5.0(14)
Op. Dr. Murat Yaman
Plastic & Aesthetic SurgeryVerified
- 11+years exp.
- 5,000+surgeries
- 6Treatments
Turkish · English
From€2,890
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Facial Surgery
Blepharoplasty
What upper and lower blepharoplasty involves, how surgeons remove excess skin and reposition orbital fat, what clinical evidence says about vision improvement and aesthetic rejuvenation, approximate costs in Turkey compared with the UK, US and Germany, how blepharoplasty compares with a brow lift, realistic before-and-after expectations, week-by-week recovery milestones, known surgical risks and key questions to ask your clinic.
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Verified surgeons for Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery
4 doctors Compare doctors, ratings and prices — ask any of them for a free quote.
Prof. Dr. Ayhan Numanoğlu
Plastic & Aesthetic SurgeryVerified
- 56+years exp.
English · Turkish
FromPrice on request
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Dr. Erdem Tezel
Plastic & Aesthetic SurgeryVerified
- 37+years exp.
English · Turkish
FromPrice on request
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Prof. Dr. Özhan Çelebiler
Plastic & Aesthetic SurgeryVerified
- 44+years exp.
FromPrice on request
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Upper and lower blepharoplasty in Turkey: what it is and how it works
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the eyelids by removing redundant skin, trimming or repositioning protruding orbital fat, and tightening supportive muscular structures. When performed on both the upper and lower eyelids in a single operation, known as combined upper and lower eyelid surgery, it addresses the entire peri-orbital frame. The upper component focuses on excision of overhanging skin folds (dermatochalasis) that can weigh down the eyelashes or impair peripheral vision. The lower component addresses under-eye puffiness caused by pseudoherniated fat pads, hollow tear troughs, and loose, wrinkled skin.
Choosing blepharoplasty in Turkey allows patients to undergo both corrections under one anaesthetic session, minimising overall healing time compared to staged operations. It is an anatomical rejuvenation procedure rather than a superficial skin treatment: it restores natural eyelid contours without changing your fundamental facial expression. For a complete overview of facial and body procedures, explore our guide to plastic surgery treatments in Turkey.
How upper and lower eyelid surgery is performed step by step
A combined eyelid operation typically lasts between 90 minutes and two and a half hours, depending on whether fat is excised or redraped and whether muscle tightening is required. The surgery can be performed under local anaesthesia with intravenous twilight sedation or under general anaesthesia, determined by patient preference and the surgeon's clinical recommendation.
For the upper eyelids, the surgeon marks the natural supratarsal skin crease while you are sitting upright. A precise incision is made along this crease, allowing redundant skin and a sliver of orbicularis oculi muscle to be excised. If necessary, small medial fat pockets are sculpted before the incision is closed with ultra-fine, delicate sutures that sit concealed within the natural eyelid fold.
For the lower eyelids, the surgical approach depends on your anatomy. If excess skin is present, a subciliary incision is placed just beneath the lower eyelash line, through which fat is repositioned or trimmed and lax muscle is reinforced. If only fat pockets require treatment without skin removal, a transconjunctival approach inside the inner eyelid avoids external scars entirely. If lower lid laxity is pronounced, a canthopexy or canthoplasty suspension suture stabilizes the lid margin to prevent downward pulling.
Does blepharoplasty work? What the surgical evidence shows
Clinical studies and long-term audits published in international aesthetic plastic surgery journals confirm that eyelid surgery in Turkey and worldwide delivers high patient satisfaction and durable anatomical improvement. In the upper eyelids, surgical excision of redundant tissue reliably lifts heavy skin off the lash line, expands the upper visual field in patients with functional obstruction, and restores a refreshed, well-rested appearance. In the lower eyelids, repositioning orbital fat into the tear trough creates a smoother transition between the lower lid and the mid-cheek, eliminating persistent shadows.
However, understanding what the procedure cannot achieve is vital for realistic expectations. Blepharoplasty does not alter facial bone structure, raise descended eyebrows, or treat fine dynamic expression lines such as crow's feet, which arise from active facial movement and respond better to neurotoxins or resurfacing. Furthermore, dark circles caused by genetic hyperpigmentation or dermal thinning rather than shadowing will not vanish with surgery alone. Honest clinics will clarify these distinctions during your initial evaluation.
Blepharoplasty cost in Turkey compared with the UK, US and Germany
The total blepharoplasty cost varies according to surgical complexity, whether both upper and lower lids are treated together, the type of anaesthesia, and clinic infrastructure. Below are approximate honest price ranges across major medical travel and domestic destinations. These figures represent typical market ranges rather than binding quotes.
| Country | Approximate cost range |
|---|---|
| Turkey | €2,000 – €4,500 |
| United Kingdom | €4,500 – €9,500 |
| United States | €5,500 – €12,000 |
| Germany | €4,000 – €8,500 |
Several clinical variables explain why eyelid surgery cost differs between patients. Treating all four eyelids concurrently requires more operating theatre time, specialised micro-surgical instruments, and meticulous haemostasis than single-lid surgery. In Turkey, comprehensive treatment packages typically cover surgical fees, anaesthesiologist services, pre-operative blood screening, post-operative medications, eye drops, cold compress packs, hotel accommodation, and airport transfers. Patients seeking treatment on only the lower lids can explore our standalone guide to lower eyelid surgery.
Upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty or a brow lift?
Patients seeking facial rejuvenation often mistake forehead and brow descent for primary eyelid ageing. When the forehead skin loses tension, the eyebrows slide downwards, pushing healthy upper eyelid skin downward into the eye aperture. In such instances, performing eyelid surgery alone may yield an unnatural look or fail to open the eye area properly. The table below outlines how common peri-orbital procedures compare in clinical application and structural scope.
| Procedure or technique | Best suited to | Typical limits |
|---|---|---|
| Combined upper and lower blepharoplasty | Simultaneous heavy upper lid hooding and prominent lower eye bags or laxity | Longer operating time and slightly more initial swelling than single-lid surgery |
| Upper blepharoplasty alone | Isolated drooping upper eyelid skin, obscured crease or upper visual obstruction | Does not treat lower puffiness, tear troughs or descending brow position |
| Lower blepharoplasty alone | Isolated infraorbital fat herniation, puffiness or lower eyelid skin crepiness | Does not alter upper lid hooding or elevation of the eyebrow complex |
| Brow lift (forehead lift) | Low, descending eyebrows causing secondary upper eyelid skin bunching | Does not remove true redundant eyelid skin or address lower lid bags |
During an in-depth clinical consultation, your surgeon will gently elevate your brow with a thumb to determine whether your excess skin originates in the lid or the forehead. If brow descent is the dominant factor, combining eyelid surgery with a brow lift often provides a more balanced and harmonious outcome.
Who is a good candidate for eyelid surgery, and who is not?
Suitable candidates for upper and lower eyelid surgery are healthy adult men and women troubled by sagging upper lids, persistent under-eye bags, or puffiness that makes them appear chronically fatigued. Good candidates have realistic expectations, understand the physiological stages of tissue recovery, and possess sufficient skin elasticity. Non-smokers or patients willing to refrain from smoking for several weeks before and after surgery heal substantially better with lower risks of skin necrosis and prolonged swelling.
Conversely, surgery may be contraindicated or require specialised ophthalmic clearance if you suffer from severe untreated dry eye syndrome, active blepharitis, glaucoma, or unmanaged thyroid eye disease (such as Graves' ophthalmopathy). Systemic conditions that impair blood clotting or wound healing, including uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes, must be stabilised beforehand. If you have previously undergone multiple eyelid surgeries, tissue scarring and reduced skin reserves require careful assessment by an experienced reconstructive surgeon.
Blepharoplasty before and after: realistic expectations and limits
When evaluating blepharoplasty before and after photographs, it is essential to look for structural balance rather than artificial perfection. Reliable clinical photographs show patients with naturally defined upper eyelid creases, reduced heaviness across the lateral eye, and smooth, rested transitions between the lower eyelid and cheekbone. The overall facial expression should remain entirely recognisable, looking refreshed and alert rather than altered or surprised.
What photographs do not always reveal is the natural timeline of scar maturation and tissue settling. Incision lines appear faint pink for the first several months before fading into pale, imperceptible creases. Photographs cannot convey subtle post-operative sensations such as temporary dryness or tightness during blinking. When reviewing clinic portfolios, look for patients with bone structure, skin tone, and age profiles comparable to your own, and view unedited images taken at least six months post-surgery under consistent lighting.
Your trip to Turkey and eyelid surgery recovery timeline
An international surgical trip for combined eyelid surgery generally requires a stay of five to seven nights in Turkey. This duration allows for comprehensive pre-operative testing, surgery, immediate aftercare monitoring, and an in-person follow-up consultation to remove external sutures before flying home. Adhering strictly to post-operative instructions ensures comfortable healing and protects delicate tissue repair.
During the first 48 to 72 hours, swelling and bruising peak around both eyes and may spread slightly into the cheeks. Applying cold gel compresses regularly, sleeping with the head elevated on two pillows, and using prescribed lubricating eye drops prevent dryness and reduce oedema. Most external sutures are removed between days five and seven. By day seven to ten, prominent bruising usually subsides to a yellowish hue that can be concealed with light mineral makeup once incisions have sealed.
Most patients comfortably resume sedentary work and light daily activities within 10 to 14 days. Contact lenses and vigorous cardiovascular exercise should be avoided for at least three weeks to prevent mechanical trauma, elevated blood pressure, and corneal irritation. Final tissue softening and subtle lymphatic drainage continue over three to six months.
Risks and complications of upper and lower eyelid surgery
Like all surgical interventions, eyelid rejuvenation carries documented risks. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) identify temporary swelling, bruising, mild eyelid asymmetry, and transient dry eye symptoms as frequent post-operative effects that resolve during early recovery. Patients may also experience slight blurred vision for a few days due to post-operative ointment application.
