Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Eyelid surgery removes loose skin from the upper lids and the tissue that forms bags under the lower lids, so the eyes look fresher and less tired. Upper lid surgery is a short procedure that is usually done under local anesthesia.

Why People Choose It

As the eyelid skin thins and the supporting tissue relaxes, the upper lid can fold down toward the lashes and give a tired look; in advanced cases it can even narrow the top of the field of vision. On the lower lid, fat inside the eye socket can push forward and form bags, sometimes with a hollow beneath them. Blepharoplasty corrects these changes while keeping the natural shape of the eye.

Who It Suits

It suits healthy adults with heavy upper lids or lower lid bags. A low eyebrow can look very similar to a drooping lid, so the brow position is checked at the examination. If the only concern is hollowness or dark circles, a non-surgical option such as under-eye filler may be more suitable. Surgery waits for people with untreated severe dry eye, uncontrolled thyroid eye disease, advanced glaucoma, a bleeding disorder or uncontrolled blood pressure, and an eye specialist's opinion may be requested first.

How the Operation Is Done

On the upper lid the incision follows the natural crease, so the scar later hides in the fold; excess skin and, if needed, a little muscle and fat are removed. On the lower lid the incision sits just below the lashes or on the inner surface of the lid, and the fat that forms the bags is removed or moved to fill the hollow below. Upper lid surgery takes about 30 minutes, usually under local anesthesia; for the lower lids sedation or general anesthesia may be chosen. Planning at our Etiler clinic is done by plastic surgeon Op. Dr. Toygar Ünveren.

Recovery

Swelling, bruising and a tight feeling around the eyes are normal for the first few days; cold compresses and sleeping with your head raised help. Stitches usually come out within a week, and most people feel comfortable in social settings after one to two weeks, although bruising can take a little longer to fade. Contact lens wearers are usually asked to use glasses until the swelling settles.

Risks to Discuss

Possible problems include temporary dry or watery eyes, difficulty closing the eyes fully for a short time, asymmetry, a visible scar and infection. Taking too much tissue from the lower lid can pull it downward, so the plan is deliberately conservative. Bleeding behind the eye is rare but urgent: sudden loss of vision, severe pain or rapidly increasing swelling after surgery must be seen by a doctor straight away.

Planning Your Trip to Istanbul

If you are traveling from abroad, the first consultation can be held remotely before you book your trip, so you arrive with a clear plan. Stitches are usually removed within the first week, so plan to stay in Istanbul until that check; your surgeon tells you when it is safe to fly.

Book a Consultation

Interested in Eyelid Surgery? Contact us to schedule a personalised consultation with our specialists.