Plastic Surgery

Eyelid Surgery

Surgery to reduce hooding or lower-lid bags, planned with eye comfort and dry-eye history in mind.

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Procedure time
Usually 1–3 hours
Anaesthesia
Local with sedation, or general
Time in Istanbul
Typically 5–7 nights
Back to desk work
Often after 7–10 days
Overview

About Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) removes or repositions excess skin, muscle and fat from the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids or both. Scars are placed in the natural crease of the upper lid and just below the lower lashes or inside the lid.

Heavy upper lids can sometimes limit vision. Before surgery, the surgeon checks for dry eye and other eye conditions, because eyelid surgery can temporarily worsen them.

Suitability

Who it may be suitable for

  • Excess upper-eyelid skin or hooding
  • Bags or puffiness under the eyes
  • No untreated dry eye or other significant eye conditions
  • Good general health, a stable weight and no smoking, or willingness to stop

These are general points only. Whether an operation is suitable for you is decided by the treating surgeon after an in-person examination, your medical history and any tests they request.

The process

How it works

  1. Remote review

    You share photos and your medical history. The surgeon gives a first opinion on whether the operation is suitable and what it could realistically achieve.

  2. Consultation in Istanbul

    The surgeon examines you in person, confirms the plan, explains the risks and arranges pre-operative tests before you give consent.

  3. Surgery

    Excess skin and fat are removed or repositioned through incisions in the natural creases, and fine stitches are placed.

  4. Check before you fly

    The surgeon reviews healing before you travel home, and you receive written aftercare instructions and remote follow-up.

Aftercare

What to expect and aftercare

  1. First week

    Swelling and bruising are at their peak. You sleep with your head raised, use cold compresses as advised and avoid bending and heavy lifting.

  2. Days 5–10

    Stitches are usually removed and much of the bruising fades. Some people feel comfortable in public with light make-up.

  3. Weeks 2–6

    Most visible swelling settles, though some tightness or numbness can remain. Exercise is resumed gradually.

  4. Months 3–12

    Residual swelling resolves and scars fade. The final result is usually judged after several months.

Timelines vary between people. Always follow the aftercare instructions from your treating clinic.

Good to know

Risks and considerations

  • Dry, irritated or watery eyes are common for a few weeks.
  • Difficulty closing the eyes fully or a change in lower-lid position can occur and may need treatment.
  • Serious complications affecting vision are very rare.
  • All surgery carries risks, including bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, blood clots and reactions to anaesthesia.
  • Scars are permanent. Surgeons place them where they are easiest to hide, but how they mature varies from person to person.
FAQ

Common questions

Will I have visible scars?

Upper-lid scars sit in the natural crease and usually fade well. Lower-lid scars are placed just below the lashes or inside the eyelid.

When can I wear contact lenses?

Usually after about two weeks, once the surgeon confirms healing.

How long should I stay in Istanbul after surgery?

It depends on the operation. Many are planned around one to two weeks so the surgeon can check you and remove stitches or drains before you fly. Flying soon after surgery raises the risk of blood clots, so your surgeon confirms when it is safe to travel.

How is the cost decided?

The price depends on the operation the surgeon recommends after examining you, the hospital stay and any combined procedures. You receive a written, itemised quote before anything is booked, with no obligation to proceed.

Related treatments
Next step

Talk to a coordinator about Eyelid Surgery

Share your details and a coordinator will reply with clear next steps. There is no obligation to proceed.

This page is general information, not medical advice; a treating clinician confirms your plan after assessment. ELAVIA Global coordinates care; clinical evaluation and treatment are delivered by independent, licensed partner facilities and their specialists.