Ptosis correction

Does one upper eyelid droop slightly lower than the other, or do both eyelid margins hang over the pupil? With a Fasanella-Servat ptosis correction, the eye surgeon lifts the eyelid from the inside, without an incision in the skin.

What is a ptosis correction?

Ptosis is a drooping upper eyelid. The cause is a weakened or stretched eyelid muscle, causing the eyelid margin to sit lower than normal and sometimes fall over the pupil. The eye appears smaller or tired, and with a more pronounced droop, the upper field of vision can also become restricted. Ptosis is different from excess skin on the upper eyelid; for that, the upper eyelid correction intended. In a ptosis correction, it is not the skin but the eyelid muscle that is targeted. With the Fasanella-Servat technique, the eye surgeon works through the inside of the upper eyelid. There, a narrow strip of the conjunctiva, Müller's muscle, and the upper edge of the eyelid cartilage plate are removed. As a result, the eyelid sits 1 to 2 millimetres higher. No incisions are made in the skin; therefore, there is no visible scar.

Who is this technique intended for?

Fasanella-Servat ptosis correction is suitable for mild ptosis of approximately 1 to 2 millimetres, where the eyelid muscle itself is still functioning well. During the consultation, the eye surgeon performs a drop test (phenylephrine test): an eye drop briefly stimulates Müller's muscle. If the eyelid rises to the desired height as a result, this technique is likely to be suitable for you. For a more severe drooping eyelid or a weak eyelid muscle, the eye surgeon will recommend a different technique. An in-person consultation at the clinic is required for ptosis correction: the measurement of the eyelids and the drop test cannot be performed online.

One of the most advanced techniques and materials

For this procedure, we use one of the most advanced techniques in eyelid surgery, with advanced materials. The eye surgeon works with the surgical CO2 laser, just as with the laser-assisted upper eyelid correctionThe laser cuts very precisely and seals small blood vessels immediately, with less tissue damage. During the procedure, a titanium eye shield protects the eye. This allows the eye surgeon to work accurately on the inside of the eyelid, while the eye is fully shielded.

At a glance

  • Treatment: ptosis correction (Fasanella-Servat), through the inside of the eyelid, with no skin incision and no visible scar
  • Price: € 1,750 per eye, including consultation, aftercare and check-ups
  • Performed by: the eye surgeon, using the surgical CO2 laser
  • For whom: mild ptosis (1 to 2 mm) with a well-functioning eyelid muscle and a positive eye-drop test; the measurement and the drop test take place at a consultation in the clinic, not online
  • Where: Zwolle or Amsterdam
  • Anaesthesia: local; you go home the same day
  • Duration: 30 to 45 minutes
  • Recovery: an internal stitch and a bandage contact lens, both removed after about a week; otherwise as for an upper eyelid correction

How does a ptosis correction work?

1

Are you suitable?

For a ptosis correction, you always visit the clinic in person; an online consultation is not possible for this procedure. During the consultation, the eye surgeon measures the position of your eyelids and the strength of the eyelid muscle, and performs the drop test. If the Fasanella-Servat technique is suitable, we will schedule the procedure in consultation with you. There is always a minimum of one week's cooling-off period between the consultation and the procedure.

2

You are welcomed

On the day of the procedure, you will be welcomed by the assistant, who will accompany you to the treatment room.

3

Anaesthesia and protection

You will receive anaesthetic eye drops and a local anaesthetic in the upper eyelid. A titanium eye shield will be placed on the eye to protect it; this will be removed immediately after the procedure.

4

The procedure

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. The eye surgeon gently turns the upper eyelid over, removes a narrow strip of tissue from the inside using the laser, and sutures the inside of the eyelid. You will be awake and go home the same day.

5

Bandage lens and cooling

After the procedure, you will have a soft bandage lens placed on your eye to protect the cornea from the sutures, along with antibiotic eye drops. You will be given a cooling mask; keep the area well cooled for the first three days. Three days after the procedure, an assistant will call you to ask how you are doing.

6

Check-up

You return after about a week: the eye surgeon removes the sutures and the bandage lens and checks the position of the eyelid. The final result is visible after about six months.

Who is ptosis correction suitable for?

A ptosis correction may be appropriate if one or both upper eyelids are visibly drooping, if your eye appears smaller or tired as a result, or if the eyelid margin begins to restrict your vision at the top. The Fasanella-Servat technique is intended for mild ptosis, where the eyelid muscle itself is still functioning well. The eye surgeon will assess whether this applies to you during the consultation using a measurement and the drop test.

