Later in life you may experience drooping eyelids. Although wrinkle formation is part of the normal aging process, sagging of the eyelids can cause a young face to become much older and more tired, sagging and sagging. In the upper eyelids, this can cause a crease of the upper eyelid to rest on the eyelashes, making it more difficult to open the eye or limiting the field of vision. There may also be spots in the eyelid fold.

The criterion for insured care in the Netherlands is that the eyelid must cover approximately more than half of the pupil in order to qualify for reimbursement from insured care (2023). An eyelid correction is the appropriate treatment for the above-mentioned problems.

It is also possible that the eyebrows hang too low and thus put disproportionate pressure on the upper eyelids, causing them to sag too far.

In some cases, the muscle that determines the position of the eyelid is weakened. In this case, the weakened muscle of the upper eyelid can be shortened somewhat so that the position returns to normal.

Treatment

The ophthalmologist can examine you and advise you whether you are eligible for an insured care application for eyelid correction. The operation can then be performed by us. Depending on the treatment, it takes 45 to 60 minutes. After approximately 1 week, the stitches are removed during the check-up appointment. After a few months, the wound has healed well.

Eyelid correction not covered by insurance

Cosmetic eyelid surgery

Eyelid surgery is a procedure in which excess subcutaneous fatty tissue or skin is removed from the upper and/or lower eyelids. As you get older, the skin around the eyes will often become looser. The skin then hangs more in front of the eyes, which can reduce vision. Complaints of headache, reduced vision and tired eyes may arise.

The skin of the eyelids is very thin and therefore sensitive to stretching. Many people develop excess skin in the eyelids over the years. (Partly caused by the disappearance of the elastin fibers). It is cosmetically disturbing and can disrupt the upper field of vision.

Fat from the eye socket can also emerge due to relaxation of the subcutaneous connective tissue. Aging sometimes causes a lower position of the eyebrow. This can influence the result of the correction, so it is sometimes necessary to correct this as well.

If examination shows that an eyelid problem does not meet the criteria for reimbursement set by the relevant health insurance company, then a cosmetic eyelid operation is involved. The patient pays for the operation himself and does not receive any reimbursement from the insurance company.

Treatment

During a cosmetic eyelid operation, the excess skin can be removed from either the top or the bottom or both at the same time. Depending on the treatment, this takes 45-60 minutes. After approximately 1 week, the stitches are removed during the check-up appointment. After a few months, the wound has healed well.