Less common but significant complications include prolonged wound healing, infection, visible scarring, or incomplete eyelid closure (lagophthalmos), which typically improves as swelling subsides. In lower blepharoplasty, excessive skin excision or tissue scarring can cause ectropion (the lower lid pulling outward from the eyeball), often requiring corrective taping or secondary intervention. The most serious, albeit exceedingly rare, emergency is a retrobulbar haematoma—bleeding behind the eye that causes intense pain, swelling, and pressure on the optic nerve. Licensed surgical centres maintain dedicated emergency protocols to manage such rare events immediately.
How to choose an eyelid surgeon in Turkey and red flags to avoid
The delicate anatomy of the eyelid complex demands high surgical precision. When selecting a specialist in Turkey, confirm that your surgeon is board-certified in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery or ophthalmic plastic surgery, registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health, and affiliated with national and international bodies. Inquire how many eyelid procedures they perform monthly and ensure your procedure takes place within a fully equipped, accredited hospital rather than an unaccredited outpatient clinic.
Be vigilant against common red flags: clinics offering unrealistically cheap flat rates without seeing photographs, sales representatives who rush you into paying non-refundable deposits, or unrealistic promises of flawless, scar-free results. A reputable clinic provides a named surgeon, transparent breakdowns of package inclusions, and a clear contingency plan for follow-up care once you return home. To understand how consultations, travel coordination and aftercare are arranged, read how it works. You can submit clear photographs for an initial evaluation through our free quote page.
Key questions to ask your surgical team before booking
Preparing specific questions helps you evaluate the expertise and transparency of your medical team during your consultation:
- Are you board-certified in plastic surgery or oculoplastic surgery, and what is your specific experience with four-lid blepharoplasty?
- For my lower eyelids, do you recommend a transconjunctival or subciliary incision, and will orbital fat be trimmed or redraped?
- Do I have any degree of lower lid laxity that warrants an additional canthopexy or canthoplasty?
- What type of anaesthesia will be administered, and who will monitor me throughout the operation?
- What emergency protocols and ophthalmology support exist at the operating hospital?
- How will my recovery be monitored after I return home, and who handles post-operative queries?
Requesting a formal evaluation via a free quote allows you to review your tailored surgical plan before committing.
Hospitals with Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery in Turkey
Frequently asked questions
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the eyelids by removing excess skin, tightening relaxed muscles, and sculpting or repositioning underlying fat pockets. When performed on both the upper and lower eyelids, it resolves heavy, hooding upper lids and under-eye bags simultaneously to restore an alert, refreshed appearance.
Yes. Clinical evidence confirms that blepharoplasty reliably lifts sagging upper eyelid folds, clears obstructed upper peripheral vision, and smooths prominent lower eyelid puffiness. While it successfully resets structural ageing around the eyes, it does not stop the natural biological ageing process, nor does it eliminate fine surface wrinkles or dark skin pigment.
Combined upper and lower blepharoplasty in Turkey typically ranges from €2,000 to €4,500, compared to €4,500 to €9,500 in the UK. The exact cost depends on surgical complexity, whether fat is excised or redraped, and the anaesthesia used. Turkish packages generally include hospital fees, surgeon costs, medications, and local transfers.
Before surgery, patients typically exhibit tired-looking, hooded upper lids or pronounced lower eye bags. After complete healing, the eyes appear more open, refreshed, and well-rested, with surgical scars hidden inside natural eyelid creases or beneath lashes. Final aesthetic results become clearly visible once residual swelling fully resolves after three to six months.
Most patients return to desk-based work and light daily routines after 10 to 14 days. Bruising and primary swelling peak within 72 hours and gradually fade over two weeks. External stitches are removed between day five and seven. Strenuous exercise, contact lenses, and eye makeup should be avoided for three weeks.
Anaesthesia prevents pain during the operation. Afterwards, most patients experience mild tightness, bruising, and transient eye dryness rather than severe pain. Discomfort is typically well controlled with mild prescribed painkillers and cold compresses during the first few days.
If your upper eyelid skin droops because your eyebrows have descended beneath the brow ridge, a brow lift is often the primary corrective surgery. If your eyebrows sit in a youthful, stable position but redundant skin folds hang over your eyelashes, blepharoplasty is the appropriate procedure. Surgeons assess this during your physical examination.
Results from upper blepharoplasty typically last 10 to 15 years, while lower eyelid fat repositioning or removal is often permanent, as excised fat cells do not regenerate. While normal facial ageing continues gradually, your eyes will consistently look more rested and youthful than if you had not undergone the surgery.
When performed by a certified, experienced plastic or oculoplastic surgeon in an accredited hospital, blepharoplasty is considered very safe with low complication rates. Common temporary effects include swelling, bruising, and dry eyes. Serious risks such as infection, hematoma, or eyelid malposition are uncommon when rigorous surgical standards and aftercare protocols are followed.
You should plan to stay in Turkey for five to seven nights. This timeframe provides adequate time for your initial clinical consultation, pre-operative screening, the surgical procedure, and post-operative monitoring. Most importantly, it allows your surgeon to inspect your healing and safely remove your eyelid sutures before your flight home.
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