Who is it for

  • For a slightly drooping upper eyelid (1 to 2 millimetres) caused by a weakened eyelid muscle, often on one side.
  • At any age; the eye-drop test during the consultation determines whether this technique is suitable.
  • A consultation at the clinic is required.

Whether the procedure is suitable for you is assessed by the eye surgeon during the consultation.

Recovery and aftercare

Recovery is similar to that of an upper eyelid correction: for the first few days, cool the eyes, rest, and do not touch the eyes. Because no incision is made in the skin, the outer surface of the eyelid remains undamaged; however, the eyelid may be swollen for a few days, and the eye may feel somewhat sensitive or watery due to the sutures on the inside. The bandage lens and antibiotic drops protect the eye during the first week; use the drops according to the instructions you receive. You can usually resume administrative work after three days; physical work, care work and hospitality work should not be resumed during the first week. Paracetamol is usually not necessary but is permitted. The sutures and bandage lens will be removed after approximately one week. We are available for you in case of an emergency.

Risks

As with any procedure, temporary symptoms may occur, such as swelling, a sensitive or watery eye, and mild irritation due to the sutures on the inside. Rare complications include post-operative bleeding, infection, slight asymmetry between the eyelids, an eyelid that sits slightly too high or too low (sometimes requiring an additional correction), and dry eyes. We will discuss all risks with you during the consultation.

Costs

A Fasanella-Servat ptosis correction costs € 1,750 per eye, including the introductory consultation, aftercare and check-ups. As a rule, ptosis correction is not reimbursed by health insurers; Looks Clinics is a non-contracted healthcare provider, and you pay for the treatment directly. View all rates.

Complaints about drooping eyelids
Before After Looks Clinics initial overview Looks Clinics final analysis

Very satisfied with the knowledgeable and friendly staff and doctor and with the result!

I was quite nervous, but everyone was calm and I was put at ease. The procedure and recovery went very smoothly, and the result is fantastic; no more tired, painful forehead and a lovely, open look.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most frequently asked questions about ptosis correction. If your question is not listed, we will be happy to answer it during the consultation at the clinic.

In ptosis, the eyelid margin itself is positioned too low due to a weakened eyelid muscle. With excess skin, the skin of the upper eyelid hangs over the eyelid margin, while the margin is at the normal height. Sometimes both occur together. During the consultation, the eye surgeon will determine your specific condition and the appropriate treatment.

No. The eye surgeon works through the inside of the eyelid. The skin is not cut, so there will be no visible scar.

During the consultation, you will receive an eye drop containing phenylephrine. This stimulates Müller's muscle, causing the eyelid to rise temporarily. If the eyelid reaches the desired height, the eye surgeon knows that the Fasanella-Servat technique is suitable for you.

Yes. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, using anaesthetic eye drops and an anaesthetic in the eyelid. Administering the anaesthetic may be briefly sensitive; afterwards, you will usually only feel some pressure.

The suture is located on the inside of the eyelid, against the eye. A soft bandage lens protects the cornea from the suture and makes the first week more comfortable. Antibiotic drops protect the eye against infection. After about a week, the lens and the suture are removed together.

Yes. Ptosis often occurs on one side. The eye surgeon will discuss with you whether correcting one eye or both eyes will give a more balanced, symmetrical result. The price applies per eye.

No. An in-person consultation at the clinic is required for a ptosis correction. The eye surgeon measures the position of your eyelids and the strength of the eyelid muscle and performs the drop test; this can only be done at the clinic.

As a rule, no. Looks Clinics is a non-contracted healthcare provider; you pay for the treatment directly.

Also at Looks Clinics

Our eye surgeons also perform these treatments. During the introductory consultation, we will discuss which one suits you best.

Upper eyelid correction

The classic upper eyelid correction: the excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids are removed.

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Laser-assisted upper eyelid correction

The same procedure as the upper eyelid correction, with the CO2 laser: faster recovery, less tissue damage, and greater precision.

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Lower eyelid correction

For bags under the eyes and a sunken tear trough, via the inside of the eyelid or through a small incision under the lash line.

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Direct brow lift

For a drooping eyebrow: the incision runs along the upper edge of the eyebrow, hidden in thick eyebrows.

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CO2 laser skin tightening

Non-surgical skin treatment of the lower eyelids for fine lines and sagging.

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