What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is surgery to reshape the eyelids. As we age, the skin of the upper lids stretches and can fold over the natural crease, while the fat that cushions the eye can bulge forward under the lower lids. The result is a heavy, hooded or tired look, even when you feel well rested.
During the operation the surgeon removes or repositions some of this excess skin, muscle and fat. Incisions are placed in the natural lines of the eyelid, so scars are discreet once healed. The aim is not to change the shape of your eyes but to give them a more open, refreshed appearance.
Who is blepharoplasty suitable for?
Eyelid surgery is usually considered for adults in good general health who have one or more of the following:
- Excess upper eyelid skin that hides the natural crease
- Loose upper lid skin that hangs low enough to narrow your field of vision
- Puffiness of the upper lids that makes you look tired
- Bags or hollowness under the eyes
You should not smoke, or be willing to stop well before surgery, and you need realistic expectations. If you have dry eye, thyroid eye disease, glaucoma or a history of eye surgery, tell your coordinator early, as the surgeon may want an eye specialist's opinion first.
Types of blepharoplasty
Upper blepharoplasty
The surgeon removes a strip of excess skin, and sometimes a small amount of muscle and fat, from the upper lid. This reduces hooding and can lift the lid away from the lashes.
Lower blepharoplasty
The surgeon removes or repositions fat beneath the lower lid to reduce bags, and may tighten the lid. Fat is often moved into the hollow below the bags to create a smoother transition to the cheek.
The two can be done separately or together in one operation.
How the procedure is done
Blepharoplasty can be carried out under local anaesthetic with sedation or under general anaesthesia, depending on how much is being done. It usually takes 1 to 3 hours.
Consultation and marking
The surgeon examines your eyelids, brow position, facial bone structure and the symmetry of your eyes. While you sit upright, they mark exactly how much skin to remove.
Upper lid incision
For the upper lids, a cut is made along the natural crease. Excess skin, and where needed a little muscle and fat, is removed.
Lower lid approach
For the lower lids, the incision is either just below the lash line or on the inner surface of the lid, which leaves no external scar. Fat is trimmed or repositioned and loose skin tightened.
Closing the incisions
The incisions are closed with very fine stitches or skin glue. A light dressing or cold pads may be applied.
Recovery timeline
- First 48 hours
Your eyelids will feel tight and may be numb. Swelling and bruising build up over the first two days. Cold compresses, rest and keeping your head raised help. Blurred vision, watery eyes and sensitivity to light are common at this stage and settle.
- Days 3–7
Swelling starts to go down. Stitches are usually removed between day 3 and day 7, before you fly home.
- Weeks 2–3
Most bruising has faded and many patients feel comfortable returning to work and social life around day 10 to 14. Scars are pink but can often be covered with make-up.
- Months 1–3
Residual swelling settles gradually and the scars soften and fade. You will see your final result after around two to three months.
Aftercare
Careful aftercare helps your eyelids heal well. Your surgeon will usually ask you to:
- Avoid heavy lifting, bending over and strenuous exercise for at least 2 weeks, and sometimes up to 4
- Rest your eyes and limit long periods of reading, screen use and television in the first days, as these can dry the eyes
- Use the eye drops or ointment prescribed for you
- Wear glasses instead of contact lenses for about 2 weeks
- Protect your eyes with sunglasses and avoid swimming until the incisions have healed
- Avoid smoking, which slows healing
- Check every medicine and supplement with your coordinator, as some, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can increase bleeding
Risks and side effects
Blepharoplasty is a common and generally safe operation, but every surgery carries risks. Your surgeon will go through them with you before you consent. They include:
- Temporary blurred or double vision
- Dry, irritated or watery eyes
- Difficulty closing the eyes fully for a short time
- Slight asymmetry between the two sides
- A collection of blood under the skin (haematoma) or bleeding
- Infection
- Visible or thickened scarring
- Blood clots in a vein
- A reaction to the anaesthetic
Rarer complications include the lower lid pulling down or turning outwards, injury to the eye muscles, and, very rarely, loss of vision. Choosing an experienced surgeon and following your aftercare closely reduce these risks.
Results
Once the swelling has gone, most patients find their eyes look brighter, less tired and more open. If loose skin was affecting your vision, you may notice a wider field of view. Fat removed from the lower lids rarely returns, so results are long-lasting, although your skin will continue to age naturally.
Blepharoplasty in Turkey: your trip
Before you fly
You send close-up photos of your eyes and a summary of your medical history. The surgeon reviews them and our team sends you a treatment plan and price. Stop smoking and check your medicines with your coordinator in the weeks before travel.
In Istanbul
A driver meets you at the airport. You have your tests and consultation, and a translator stays with you through each step. After surgery you rest in hospital and have a check-up and stitch removal before you leave. A companion can stay with you at no extra cost.
Back home
Your coordinator stays in touch on WhatsApp, follows your recovery through photos and passes any questions to the surgical team.
What the Blepharoplasty package includes
- VIP transfers from and to Istanbul Airport (IST)
- Fully equipped room in the hospital
- Translation services at the hospital and during follow-up
- Pre-operative testing
- Consultation with your doctors
- Post-operative care and follow-ups for a year
- General anaesthesia
- Special compression garments
- One companion included in the price
- Three meals a day for you and your companion
- Full hospital stay for 4 nights, 5 days
- Aftercare package with a full set of medications to take home
Blepharoplasty FAQ
Will people be able to see my scars?
Upper eyelid incisions sit in the natural crease, so once healed they are hidden when your eyes are open. Lower eyelid incisions are placed just below the lashes or on the inside of the lid, where there is no visible scar at all. Scars are pink for a few weeks and then usually fade to a fine line.
Can I have upper and lower eyelid surgery at the same time?
Yes. Many patients have both done in one operation, which means a single anaesthetic and a single recovery period. Your surgeon will advise whether treating both lids is likely to give a balanced result in your case.
How long will the bruising last?
Bruising and swelling are usually at their worst on the second or third day. Most of it settles within 10 to 14 days, and the remaining mild swelling fades over the following weeks. Cold compresses and sleeping with your head raised help it settle sooner.
When can I wear contact lenses and make-up again?
Most surgeons ask you to wear glasses instead of contact lenses for about two weeks. Eye make-up can usually be used again once the stitches are out and the incisions have closed, often around 10 to 14 days. Follow the specific advice your surgeon gives you.
Will blepharoplasty fix drooping eyebrows or crow's feet?
No. Eyelid surgery treats the lids themselves. If your brows have dropped, a brow lift may be suggested, and fine lines at the corners of the eyes respond better to non-surgical treatments. Your surgeon will explain which of these would help.
How long do the results last?
Fat removed from the lower lids rarely comes back, so the improvement in eye bags is usually long-lasting. The skin will continue to age naturally, but most patients still look fresher than they would have without surgery many years later.
How long do I need to stay in Istanbul?
Plan for 5 days in Istanbul. Your package includes a full hospital stay of 4 nights, so you recover in a private room with nurses on hand day and night. This allows time for tests, the operation and a check-up, with stitches often removed before you fly home.
Is it safe to fly after eyelid surgery?
Most patients fly home on day 5, once the surgeon has checked them. Use lubricating eye drops on the flight, as cabin air is dry, and keep your sunglasses with you.
