Eyelid Surgery

The aim of eyelid surgery is to rejuvenate the eye area—which may appear tired, heavy or aged—whilst remaining within natural limits. By assessing the upper and lower eyelids, the position of the eyebrows and the overall balance of the face together, the character of the gaze is preserved; the aim is to achieve a more vibrant and elegant appearance.

What is Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?
In Which Circumstances Is Eyelid Surgery Recommended?
What Techniques Are Available?
How is the operation performed?
How Long Do the Results Last?
Where Do the Traces Remain, and How Visible Are They?
Having Eyelid Cosmetic Surgery in Istanbul
Frequently Asked Questions

Type of anaesthesia:
General

Duration of the operation:
2 hours

Hospital Stay:
1 day

Stay in Istanbul:
5 days

Return to Life:
7 Days

What is Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?

Blepharoplasty is a procedure involving the removal or reshaping of excess skin, muscle tissue and herniated fat deposits that accumulate over time in the upper and lower eyelids. The operation not only erases the signs of ageing but also creates a more rested and energetic appearance across the entire face by defining the anatomical contours around the eyes.

In Which Circumstances Is Eyelid Surgery Recommended?

Sagging and Folding of the Upper Eyelid: Excess skin folds over the eyelid, creating a sense of heaviness and making it difficult to apply make-up.
Restricted Field of Vision (Functional Concern): The sagging skin of the upper eyelid obscuring the outer corner of the eye and the field of vision.
Bags Under the Lower Eyelid: Pronounced bags forming under the eyes due to herniated fatty tissue, giving a tired appearance.
Under-Eye Tunnels and Hollows: The line immediately below the under-eye bags deepens, creating dark circles and a tired appearance.
Fine Lines and Crow’s Feet: Wrinkles caused by the skin around the eyes losing its elasticity.

What Techniques Are Available?

Upper Eyelid Aesthetics (Upper Blepharoplasty):

Through an incision made along the natural crease of the upper eyelid, excess skin, slackened muscle and, if necessary, excess fatty tissue are removed.

Lower Eyelid Aesthetics (Lower Blepharoplasty):

* Classic (Transcutaneous) Approach: Excess skin is removed via an incision along the lower lash line, and the baggy fat tissue is redistributed.

* Internal (Transconjunctival) Approach: In younger patients with no external excess skin, this technique involves accessing the eyelid from the inside to correct only the fat pockets without leaving a scar.

Combined Approaches:

Eyelid surgery is often combined with fat grafting, almond-shaped eye surgery (canthopexy/cantoplasty) or a temporal lift to achieve a holistic rejuvenation of the eye area.

How is the operation performed?

The procedure is usually carried out under local anaesthetic plus sedation (a light sleep-like state) or under general anaesthetic. Surgery on the upper eyelid alone takes approximately 45–60 minutes, whilst combined procedures involving both the upper and lower eyelids take an average of 1.5–2.5 hours.

Marking and Planning: Prior to surgery, whilst the patient is in a sitting position, the excess skin to be removed and the incision lines are marked with precision, down to the millimetre.
Incision and Tissue Reshaping: Sagging skin and pockets of fat are removed or repositioned by making incisions along the marked natural lines and contours.
Aesthetic Closure: The incisions are closed using very fine aesthetic sutures so that they are concealed within the eye’s natural creases.

How Long Do the Results Last?

The results of eyelid surgery are very long-lasting. Corrections made to the upper eyelid generally retain their shape for 7 to 10 years, whilst the removal or repositioning of bags under the lower eyelid usually provides lifelong results.

Where Do the Traces Remain, and How Visible Are They?

Upper Eyelid Scar: As the incision is made within the natural crease of the eyelid, it is completely concealed when the eyes are open.
Lower Eyelid Scar: The incision is made just 1–2 mm below the lower lashes. Once healing is complete, the line blends in with the lash line and becomes barely visible.
Scars Maturing Over Time: The thin skin of the eyelid is the area of the body that heals most quickly and without leaving any scars. The lines, which are slightly pink in the first few weeks, take on the colour of the skin within a few months, becoming barely noticeable.

Having Eyelid Cosmetic Surgery in Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the world’s leading healthcare centres in the field of aesthetic and plastic surgery. Thanks to its specialist surgeons with a thorough understanding of the anatomy around the eyes, its state-of-the-art technological infrastructure and the comprehensive patient care services on offer, thousands of local and international patients choose Istanbul for eyelid surgery every year.

As eyelid surgery is a procedure with a short recovery time, patients travelling to Istanbul are offered a highly convenient and comfortable schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the recovery process take, and do the eyes close?

The eyes are not kept closed following the operation. There may be slight swelling and bruising around the eyes for the first 3–5 days. Applying cold compresses helps speed up this process. The stitches are removed on the 5th–7th day, and the patient can return to their normal social life within a short time.

Does eyelid surgery affect eye colour or vision?

No. The operation is carried out entirely on the eyelid and skin tissues outside the eyeball. It does not impair vision; on the contrary, the field of vision is widened by the removal of sagging skin.

When can I start wearing make-up after eyelid surgery?

Once the stitches have been removed and the incision sites have fully healed (after approximately 8–10 days), you may apply light make-up around the eyes.