Heavy, drooping eyelids can sometimes cause headaches, but also an angry or tired look. In such cases an upper eyelid correction can provide a solution and a fresh, rested look.

Suspended eyelids can even obstruct vision in some cases. Excessively heavy upper eyelids are then compensated by continuously raising the eyebrows. Constantly raising eyebrows and the forehead causes ever-deepening wrinkles in the forehead.

An eyelid correction, or blepharoplasty, is a common and rewarding procedure with a great rejuvenating effect.

When an eyelid correction?

By most people, aging results  in excess skin on the upper eyelids. This excess skin can rest on the eyelashes, so that the actual eyelid is no longer visible. This can make you feel tired. In addition, it can cause problems when applying your make-up on the upper eyelids. The skin around the eyelids is very thin and over the years it loses its elasticity faster and the connective tissue slackens. This can cause the fatty tissue around the eye to visibly bulge out through the upper eyelid. Suspended eyelids are part of a natural aging process, but that process can be accelerated by excessive exposure to the sun, smoking, or a hereditary predisposition.

Common complaints are hanging eyelids:

• Excess skin from the upper eyelids;
• Limitation of the field of vision due to skin hanging over the edge of the eyelid;
• A sticky feeling of the upper eyelid (sometimes red irritation or blemishes);
• Tearing, or dry eyes;
• A tired feeling due to heavy eyelids;
• An oppressive feeling on the eyelids;
• Headache caused by muscle tension in the forehead by the continuous raising of the eyebrows;
• Look tired or older;
• Problems when applying makeup, or the makeup doesn’t stay put.

Are the above complaints recognizable? Make an appointment for a consultation with the plastic surgeon.

Consult for upper eyelid correction

During the consultation you will meet the plastic surgeon and your wishes will be discussed. We look at the position of the upper eyelids and the degree of excess skin. The plastic surgeon will ask which complaints you experience. Then you will receive extensive information about how the treatment works, the pre- and aftercare, the expected result and the risks. Of course there is room for questions.

Treatment eyelid correction

Prior to the operation photos of the eyelids are made for your medical file and you will sign a treatment agreement. The plastic surgeon will accurately mark on the upper eyelid how much skin needs to be removed. The face will then be cleaned with disinfectant after which the face is covered sterile.

After a local anesthetic the upper eyelid correction is performed. You will not experience any pain during the procedure, but you will feel that the plastic surgeon is busy. During the operation an assessment is made per eye how much skin muscle and fat needs to be removed for the best result. Then the wound is sutured and small adhesive patches are stuck on top of it that remain in place for a week until the stitches are removed.

Aftercare and recovery

After the operation, cooled gauze is placed on the eyes. This cooling reduces swelling and the onset of bruising. After 15 minutes of cooling you may go home under supervision. It is advisable to bring sunglasses for the return trip, so that you do not have to squeeze your eyes against the light.

Repair eyelid correction per day

Once at home it is wise to cool for 15 minutes every hour. For example by putting a bag of frozen peas with a cloth in between on the eyes. Despite proper cooling, the eyelids will swell slightly and bruising may occur. After about three days this will diminish by itself.

Try to avoid tension on the eyelids as much as possible during the week after surgery by avoiding bending and lifting. Also try to sleep with an extra pillow under your head, so that you lie a little higher and the moisture can drain away more easily. An upper eyelid correction usually does not cause much post-operative pain. You can always take a painkiller like a paracetamol.

After a week the stitches are removed and you are usually presentable again. Eye make-up is only allowed after two weeks. Protect the scar well against the sun during the first period with a UV filter.

Result

After the eyelid correction the result is quickly visible and you will notice that you will have a fresh look again, look less tired and the application of eye make-up will be easy again. It is a subtle difference, but will make you look years younger. During the final check-up at the clinic, pictures will be taken before and after the eyelid corrections for in your medical file.

Treatment prices and fees

For the current treatment prices we refer you to our rates page. For the first consultation, we charge a fee of 50 euros which will be deducted from the rate for an upper eyelid correction upon final booking. Van Lennep Kliniek only offers uninsured care for eyelid surgery.