In English, many people can describe “big eyes” or “small eyes,” but among Asian individuals, a common eye shape is actually what we call “肿泡眼” in Chinese. So how do we refer to this in English?
The most common translation for 肿泡眼 is hooded eyes. The word “hood” means to “cover” or “envelop,” which reflects the way the upper eyelid folds over the eye — similar to what we refer to as 内双 (inner double eyelid) in Chinese. Because 肿泡眼 is also known as “水泡眼” or “肉里眼” in Chinese, referring to puffiness or heaviness of the upper eyelid, some may also describe this condition as swollen-lidded eyes.
Eye puffiness, known as puffy eyelids, can cause the double-edged eyelids (双眼皮) to become less visible or disappear entirely. As a result, people with hooded eyes may appear to have monolid eyes, giving the impression of dull or tired-looking eyes.
Hooded eyes are usually caused by an excessive amount of fat in the upper eyelid, leading to a swollen appearance. Other contributing factors include overgrowth of browbones, protrusion of orbital fat in elderly individuals, as well as edema (water retention), lack of sleep, and other lifestyle factors that may cause temporary swelling.
There are typically three types of hooded eyes:
-
Fat-type (脂肪型): The most common, often hereditary, and frequently seen in eyelid surgery. It can usually be addressed by reducing fat in the upper eyelid.
-
Muscle-type (肌肉型) and
-
Ageing-type (松弛衰老型): These are commonly associated with sagging of the eyelid (眼睑下垂), often due to aging. These types reflect age-related changes and may require aesthetic medicine interventions such as eye rejuvenation to restore firmness and lift.
For those with mild to moderate hooded eyes or puffy eyelids, non-invasive procedures in anti-aging eye treatmentsare often recommended.
-
Thermage (热玛吉): One of the most comprehensive solutions for eye rejuvenation. Using radiofrequencyenergy, Thermage stimulates new collagen production in the dermis (真皮层), firms up loose skin, and provides long-term improvement of eyelid sagging.
-
FOTONA 4D Pro (欧洲之星): If the aging is not too severe, this option offers a more cost-effective treatment. It features adaptive laser technology that can reach areas around the eyes often missed by traditional lasers. It helps tighten eye-area skin and dissolve under-eye fat effectively.
For Targeted Treatment: IFINE RF Eye Lifting (IFINE射频眼部治疗)
If your eye concerns are more prominent and localized, the most targeted solution is IFINE RF Eye Lifting. Designed specifically for delicate, hard-to-treat eye-area skin, it delivers 360-degree coverage without any blind spots. Its 3DEEP radio frequency technology penetrates up to 1.8mm into the skin, reaching deep layers to stimulate the synthesis of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid (玻尿酸). The result is:
-
Firmer skin around the eyes
-
A more defined eye contour
-
Reduction of eye bags and fine lines
-
Elimination of dark circles
-
Restoration of natural elasticity
In the industry, this device is often nicknamed the “eye bag gun” due to its powerful precision — making it especially effective for addressing hooded eyes and puffy eyelids.
The skin around the eyes is the most delicate on the face. That’s why choosing the right clinic is just as important as selecting the right treatment. In London, reputable aesthetic clinics such as Ai Beauty Clinic are certified by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the UK’s national healthcare regulator — ensuring both safety and professionalism in your beauty journey.