Under-eye bag correction

Excess skin may develop under the eyes, commonly known as under-eye bags. This skin laxity is often accompanied by fluid retention and sagging of the subcutaneous fat tissue in the eye sockets. The weakening of the circular muscle around the eye further exacerbates this process.

The removal or correction of under-eye bags, sometimes combined with the partial removal and/or repositioning of underlying muscle and fat tissue, is referred to as a lower blepharoplasty, or in some cases, a midface lift.

After correcting under-eye bags, you’ll often look more rested and many years younger.

Do you have before and after photos of an under-eye bag correction?

Our before-and-after photos provide a clear impression of the results you can expect from a procedure at VandenBroecke Kliniek. During your personal consultation, our plastic surgeon will discuss the achievable results for your specific case and can usually demonstrate this very clearly (using a mirror).

Below, you can watch a before-and-after video of a midface lift:

From dark circles to bags: understanding the differences

What is commonly referred to as under-eye bags can vary significantly. The most common types are:

1. Dark circles under the eyes
Dark circles under the eyes are common. In many cases, this discoloration is caused by small blood vessels and capillaries showing through the thin skin of the lower eyelids, which particularly affects people with fair skin. In darker skin tones, visible discoloration is more often a form of hyperpigmentation.

2. Bags under the eyes
Bags under the eyes can have three different causes. It may be due to fluid retention, an excess of skin, or fat pads.

Fat pads are naturally present around our eyes, with some people having more than others. This fat acts as a form of protection for the eyeball. As we age, these fat pads can sag, resulting in bags under the eyes.

3. Sagging eyelids
No skin escapes aging. The often thin skin around the eyes also ages, loses elasticity, and sags as a result. The weakening of the circular muscle around the eye further exacerbates this process, causing the skin to sag, as well as the aforementioned fat pads.

What can I expect from an under-eye bag correction?

The expectations and results depend on the procedure you choose together with the plastic surgeon.

For a lower blepharoplasty:

• Before the procedure, the plastic surgeon will carefully mark the excess skin.
• The procedure takes approximately 90 minutes.
• Because our plastic surgeon uses diathermy, there is minimal bleeding.
• An incision is made in the lash line under the eyes.
• A strip of skin is removed, and, if necessary, some underlying fat is removed or redistributed to eliminate the under-eye bags.
• The incision is closed with fine sutures that ensure the skin aligns well and the stitches are easy to remove.
• You will receive a cooling mask to take home.
• After one week, the stitches are removed at our clinic.

Consultation lower blepharoplasty

For a midface lift:

In a midface lift, in addition to addressing under-eye bags, the skin beneath the tear trough is also tightened. The procedure is performed slightly differently:

• An incision is made slightly further out, which ultimately blends into the crow’s feet.
• The skin is lifted and secured under the surface to the eye sockets.
• A midface lift takes approximately one hour per side.
• After the procedure, you will rest in the operating room for about half an hour with a cooling pack on your face.
• The midface lift is performed under local anesthesia, allowing you to go home afterward.
• One week later, you will return to the clinic for your first check-up and to have the stitches removed.
• It is important to take it easy during the first two weeks after the procedure.

Consultation midface lift

How much does an under-eye bag correction cost?

The cost of the procedure you choose to address your under-eye bags at VandenBroecke Kliniek is as follows:

Consultation	Free
Lower blepharoplasty	€2.250
Midface lift	€3.050
Upper and lower blepharoplasty	€3.150

All our prices are “all-inclusive,” meaning they cover both eyes, including the consultation, suture removal, follow-up appointments, and any necessary after-treatment. A complete overview of our rates can be found on our price list.

How long does recovery take after an under-eye bag correction?

Since we use diathermy equipment instead of a scalpel during the procedure, the risk of subcutaneous bleeding (which causes bruising) is significantly reduced. However, the area around your eyelids may still be slightly swollen and bruised during the first week after the treatment. In some cases, your eyes may feel dry or watery; this is not concerning or painful and will subside within a few weeks. A detailed overview of aftercare and recovery information can be found here.

One week after the procedure, the stitches are removed at our clinic. Most people return to work after the stitches are removed. Recovery continues over the following weeks. On average, the final result of a lower eyelid correction is visible after 12 to 16 weeks. This is also when your final check-up occurs, and we take your “after” photo. For a mid-facelift, the final result is typically visible after 9 to 10 months.

Is a procedure covered by insurance?

Lower eyelid corrections and midface lifts are not and have never been covered by the basic health insurance plan. Possible reimbursement from your supplementary health insurance depends on your insurer. Please note that our clinic does not provide insured care. For insured care, we advise you to contact a hospital in your region.

Why choose the VandenBroecke Kliniek?

VandenBroecke Kliniek is fully specialized in eyelid surgery. We were the first clinic in the country to focus exclusively on eyelid surgery. This specialization has led us to perform the highest number of blepharoplasties in the Netherlands for many years, making us the leading clinic for eyelid surgery.

At our clinic, all treatments are performed by experienced plastic surgeons who are members of the NVPC (Dutch Society for Plastic Surgery) and have many years of experience in eyelid surgery.

Additionally, the entire support team at VandenBroecke Kliniek, from receptionists to surgical assistants, is fully specialized in eyelid surgery care.

Not only are we the largest clinic, but we are also the most highly rated eyelid surgery clinic in the Netherlands, thanks to our extensive experience, personal attention, and excellent results. We currently hold a 9,7 at Zorgkaart Nederland and a 9,5 at Feedback Company.

Before-and-after photos provide a clear impression of the results you can expect from a procedure at VandenBroecke Kliniek. During your personal consultation, our plastic surgeon will explain the achievable results in your specific case and can demonstrate this directly (using a mirror).

Click to see more before and after photos.