Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) removes or repositions the excess skin and fat that make the eyes look tired, hooded or puffy — the change that often makes people look exhausted even when they feel fine. The surgery we arrange in Istanbul aims for rested and natural, never hollow or obviously operated.
It is one of the most rewarding facial procedures because it is comparatively quick, has a short recovery, and refreshes the whole face by opening up the eyes. At the accredited partner hospitals we work with, it is carried out by board-certified surgeons under local anaesthesia with sedation, or light general anaesthesia.
What eyelid surgery treats
- Upper eyelids: heavy, hooded skin that can rest on the lashes and, in some cases, narrow the field of vision.
- Lower eyelids: under-eye “bags”, puffiness and loose, crepey skin beneath the eye.
It does not treat dark circles caused by pigment, crow’s-feet lines (better managed with non-surgical options) or brow position — for a heavy brow, a brow lift is the right procedure, which the surgeon will distinguish during consultation.
Upper, lower or both
| Procedure | Addresses |
|---|---|
| Upper blepharoplasty | Hooded, excess upper-lid skin; sometimes a functional vision benefit |
| Lower blepharoplasty | Under-eye bags, puffiness and loose lower-lid skin |
| Both together | A complete refresh of the eye area in one operation |
Many patients need only the upper lids. A responsible surgeon will not add the lower lids — or any procedure — that your face does not actually require.
Who is a good candidate
Blepharoplasty suits you if you have excess eyelid skin or under-eye bags and are in good general health with healthy eyes. It is important to mention any dry-eye history or eye conditions at consultation, as these affect planning. If your main concern is a heavy brow or fine lines rather than lid skin, the surgeon will tell you that a different approach fits better.
The procedure, step by step
- Consultation and planning. The lids and eye area are assessed, the plan and consent agreed, and photographs taken.
- Anaesthesia. Usually local anaesthesia with sedation; sometimes light general anaesthesia. Performed in an accredited hospital.
- Incisions. Hidden in the natural upper-lid crease and, for lower lids, just under the lash line or inside the lid.
- Refinement. Excess skin is removed and fat is trimmed or, increasingly, repositioned to avoid a hollow look.
- Closure. Very fine sutures close the incisions. The operation typically takes 1–2 hours.
Recovery timeline
- Days 1–7: Bruising and swelling are most visible; cold compresses help. Sutures come out around day 5–7.
- Days 7–10: Most people feel comfortable in public, often with sunglasses.
- Weeks 2–6: Swelling continues to settle and the natural result emerges.
- Months 1–3: Fine incision lines fade into the lid creases.
Risks and side effects
Eyelid surgery is generally low-risk in skilled hands but carries the usual surgical risks plus temporary dryness, watering or blurred vision, and rarely difficulty fully closing the eye if too much skin is removed — which is exactly why conservative removal by a board-certified surgeon matters. The ISAPS and BAAPS publish independent guidance worth reading before your consultation.
Cost of eyelid surgery in Turkey
Blepharoplasty in Istanbul starts at an indicative €1,800 for one area, with upper and lower lids together costing more. As with all the procedures here, the figure is a starting range rather than a fixed quote; your firm price follows a surgeon’s review of your case. Compare indicative all-inclusive prices across every procedure in the plastic surgery cost guide.
Why Alpha Clinic
Alpha Clinic Turkey has coordinated aesthetic care in Istanbul since 2012, matching patients to board-certified partner surgeons in accredited hospitals, with a written plan you approve and structured aftercare. Send photos through the free consultation for an honest assessment, compare a facelift or neck lift, or see the full range on the plastic surgery hub.