volumisation, can improve the appearance of hollowing. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your individual concerns and goals.
In most cases, sunken eyes can be improved by restoring volume to the upper eyelid area. Your clinician will confirm your suitability for treatment during your consultation.
All procedures carry some risk, but when performed by an experienced doctor, upper eyelid volumisation is generally considered low-risk. Your doctor will explain potential risks during your consultation.
While rare, possible risks include:
Temporary swelling or redness
Infection (approx. 1:5000 risk)
Accidental injection into a blood vessel (approx. 1:50,000 risk)
Asymmetry (easily corrected if it occurs)
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