FAQ

An eyelift and a blepharoplasty are nearly the same. Blepharoplasty is a general term encompassing various types of procedures (such as lower blepharoplasties, upper blepharoplasties, or ptosis corrections). An eyelift specifically refers to an upper blepharoplasty.

There are sometimes significant price differences between providers of eyelid surgery. Here’s why:

1. Plastic surgeon or not?
   In some clinics, procedures are performed by a general practitioner, maxillofacial surgeon, ENT specialist, or cosmetic doctor. Some lower-cost clinics even employ doctors still in training. At our clinic, your procedure is always performed by a specialized plastic surgeon with years of experience in eyelid surgery. Plastic surgery is the only specialty where eyelid surgery is an integral part of the 12-year(!) training program.
2. Specialized support team or not?
   The quality of care isn’t determined solely by the surgeon. At VandenBroecke Kliniek, the entire support team—from receptionists to surgical assistants—is specialized in the care surrounding eyelid surgery. We continuously invest in the training and expertise of our team. This focus and specialization ensure the highest possible level of experience, knowledge, and care for our clients.
3. Specialized clinic or not?
   To provide the best care, the environment must also be optimally equipped. VandenBroecke Kliniek works exclusively with state-of-the-art equipment in an environment specifically designed to ensure your eyelid surgery is performed flawlessly. We continuously invest in this: we make no compromises when it comes to quality and hygiene.

Each level of care comes with its own price tag. We believe it’s important to explain these factors so you can make an informed decision.

Legally, any doctor with a basic medical degree is allowed to perform minor surgeries, including eyelid corrections. However, there are significant differences in knowledge and skills between doctors. A plastic surgeon, for instance, undergoes an additional 6 years of specialized training after the 6-year basic medical degree to become a plastic surgeon. During their education and career, plastic surgeons focus on cosmetic surgeries.

A cosmetic doctor is not the same as a plastic surgeon

The title ‘cosmetic doctor’ is not protected: any doctor with a basic medical degree can call themselves a cosmetic doctor. It says nothing about the quality or competence of the person using the title. Becoming a cosmetic doctor does not require the same rigorous 6-year specialized training that a plastic surgeon completes. Therefore, it’s highly questionable whether a cosmetic doctor possesses the same level of knowledge and skills as a plastic surgeon.

Is it safe to undergo eyelid surgery performed by a general practitioner?

A general practitioner (GP) completes a basic medical degree followed by a 3-year specialization to become a GP. Their role is primarily focused on diagnosing and managing general health issues. During their 9 years of training, they do not specialize in cosmetic surgeries. In contrast, the anatomical knowledge of the face and surgical expertise are essential for a skilled plastic surgeon.

Moreover, a GP typically performs only a few blepharoplasties per month, whereas a plastic surgeon performs multiple blepharoplasties daily.

Save yourself time, effort, and unnecessary risks by consulting the right specialist from the start—a plastic surgeon!

1. Research the best clinic for you

Investigate the reputation of a clinic by reading online reviews and asking friends, family, acquaintances, or your general practitioner about their experiences. Avoid basing your judgment on a single positive or negative story; the more testimonials you gather, the better picture you’ll have of a clinic.

2. Experience with eyelid surgery: check the doctors

In the Netherlands, various types of doctors are permitted to perform eyelid surgery (general practitioners, cosmetic doctors, basic medical doctors). Not all of them are equally skilled, experienced, or specialized. To ensure the best treatment, choose a clinic where the procedure is performed by an experienced plastic surgeon who specializes in eyelid surgery.

3. Consult more than one clinic

To determine which clinic is the best fit for you, schedule consultations with multiple clinics before making a decision. This allows you to meet different doctors, hear their recommendations, and evaluate the facilities of various clinics before choosing.

4. Inquire about aftercare & recovery support

Proper aftercare is a crucial component of a successful blepharoplasty. Ask about the postoperative care plan and how the clinic supports you during recovery. For example, inquire about how potential complications are handled.

5. Trust your instincts when choosing a clinic

Ultimately, your gut feeling plays an important role in selecting the right clinic. If something feels off or you have doubts about a particular clinic, it’s best not to proceed there. You should feel completely comfortable with the clinic before undergoing eyelid surgery.

On average, the results of eyelid surgery last about fifteen years. Unfortunately, the natural aging process continues; however, by living a healthy lifestyle and taking good care of your skin, you can maximize the benefits of your blepharoplasty, prolonging the time before you may need to return.

After a few months, scars are barely visible. This is because the incision is made in the natural crease of your eyelid. A few weeks after the procedure, the scar becomes less noticeable, and after several months, it is virtually invisible.

On this page you can read all about preparing for eyelid surgery.

Most people return to work about a week after their procedure. During the first week, you can engage in light activities, such as household tasks. Stitches are removed after one week. However, heavy physical activities (such as lifting) should be avoided for the first two to three weeks. These timelines are averages; you may feel ready to resume activities sooner, or your recovery might take a bit longer.

Yes, you may wear contact lenses starting two weeks after the procedure, but only if you can insert or remove them without pulling on your eyelid. Most people opt to wear glasses during the first two weeks following an eyelid correction as a precaution.

The price for an upper blepharoplasty is €1.150. This rate covers both eyes and is “all-inclusive” (no additional administrative fees, consultation charges, aftercare costs, or other hidden expenses that some clinics unfortunately tend to apply). See all our rates here.

For safety reasons, this is not possible due to our treatment methods. If you have a pacemaker and are considering eyelid surgery, we recommend scheduling an appointment at a hospital in your region.

Once the scabs on the scars have fallen off naturally (do not pick at them!), you can start applying scar cream. For the first two weeks, apply the scar cream gently without excessive pressure or rubbing. We recommend the specially developed VandenBroecke Kliniek scar cream with SPF 20

The results of a blepharoplasty typically remain visible for 10 to 15 years. After that, a follow-up procedure is entirely possible. When performed correctly, there is no limitation on the number of blepharoplasties you can have in your lifetime.

If the levator muscle in the upper eyelid (responsible for opening the eye) does not function properly, it causes drooping of the upper eyelid. This drooping is also known as ptosis (blepharoptosis). It can be corrected with a ptosis correction, also referred to as levatorplasty.