A fresh, open look – without looking like you've had “work done”
Drooping upper eyelids can make a face look tired, gloomy, or closed. Often, this is not only an aesthetic issue, but also causes functional complaints, such as a heavy feeling on the eyes or even a restricted field of vision.
An upper eyelid correction is a relatively minor procedure, but it nevertheless requires careful analysis, precision, and aesthetic insight. After all, the eye area is decisive for a person's appearance.
At Gooimeer Clinics, upper eyelid corrections are always performed by experienced plastic surgeons, with the aim of achieving a natural and relaxed result that suits your face.
An upper eyelid correction can be beneficial if you experience:
sagging skin of the upper eyelids
a heavy or pressing feeling on the eyes
a tired or downturned appearance
difficulty keeping the eyes fully open
in some cases: a restricted field of vision
It is important to assess what is causing these concerns. Not every “heavy look” is caused by excess eyelid skin; the position of the eyebrows or forehead can also play a role. We always include this in our assessment.
An upper eyelid correction can be beneficial if you experience:
sagging skin of the upper eyelids
a heavy or pressing feeling on the eyes
a tired or downturned appearance
difficulty keeping the eyes fully open
in some cases: a restricted field of vision
It is important to assess what is causing these concerns. Not every “heavy look” is caused by excess eyelid skin; the position of the eyebrows or forehead can also play a role. We always take this into account in our assessment.
Click on an subject for more information
The procedure is almost always performed under local anaesthetic. You do not need to fast and you can go home the same day.
Beforehand, the plastic surgeon carefully marks how much skin can be safely removed
The incision is placed in the natural crease of the upper eyelid
Excess skin and, if necessary, a small amount of fat is removed
The skin is closed carefully with fine sutures
After healing, the scar is usually barely visible and blends into the natural eyelid crease.
The procedure typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.
After the procedure, it is normal for the eyelids to be:
swollen and bruised
slightly tight or sensitive
This usually settles largely within 1 to 2 weeks.
You may go home the same day (do not drive yourself)
The stitches are typically removed after about 7 days
Make-up is usually possible again after around 10–14 days
We assess the final result only after a few months, once the skin has fully settled.
Na een bovenooglidcorrectie zien we meestal:
een openere, frissere blik
minder vermoeidheid in de uitstraling
behoud van uw natuurlijke gezichtsuitdrukking
Mensen uit de omgeving kunnen vaak niet precies aanwijzen wat er is veranderd — maar zien wel dat u er uitgerust uitziet.
An upper eyelid correction is a safe procedure, but as with any operation there are risks, including:
bleeding or swelling
temporary numbness of the skin or eyelashes
temporarily being unable to fully open or close the eyes
scar reactions (rarely bothersome)
These issues are almost always temporary and resolve on their own over the course of weeks to months. Serious complications are rare, especially when the procedure is performed carefully and conservatively.
Nowadays, upper eyelid correction is rarely eligible for reimbursement by health insurers, even in cases of functional complaints. The criteria are strict and vary from insurer to insurer. We can discuss this with you during the consultation, but in most cases, this treatment is not covered by insurance.
The procedure is almost always performed under local anaesthetic. You do not need to fast and you can go home the same day.
Beforehand, the plastic surgeon carefully marks how much skin can be safely removed
The incision is placed in the natural crease of the upper eyelid
Excess skin and, if necessary, a small amount of fat is removed
The skin is closed carefully with fine sutures
After healing, the scar is usually barely visible and blends into the natural eyelid crease.
The procedure typically takes 30 to 45 minutes.
After the procedure, it is normal for the eyelids to be:
swollen and bruised
slightly tight or sensitive
This usually settles largely within 1 to 2 weeks.
You may go home the same day (do not drive yourself)
The stitches are typically removed after about 7 days
Make-up is usually possible again after around 10–14 days
We assess the final result only after a few months, once the skin has fully settled.
