EYELID SURGERY
BLEPHAROPLASTY
Heavy, hooded upper eyelids and puffy lower lids are among the first signs of ageing around the eyes, and they can make you look tired or older than you feel even when you are well rested. Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) removes or repositions excess skin, muscle and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids to restore a fresher, more open and naturally rested look. For some patients, heavy upper lids also narrow the field of vision, and surgery improves sight as well as appearance. Istanbul offers experienced plastic surgeons and modern facilities for eyelid surgery.
Istanbul is a well-established centre for facial plastic surgery, and blepharoplasty is among the most frequently performed procedures by Turkish surgeons. Patients from the UK, Germany, Scandinavia, and the Gulf region travel to Turkey for eyelid surgery, drawn by careful surgical technique, personalised care, and a well-organised experience for international patients.
WHAT IS BLEPHAROPLASTY? Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes or repositions excess skin, muscle, and fat from the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. Upper blepharoplasty addresses hooding and heaviness caused by redundant skin that descends over the lid margin, restoring a more open, alert appearance. Lower blepharoplasty targets under-eye bags, puffiness, and fine crepey skin, giving the eye area a smoother, more rested contour. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia, and typically takes 1 to 2 hours. Incisions are carefully placed within natural skin folds and lash lines, making scars virtually imperceptible once healed. Recovery involves mild swelling and bruising for 7–14 days, with most patients returning to social activities within 10 days.
AM I THE RIGHT CANDIDATE?
• Your upper eyelids are hooded or heavy, with excess skin folding onto the lid or lashes.
• You have under-eye bags, puffiness or crepey lower-lid skin that makes you look tired.
• You are in good general health, with no uncontrolled eye conditions such as severe dry eye.
• You want a refreshed, natural look rather than a change in the shape of your eyes.
BENEFITS OF BLEPHAROPLASTY
• A more open, alert look: Removes hooding and heaviness of the upper lids.
• A smoother under-eye area: Reduces bags and puffiness of the lower lids.
• Discreet scars: Incisions sit in the natural eyelid crease, along the lash line or inside the lower lid.
• Long-lasting results: Most patients enjoy their results for 8–12 years.
Often combined with: Brow lift · Temporal lift · Facelift
HOW DO WE PROCEED?
Step 1 — Online Consultation: Submit your inquiry and share clear photos of your eyes from the front and sides. Our surgeon will assess your eyelid anatomy and recommend the most appropriate approach within 24–48 hours.
Step 2 — Treatment Plan & Quote: You receive a detailed plan specifying whether upper, lower, or four-lid blepharoplasty is recommended, along with a full cost breakdown.
Step 3 — Travel Arrangements: Our patient coordinator handles hotel suggestions near our clinic and arranges your airport transfer.
Step 4 — Pre-operative Assessment: On arrival, you undergo a clinical eye examination and blood tests before your face-to-face surgical consultation.
Step 5 — Surgery & Recovery: The procedure is performed as a day case or with one overnight stay. You return to your hotel the same day or the following morning.
Step 6 — Follow-up & Aftercare: A post-operative check is completed before your departure. Stitches are typically removed within 5–7 days, and our team supports your recovery remotely.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What makes Turkey a preferred destination for blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a frequently performed procedure in Turkey, and plastic surgeons here have broad experience with it. Together with modern facilities and dedicated international patient services, this allows a high standard of care.Can upper and lower blepharoplasty be done at the same time?
Yes. Treating all four eyelids in a single session is common and adds only a small amount of additional time. Recovery is similar to single-lid surgery, and combining procedures means a single anaesthesia and a single recovery period.Will the scars be visible?
Incisions are placed within natural skin creases for the upper lid and along the lash line or inside the lower lid (transconjunctival approach). Scars mature and become nearly invisible within a few months.Does blepharoplasty hurt?
Discomfort is mild and well-controlled with prescribed pain relief. Most patients describe a sensation of tightness and dryness rather than pain. Swelling and bruising are the most noticeable side effects in the first week.How long is the recovery?
Most patients feel presentable — with the help of sunglasses — within 7–10 days. Full resolution of swelling takes 4–6 weeks, although this is rarely noticeable to others after the first two weeks.Are the results permanent?
Blepharoplasty removes skin that will not regrow; however, the ageing process continues. Most patients enjoy their results for 8–12 years before any revision might be considered.Can blepharoplasty be combined with other procedures?
Absolutely. It is frequently combined with a brow lift, temporal lift, or full facelift for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Combinations are discussed during your consultation.Is blepharoplasty only for older patients?
No. Some patients in their 30s or 40s have genetically heavy upper lids or prominent under-eye fat pads that make them appear tired. Blepharoplasty addresses these concerns at any adult age.How do I prepare for the procedure?
Avoid blood-thinning medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen in the weeks prior to surgery. A full preparation checklist is provided after your consultation.How do I get started?
Fill in the contact form below or reach out via WhatsApp with a few clear photos of your eyes. Our team will provide a personalised assessment within 24–48 hours.
DOCTOR'S NOTE The eyes are the first thing people notice — and often the first feature to show the signs of ageing or fatigue. In my experience, blepharoplasty is one of those procedures where the impact is immediate and profound, yet when done well, entirely undetectable. Patients do not want to look 'done'; they want to look like themselves on a very good day. What I find most rewarding about eyelid surgery is the precision it demands. Every millimetre matters. The amount of skin removed, the handling of the fat compartments, the placement of every suture — all of these decisions shape the final result. I approach each case with that level of attention, and I am always available to answer questions and discuss what is truly achievable for you specifically.