When is eyelid correction surgery compensated?

Blepharoplasty has been at the top of the list of the most requested cosmetic procedures in the Netherlands for many years.

In collaboration with Indbender

This is not surprising, because ptosis causes many annoying complaints. Your field of vision decreases, and you may feel tired and have a headache. You can treat this by removing a little excess skin.

An added advantage is that after this eyelid correction, you will also have a more vibrant appearance. But does your health insurance cover the costs of this procedure? It is known that health insurance usually does not cover cosmetic treatments, such as liposuction or breast augmentation. But there are some exceptions for eyelid corrections.

When are you eligible for reimbursement?

First, the bad news: lower eyelid corrections are never reimbursed. This is viewed as a purely cosmetic procedure. Bas Knoppertz, healthcare expert at Independentbender: “Upper eyelid corrections can be replaced under certain circumstances. You need a medical indication. Previously, GPs would sometimes offer this, even if it wasn’t necessary. Today this policy has become more stringent; Medical necessity is in fact a condition for obtaining compensation at all.

What is considered medical necessity?
According to current guidelines, there is a medical necessity in case of severe visual field impairment. But how is this determined? “If the lower edge of the upper eyelid or skin fold hangs at least one millimeter above the center of the pupil when you look forward in a relaxed manner, this means there is a serious restriction of the visual field,” explain health care experts Nuberts. If you are referred for a medical need, this is usually covered by basic insurance without an additional policy.

Is eyelid correction surgery safe?

As with any cosmetic procedure, there are risks associated with eyelid correction. However, complications are rare, and when they do occur, they are usually not serious. If you’re hesitant, you can also consider using makeup to make your droopy eyelids less noticeable.

Recovery period after the operation

Although eyelid correction is not considered radical, a recovery period of at least a week is still needed. The stitches are usually removed after this period.

During the recovery period, your eyes may be a little puffy, so it’s recommended to take things easy this week, even taking time off work. Avoid strenuous physical work or lifting heavy objects for six weeks after the procedure, as this may hinder the healing process. It is also recommended to sleep on your back, as sleeping on your side may delay healing.

What is the best time for eyelid correction?

It is recommended to avoid the sun for the first six months after the operation. This is why fall is the ideal season for eyelid correction. In Dutch autumn and winter, there is usually little sun to be seen. When they come back into the picture after six months, you can enjoy spring even more.