Na een bovenooglidcorrectie zien we meestal:
een openere, frissere blik
minder vermoeidheid in de uitstraling
behoud van uw natuurlijke gezichtsuitdrukking
Mensen uit de omgeving kunnen vaak niet precies aanwijzen wat er is veranderd — maar zien wel dat u er uitgerust uitziet.
An upper eyelid correction is a safe procedure, but as with any operation there are risks, including:
bleeding or swelling
temporary numbness of the skin or eyelashes
temporarily being unable to fully open or close the eyes
scar reactions (rarely bothersome)
These issues are almost always temporary and resolve on their own over the course of weeks to months. Serious complications are rare, especially when the procedure is performed carefully and conservatively.
Nowadays, upper eyelid correction is rarely eligible for reimbursement by health insurers, even in cases of functional complaints. The criteria are strict and vary from insurer to insurer. We can discuss this with you during the consultation, but in most cases, this treatment is not covered by insurance.
Click on a questions to see the answer
What is the goal of an upper eyelid correction?
The goal is to remove excess skin from the upper eyelids so the eyes look more open and refreshed. It is not intended to change the shape of the eyes, but to restore a natural, relaxed appearance.
Is an upper eyelid correction purely cosmetic?
No. Many people experience not only a tired look, but also a heavy or pressing sensation on the eyes, and sometimes even a reduction in the visual field. In those cases, the procedure can provide both aesthetic and functional benefit.
How do I know if my symptoms are truly caused by excess skin?
During the consultation, the plastic surgeon assesses whether excess skin is the cause, or whether factors such as brow position or the forehead also contribute. The procedure is only recommended if it is the right solution.
Is fat also removed during an upper eyelid correction?
Sometimes, but very conservatively. The guiding principle is to preserve a natural eyelid contour. Removing too much fat can create a hollow or harsh appearance. If needed, only a small amount is adjusted.
Are scars visible after an upper eyelid correction?
The scar is placed in the natural crease of the upper eyelid and, once healed, is usually barely visible. For most people, it fades significantly over the following months.
Is an upper eyelid correction painful?
An upper eyelid correction is performed under local anaesthesia and is therefore virtually painless. After an upper eyelid correction, mild soreness or bruised sensations are common and are usually well managed with paracetamol.
How long is recovery after an upper eyelid correction?
After an upper eyelid correction, most swelling and bruising resolve within 1 to 2 weeks. Stitches are usually removed after about 7 days. The final result of an upper eyelid correction is assessed after several months, once the tissues have fully settled.
When can I return to work or drive after an upper eyelid correction?
After an upper eyelid correction, light work is often possible after a few days, depending on swelling and comfort. Driving after an upper eyelid correction is allowed once you feel safe and your vision is not affected. You should not drive yourself on the day of the upper eyelid correction.
Is the result of an upper eyelid correction permanent?
The result of an upper eyelid correction is long-lasting. Ageing continues, but the excess skin removed during the upper eyelid correction typically does not return to the same extent.
Will I look “different” after an upper eyelid correction?
An upper eyelid correction is designed to preserve your natural facial expression. After an upper eyelid correction, you look fresher and more rested, without an “operated” look.
Can an upper eyelid correction be combined with other procedures?
An upper eyelid correction can, when appropriate, be combined with procedures such as a lower eyelid correction, a brow lift, or a facelift. During the consultation, we assess whether combining treatments with an upper eyelid correction makes sense for your case.
Is an upper eyelid correction covered by health insurance?
In practice, an upper eyelid correction is now rarely reimbursed. Reimbursement criteria are strict and vary by insurer. At Gooimeer Clinics, we currently provide non-insured care only.
Am I a suitable candidate for an upper eyelid correction?
Most healthy adults with excess upper eyelid skin are suitable candidates for an upper eyelid correction. During the consultation, we assess your anatomy, health, and expectations to confirm whether an upper eyelid correction is the right choice for you.
Are you considering upper eyelid surgery?
During a personal consultation, we discuss:
your concerns and goals
the anatomy of your eyelids and eyebrows
whether an upper eyelid correction is the right solution for you
Honest advice and a natural result are always the priority.
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