Eyelid correction in the basic insurance package

Quite a few people have called us in recent weeks to “just postpone” their eyelid correction. Suddenly it no longer has to happen at such short notice. But they would like it as soon as possible after 1 January. “Can it be on 2 January?” Yes, of course, as long as the diary for that first Monday of 2017 is not yet full. But do think carefully before you really postpone that eyelid correction – which you may have wanted for a very long time and for which you have probably already had your consultation. There is a chance it will not get you anywhere at all.

Eyelid correction in the basic package?

What is going on? A while ago, minister Edith Schippers of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) announced that from 2017 a number of cosmetic treatments will once again be reimbursed from the basic package of health insurance. These are breast implants, circumcisions and – indeed – eyelid corrections. This reverses a decision taken ten years earlier. At that time, the ministry decided to remove these plastic surgery procedures from the basic package, because the minister felt they were being abused. Too many people were said to be getting such a procedure reimbursed when there was in fact no medical reason to undergo it.

Most will be bitterly disappointed

A great many people are pleased with this decision and are therefore now waiting until next year to have their eyelids corrected. Most will be bitterly disappointed. Although the minister’s decision is in itself a good step, it is important to read a little further. Headline writers love punchy texts, things that grab attention. “Cosmetic procedures back in basic package” fits the bill. But in terms of content it is far from complete.

What exactly are the facts? This: from 1 January 2017, a number of medically necessary cosmetic treatments will once again be reimbursed from the basic package of health insurance. When announcing the news, the minister stressed very emphatically that there must be a medical indication for the procedure. In the case of eyelid correction, this means it will only be reimbursed from the basic package if someone has reduced or poor vision because of a paralysed eyelid.

The situation is not that serious for most people who go to a plastic surgeon for an eyelid correction. Their upper eyelid has started to droop somewhat – a natural phenomenon with advancing years due to slackening of the tissue – but certainly not so badly that it obstructs their vision. And the lower eyelids, of course, can never obstruct vision by drooping.

So don’t celebrate too soon!

So don’t celebrate too soon at the news of eyelid correction returning to the basic package. The chance that you will still simply have to pay for this procedure out of your own pocket in 2017 is quite high. That does not alter the fact that it can be a valuable procedure if you want to give your face a more youthful appearance again. But you already knew that, of course – that is exactly why you made that appointment.

Would you like to discuss your wishes and the possibilities of an eyelid correction with one of our plastic surgeons? Then make an appointment for a free, no-obligation consultation!